Loutsa (aka Artemis) is situated in east Attica, Greece and is a suburban town about 25 km/16 mi east of Athens, north of Lavrio, northeast of the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport and south of Rafina. Artemis or Artemida is located on a plain with some forested mountains to the northwest and a deforested rocky mountain to the south, in a farm setting full of grasslands, some rocks and groves, pine forests and farmlands.
Artemida has a street system that is gridded in a couple of angles aligning with the sea along with the residential houses. The forests around are beautiful and contain spruce, pine and others and along with the forest roads in the northwest, cover most of the north coast. In the east lies the Petalies Gulf. Artemida is also known for the endless beaches and the kitesurfing activity.
Many kitesurfers prefer Nissakia to perform their favorite sport, as it is a unique location with perfect kitesurfing characteristics. The small, sandy, with pebbles and dirt beach is stretching over most of the part of the east coast, except some small parts. Bars, hotels, restaurants and local taverns are situated along the beach.
The spot is named after some small islands that are spread in the sea (Nissakia means small islands). The best wind direction blows from the N, NNE, NE. The wind speed varies, but its average rate is 7 knots/13 kph, while the wind type is thermal and frontal. The air temperature varies between 12 to 30°C/53.60 to 86°F .
The spot offers choppy and small waves (<1 m/3.3 ft), crystal clear waters and tide independence. Depending on the blowing wind, the waves transform to excellent ride-able waves. Hazards in the sea are animals, reefs, stones and sea-urchins.
Nissakia is an awesome place for kitesurfing and attracts a lot of kitesurfers, so it might get ultra crowded. There are many surf clubs, if you want to catch your breath and continue again into the waves! If you are a kitesurf enthusiast, this is the place for you!
