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.
One of the things that makes Artemida so popular is Nissakia (it means small islands which are spread in the sea), an awesome, small, sandy, with pebbles and dirt beach that is perfect for wind surfing. Wind surfers from all around Greece and other countries come just to enjoy these amazing waves and the thermal and frontal wind that is blowing from unique and different directions.
The wind’s best form blows from N, NNE, NE, while its average speed is 7 knots/13 kph. The air temperature is varying between averages of 12 to 30°C/53.60 to 86°F. The place is amazing and every wind surfer who respects him/herself should definitely ride these waves.
The waves are small and choppy about 1 m/3.3 ft high, but when the appropriate wind blows, they transform to awesome waves ready to be ridden. The water is crystal clear and there is a tide independence. Hazards in the sea are sea-urchins, rocks, reefs and animals.
When you get tired, you can enjoy a quick snack or a refreshing drink in one of the surf clubs there or even in a local tavern or restaurant. The scenery is breathtaking, as the view of the forests that are around is magnificent. Pines and spruce are just some of the forests’ features.
The forests along with the forest roads in the northwest cover most of the north coast, while in the east rests the Petalies Gulf. If you are a wind surf enthusiast, it is highly suggested to visit this spot, as it is certain that you will have a blast!