The wind as an invitation to adventure
The largest Turkish island in the Aegean Sea is one of the closest places for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to the insane wind that often inhabits its shores and creates excellent conditions for these sports.
I myself had already taken a few surf lessons in Alacati – the bohemian surf spot not far from Izmir. My curiosity grew. I wanted to see where the real fanatics surf and what the island, which everyone mentions with a special sparkle in their eyes, looks like.
The journey began with a small ferry from Kaba Tepe.
Even on the open sea, the wind showed its character. The ship tilted frighteningly, and splashes of saltwater reached the open deck.
Tough luck, I told myself. A fitting welcome for a windy island.
The sea as a temple
The sea is Earth's most open altar.
The elements of wind and water under the sun's rays resemble an ancient baptism with sea salt – the kind that has been associated with the purification of the spirit for centuries.
There is no better place than the wild sea for concentration and meditation.
And the sensation of sailing over the waves, driven solely by the wind, is a spiritual extension of physics.
With such thoughts, I stepped onto the harbor with the curious name Sheep's Bay.
The way to the surf spot
On the dusty roads of the island, small sheep and goats grazed peacefully.
The barracks by the road slightly dampened my mood, but reminded me of a time when the island had a stronger military presence.
In the center of Gökçeada, the locals immediately understood where we were headed. They saw the equipment on the car and kindly directed us to the surf spot.
After a picturesque and winding road, the view I was waiting for finally appeared.
Cephalos and Aidynchyuk - the Kingdom of the Wind
Ahead stretched Aydinjik – a paradise for kite surfers.
To the right was Kefalos - the surf spot where most Bulgarian surfers are concentrated.
The Bulgarian trace can also be felt here. Many of the first enthusiasts who discovered the island's surfing potential were Bulgarians. Since then, the place has become a magnet for everyone who loves to chase the wind.
Ah, that thought makes me feel so good.
The First Lessons in Courage
When I saw the surfers flying over the water, I started to seriously wonder where I had ended up.
The wind was too strong for someone like me, who was just starting out in this sport.
Fortunately, I met some of the coolest people I could have met – Neti and Ivan Laifa.
Their patience was almost endless. For which I am still grateful today.
Crippled and the feeling of a Greek island
In the evening, we found ourselves in Kalekoy.
The hotel was wonderful, and the hosts were intelligent and kind people. One of the owners spoke eleven languages and instantly earned my respect.
The only thing that reminded me I was in Turkey was the early morning singing from the nearby mosque.
During the rest of the time, the feeling was more like a Greek island.
Zeytinli and Bartholomew's homeland
One of the most beautiful places on the island is the mountain village of Zeytinli.
It is also known for being the birthplace of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Amidst the olive groves, narrow streets, and old stone houses, time seems to have stopped.
Romantic place. Especially at sunset.
The Island of the Five Elements
From the hotel, a high, jagged peak resembling a volcanic crater was visible.
Then I finally sorted out my feelings about this island.
All elements are present here:
water,
wind,
sun,
fire,
earth.
Everything you need for an energetic rebirth after city life.
A timeless place
I also came across information that the Eleusinian Mysteries, ancient rituals in honor of Demeter, were likely held here in ancient times.
I don't know if it was like that.
But the island has a special energy.
A place where you can:
chasing the wind,
you're sunbathing,
• trying oriental delicacies,
gazing at the sea,
• or simply to remember that life also has a simpler side.
To overcome fear
Kefalos and Aydıncık – the surf heart of Gökçeada
When the forecast promises particularly strong winds, the beach becomes the scene of a real battle with the elements.
Sand flies through the air, scratching the face and making it difficult to breathe.
Then only the bravest remain in the water.
I watched them and thought about how great it is for a person to overcome their fear and learn to live in harmony with nature.
To merge with the sea and the wind
Surfing taxes every muscle in the body.
Reminding you that humans are made to be active, to seek challenges, and to discover their spirit even through physical exertion.
And when fear gives way to confidence, you become light.
Almost airy.
And for a moment, you can merge with the sea and the wind.
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