SunkissedDiscover the magic of Windsurf on the enchanting beach of Molos.
Paros is one of the most popular places in Greece for windsurfing. Thousands of tourists – Greeks and foreigners – visit the island to enjoy the, friendly for the sport, winds, combined with the unique Cycladic landscapes and crystal clear waters. Beaches such as the long Golden Beach match windsurfing with beach-bar, cocktails and a beach life in general.
But if you enjoy tranquility and looking for something more quiet, just you, the wind and the water, then there is a Surf school that will provide you with the absolutely necessary. On the eastern side of the island, on Molos beach, you will find Surf’n’Chill school.
Frapress and Nassos Kritikos got there and -although did not windsurf- certainly relaxed on the enchanting and pristine beach of Molos. There we did a great talk with the beautiful instructor and co-owner of Surf’n’ Chill, Marianna.
– What wind is best for beginners?
-The way our bay is shaped, the most suitable winds are the North and South and ideally 4-5 beaufort. Of course, we can always adapt to any changes of the wind, simply by changing the cloth. If the wind is too strong we use smaller cloths, and if the wind drops, we place a bigger cloth.
Molos is one of the oases of the island. It is located on the eastern side of Paros, just across Naxos. Surf’n’Chill master Stefanos Leonetis came here a coffee with his windsurf and despite its beauty, the area has been almost untouched by a human hand, as it is a protected area (by Natura).
– What do you like most on the beach?
– I adore Molos. People here are fantastic, the villages are picturesque and we all contribute so that the place will remain as pure as possible. So far we have done well, since as you can see, there are no umbrellas, beach bars or anything. The beach is very clean and we want it to stay like that. Just behind us there is a protected area that in the winter turns into a swamp and preserves a wide variety of fauna and flora. A little further down there is the world famous -for its thermal clay- beach of Kalogeros.
– This is great, but what if someone gets thirsty?
– At the end of the beach there is an adorable and traditional taverna that serves the thirsty or hungry travelers. It is more than enough and we wouldn’t like it if more stores open. We love the area for what it is.
Stefanos Leonettis with a group of students
– Marianna how did you end up here? (Marianna is Slovenian)
– My story doesn’t differ much from any other foreign girl who is here permanently. I came as a tourist to Paros many years ago. I liked the place, I came back and finally I met someone who “kept” me here. With Stephanos, after our relationship was developed, we decided to take advantage of his windsurf skills (he was part of the national team and was very close to represent us in the 2008 Olympics) and to create something of our own for our livelihood but also something that we enjoy and love. I now love Paros and Greece, even though we travel with every chance in the winter.
– Your favourite winter destinations?
– I want to go home for a while to see my family, to have a change of scenery and last year we had a business opportunity and lived for a while in Hawaii! It was magical!
– Beyond the beach and the natural beauty, how your school differs?
-The main difference between us and the other schools is that we support the local people and invite them to learn.
We have made special promotional packages for the locals, whom we urge to engage intensively in the sport. It is a sin since they stay on the island and are so close to the sea that they do not know how to windsurf. I am very happy and proud of my local children. They get better year by year and are slowly evolving into stars.
Windsurf is the sport of the island and Marianna invites young people to conquer the sea. We invite you to come and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Molos – and Surfing of course. Eat at the lovely little tavern at the corner of the beach and feel younger -with baby skin- as Kalogeros, 50 meters away from Molos, offers a natural mud that makes the skin and the hair soft and smooth.