12 Sep 2026
6 min read
What the meltemi is
The meltemi is the dry north wind that blows across the Aegean in July and August. It keeps the island cool, but it can turn the west-facing beaches rough for two or three days at a time.
The coves that stay flat
When the wind is up, head south and east. Vathi's bay is closed on three sides and rarely has a wave. Chrysopigi's two small coves sit in the lee of the headland, and Faros harbour is flat almost every day of the year.
Our own cove faces west, so on a strong meltemi day we will tell you in the morning message and take you round by car instead of the boat.
A rule of thumb
If the flags in Kamares are straight out, go east. If they hang, stay home and swim from the villa.
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