Kitesurfing in Monolithos, Santorini

No-Wind Days: What to Do Around Monolithos, Santorini

Monolithos is particularly easy to combine with a kitesurfing trip with non-kiters or a family holiday in Santorini. When the Meltemi takes a break, the beach itself becomes much more relaxed: the calmer Aegean conditions are suitable for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding or simply spending the morning on the volcanic sand. Pilates or yoga on the beach are another easy option, while horse riding is available in the surrounding area. For families, Monolithos provides a quieter alternative to some of Santorini's busier resort beaches, yet Fira and the island's main attractions remain only a short drive away.

A no-wind day is the perfect opportunity to explore Fira, Santorini's capital. Built high above the caldera, its whitewashed streets, churches, cafés and terraces offer spectacular views across the volcano and surrounding islands. Fira is also home to the Museum of Prehistoric Thera, where finds from Akrotiri and other archaeological sites tell the story of the island before the great volcanic eruption. It is an especially useful option if the weather is cloudy or you simply want a break from another day on the beach.

If the kite forecast is completely flat, take a boat into the caldera and explore Santorini's volcano and volcanic islands. Excursions typically cross the caldera to Nea Kameni, where you can walk through the stark volcanic landscape towards the crater, before continuing towards the thermal waters around Palia Kameni. Some trips also include Thirasia, the quieter island facing Santorini across the caldera. Seeing the cliffs from sea level gives you a completely different perspective on the volcanic landscape and makes this one of the best full-day alternatives to kitesurfing.

History lovers should make time for the Prehistoric City of Akrotiri. This remarkably preserved Bronze Age settlement was buried beneath volcanic ash during the enormous eruption of Thera in the 17th century BC. Streets, multi-storey buildings and sophisticated infrastructure survived beneath the ash, while many of the objects and famous wall paintings discovered during excavations are now displayed in Fira. Akrotiri is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Aegean and easily justifies sacrificing a potential light-wind session.

Another classic no-wind day is simply exploring Santorini's villages. Fira, Imerovigli and Oia stretch along the edge of the caldera, with white Cycladic houses, blue-domed churches and extraordinary views over the Aegean. Oia is the obvious destination for sunset, but visiting earlier in the day gives you more time to wander through its lanes and viewpoints before the evening crowds arrive. Inland villages such as Pyrgos offer a quieter atmosphere and another perspective on traditional Santorini away from the famous caldera edge.

Food and wine can easily fill another afternoon. Santorini's volcanic soil produces distinctive local ingredients, including Assyrtiko grapes, fava and small intensely flavoured tomatoes. Visiting a winery is an excellent activity for a non-kiting partner and an equally convincing recovery-day plan for tired riders, while tavernas across the island serve local dishes such as fava, tomatokeftedes and white aubergine alongside fresh seafood. Santorini's combination of volcanic landscape and indigenous grape varieties makes wine tasting much more than simply an excuse for an afternoon drink.

For anyone planning a kite trip to the Cyclades and wondering what else there is to do, Monolithos is unusually well positioned. You can SUP or swim beside the kite spot in the morning, explore prehistoric Akrotiri or the caldera during the day and finish with dinner and sunset overlooking the volcano. That makes kitesurfing in Santorini particularly suitable for couples, families and groups where not everyone wants to spend the holiday chasing the Meltemi—and even several no-wind days are unlikely to feel wasted.