Windsurfing holidays in Alacati, Turkey, are becoming increasingly popular with windsurfers, due to the reliable wind, good value and friendly people. Alacati (pronounced Alachati) is no exception, just an hour from Izmir airport in an old wine growing area. It is popular with local windsurfers as well, with the Turkish champion having his base here.
The combination of consistent winds and a very safe, nearly 500-m- long and 400-m-wide shallow section with completely flat water makes Alaçati an extremely attractive destination for beginners. Your learning curve is guaranteed to be steep here, and prices for accommodation and meals are more than reasonable.
The spot is a large, sheltered bay with a 500m long and 400m wide shallow section and magnificently shimmering turquoise water. To the south, the bay leads to the open sea. The constant wind, which blows sideshore from the left in summer, and completely flat water offer optimum conditions for windsurfers and kitesurfers and makes this spot an excellent learning and training venue.
The wind in Alacati is an accelerated meltemi that is funnelled through the hills. A local thermal effect caused by the dry hills heating up increases the strength. It has wind the whole year, with the strongest and most reliable in summer.
Alacati is blessed with a shallow area that extends to 500m from the beach. Combined with flat water, this makes it the perfect place to improve technique and for slalom blasting. It also means that it is suitable for a whole range of abilities at the same time. It is an ideal place to learn to waterstart. The other side of the bay is 1.5km away and has several small beaches. The wind can often blow for a large part of the day with the strongest in the afternoon.
Alacati has a variety of excursions and tours on offer within the resort and nearby. The hotel offers wakeboarding, water-skiing and has a tennis court.
There are dive centres in Cesme from where it is also possible to take day trips to Greece. It is also worth taking a day trip to Ephesus, one of the most famous antiquities in Turkey.
Skyriders, the kiting division of Club Mistral, run an excellent kite school and rental service in Alacati, making for a good combination holiday for Windsurfers and Kitesurfers.
There are several bars and restaurants on the beach where food and drink is good value. Nearby Ilica (8km) and Cesme (15km) offer some more nightlife as well as some very nice restaurants around their picturesque harbours.
UK / EU passport holders: A full 10 year passport valid until at least 6 months after date of return. No visa required. Arrival tax is £10 payable in sterling.
Other passport holders: Please check with Turkish Embassy (0207 589 0949).
There are no compulsory inoculations if travelling from the UK, but we recommend to check with your GP for the latest advice.
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