Safari Information on Vassilliki, Greece.
Location: 38 Degrees, 37’ N, 20 Degrees, 36’ E
Dates: June 6 thru July 3; 2008
I would have to say the town is very similar to El Yaque, Margarita. It is a small port town nestled in the valley between two small mountains on the south end of the island of Lefkas.
The small size is perfect for a home-town feel, and though there are several hotels and three or four surf centers, it is not too developed, and is just wonderful!
The beach is some 2 miles long, and has a gravel texture to the shore, with a sandy bottom to the bay. The water is chest deep out to 200 feet or so, and makes it nice for the beginners.
The downwind end of the beach has the port, and the bottom here is rocky, and has a few urchins, but the Club rescue boats are constantly patrolling the area, and will give you a lift upwind if you need or want one.
The clients are mostly from England, (A charter out of London may be the reason…) but a whole bunch of other Europeans are in the mix as well. This makes for a very fun European atmosphere mate!
The wind season is said to be from June thru August, as the water is a bit cool at the start or end of the season. I think the centers are not even open outside these dates.
The water is very clear as you can see the bottom quite easily in the shallows, and it has an almost pleasant taste compared to most oceans I have had shoved up my nose!
The water is a bit cool at the start and end of the season, so you do need a shorty wetsuit for those times, but the sun is plenty warm, and each day the high is in the 80’s or so. At night it drops into the 60’s, so a light coat or sweatshirt is handy for nights out. This is just great for sleeping weather though!
Where to get equipment.
The Club Vass center is located in the middle of the beach, and has one of the best spots on the water, as this gives them the cleanest wind. See their site www.clubvass.com/club_vassiliki.
The wind is typically side shore, from the west, and is stronger in the afternoons, as it is often generated by the mountain slopes and thermal effects thru the day. This makes for some strong steady wind when the wind machine is crankin’!
All the surf centers here seem to have very modern kit, and I have had some nice rides on very nice equipment while there, and only saw recent vintage kit at the other centers as well.
Where to Stay.
The Club Vass center has a great friendly, helpful staff. The attention to instruction is brilliant, and they have some 30 or so persons on staff, and at least 20 official instructors! I have never seen a surf center with so many!
The rooms are nicely done, and complete with A/C, shower/bathroom, mini-fridge, and nice balcony’s on each unit, looking out over the pool, and beach.
There are several other nice places on the beach, and off, and they all looked very nice. Modern, well maintained, and inviting.
Where to Eat.
The Greek kitchens here know how to tempt the taste-buds! The salads, meats, fish, and seafood are all fresh, and the cooks know there stuff!
I had so many great meals, that to name one place would be difficult, but the Club Vass restaurant has some good selections, and I did love the breakfasts there!
Nightlife!
Night life is fantastic here!! The bars in town get hoppin after 11pm, and offer great drinks, great music, and plenty of fellow action seekers from the several windsurf clubs on the beach to make a fun night out an assured thing!
The most frequented bar in town by the Vass clients and staff is the Zeus Bar in the port city, about a mile from the Club Vass center. Very fun small and homey place, with strong built in tables along the walls, so table dancing is often encouraged!! :)
Other Stuff.
The Island of Lefkada is a beautiful place, with so many amazing beaches, towns, waterfalls, and much more, that a day spent touring the island in a car is a great idea! Get a map, and take a drive!
The Club Vass Center has a full Mountain Bike center on premises, and the bikes here are stellar! They offer several trips you can sign up for, or you can get a travel buddy, and head off on your own. Best of all, this is included in your Club Vass stay! Great hills to work the body on and some wonderful vistas once on top!! Well worth the workout! I highly recommend it!
The Club Vass storage shed also has the latest in paddle/surf boards, so you can get a workout and have a fun ride as you do! I still have not tried this myself, but it looks like fun!
Waterskiing and wake boarding are also available on the beach, along with diving, snorkeling, and sailing. Just about any kind of water play is available, so there is plenty to do if the wind is light.
