Turkiye may not be as well-known for windsurfing or kitesurfing as Maui or Hawaii. Still, the warm waters and clear waves of its Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Sea attract many watersports enthusiasts.

Throughout the year, windsurfers and kiteboarders from near and far visit the Turkish coast, from beginners learning the basics to professionals showcasing their skills.

If you’re looking for surf and action this year, here are the best destinations for windsurfing in Turkiye.

Alaçatı, Izmir

Turkiye’s Aegean town of Alaçatı is no stranger to our blog, but usually, we focus on its pretty stone houses, bougainvillea-clad buildings, chic boutique restaurants, and café culture.

Alaçati is a stand-out destination for many reasons. It has been popular with in-the-know travelers and the elite for years due to its charming surroundings and stunning blue shores. But aside from the delights found on land, its near-constant northerly winds make it ideal for watersports.

Those who take windsurfing seriously head to Alaçati in August, as the town hosts several national and international windsurfing and kitesurfing competitions. The action is focused around Alaçati Bay, and during competition time, the area is buzzing with life and action on the water and on land, with many parties of an evening to cap off the day.

Alaçati is considered by many to be the best place in Turkiye to windsurf, and there are several excellent surf schools in the area if you’re new to the sport or need guidance. To add a visit to Alaçati to your itinerary, please GET IN TOUCH.

Datça & Akyarlar Bay, Muğla

Another popular windsurfing destination in Turkiye is Datça. Its unique location, where the Aegean and Mediterranean meet, provides perfect winds for the sport.

Like Alaçati, Datça is another former fishing village that has grown into a high-end destination appealing to superyacht guests. The old and new towns are home to many charming boutique hotels, stores, galleries, and restaurants. There’s also the ancient site of Knidos, which should appeal to any history buffs on board, and the superb D Maris Bay Resort, offering the perfect spa and onshore escape.

Several surfing centres in Datça take advantage of the strong winds, especially in July and August. Although beginner-level courses are available, Datça is more suitable for those with some experience due to the winds. Another option for competent windsurfers is Akyarlar Bay, where the deep waters and northerlies lead to the best surfing around Bodrum, according to locals. If you fancy heading along to jump some waves, LET US KNOW.

Akyaka, Muğla

The picturesque village of Akyaka, located just north of Marmaris, has been a haven for kitesurfers for years. Now classed as one of the best places in the Med to enjoy the sport, it has specific areas dedicated to kitesurfing.

What makes Akyaka so special for kitesurf enthusiasts is its shallow sandy-bottomed water and thermal winds, which start every day around 11 am and usually last until sunset. The wind is generally steady, making it perfect for beginners and experts alike, who can freestyle, foil, and free ride.

Aside from being a top kite spot, Akyaka village is also a highlight worth exploring. Here, renovated Ottoman buildings house restaurants and cafes beautifully nestled into the forest-backed landscape.

Urla, Izmir

You may have noticed from our blog that we frequently mention Urla, Alaçatı’s neighbor, as it has a lot to offer superyacht guests and the elite. However, aside from Michelin Star restaurants and boutique hotels, it’s also extremely popular with wannabe kitesurfers.

The kitesurfing in Urla is not centred around the town itself but in Gülbahçe, a large shallow area a few kilometers from the centre of town. This location is perfect for beginners, who can take lessons from one of several kite schools in the area.

Alanya, Antalya

Further up the coast, another of Türkiye’s best windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations is Alanya, especially off-season.

Benefiting from a warm climate year-round, you can ride the waves for around 20 days a month between December and April with conditions suited to all experience levels. The best surf beaches are Keykubat and Damlataş, with waves ranging from around 0.6 m to 3.5 m most days.

Hip-Notics Cable Ski Park, Antalya

Another option offering year-round cable wakeboarding is Hip-Notics Cable Ski Park in Manavgat.

This premium sports facility offers three cool, mountain-fed lakes that ensure warm waters for most of the year.  Lake one is a 730m lake, the second five-pylon lake features a cable height of 12m, and the third is ideal for perfecting tricks, with a 2 x 2 tower system.

Hip-Notics is one of the best and most well-equipped wakeboarding centres in Turkiye that receives glowing reviews from those who visit. The site also boasts an infinity pool, a sauna and a gymnasium, serves an impressive daily buffet of healthy homemade meals, and hosts a White Night Dinner each Friday, serving seafood and fish dishes under the stars. For info and reservations, please CONTACT US.

Şile or Kilyos, Istanbul

Finally, if you’re up in Istanbul or the Black Sea, Şile and Kilyos are where the locals head for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and body surfing.

Kilyos is on the European side of Istanbul and Şile on the Asian, both around an hour from the city. These destinations boast beautiful coastlines, great wind, and fabulous beach clubs, making them popular with the wave-riding city crowd and elite during the summer.

Add Windsurfing in Turkiye to Your Itinerary

To learn more about watersports along the coast or add any popular kitesurfing and windsurfing destinations in Turkiye to your superyacht itinerary, please CONTACT US.