Viganj is a nice little town with a good atmosphere. Numerous cafes, restaurants and nearby cultural sites make this place a real gem to go to and enjoy sundrenched kitesurfing sessions on the beautiful crystal-clear waters.
HIGHLIGHTS
GREAT KITING CONDITIONS
Imagine riding alongside beautiful green hills, local fishermen, and stately buildings on a lush flatwater bay with stable winds blowing from the afternoon until sunset.
NIGHTLIFE
Lively during the day & night, Viganj has several bars where you can rid yourself of scant leftover energy after a day on the water. Grab a drink and go for a dance, Or visit one of the parties at Korcula! Take note: you have to hop on a ferry to get there.
NATURAL BEAUTY
Viganj might be one of the best locations to combine kitesurfing with other activities both cultural and natural. The beautiful city of Dubrovnik is close by, as is National Park Paklenica, which is the busiest climbing area in Croatia. The park is very popular with cavers, mountaineers, hikers, and herb collectors. (There is a special bike route within this Natural Park, too).
CONVENIENT ACCOMMODATIONS
If you happen to look for an eat-kite-sleep-repeat destination, this is your best choice! Apartments, campsites, and hostels are just a stone's throw from the kitesurfing spot.
KITESURFING IN VIGANJ
Viganj is a kitesurfing spot that offers beautiful landscapes around crystal clear water. It’s also a place where secluded bays and picturesque villages are hidden.
Good conditions for kitesurfing are to found between May and September for all levels of riders who prefer flatwater. July and August are the most popular and windy months to visit, as the Mistral wind powers you through the narrowest part of the Pelješac channel.
In the summer mornings the wind is usually light yet perfect for beginners to get started! In the afternoon, the wind picks up, especially when there is a high-pressure area above Viganj Croatia. The thermal wind effect really works well, encouraging the constant Mistral wind to start blowing.
The Mistral comes from the right and blows sideshore. It can blow side-offshore or side-onshore. In the side-onshore wind direction, the wind is a little weaker the first few meters, so you have to go out a little further to experience the best conditions.
Wind, weather and water
There are three types of wind that blow on kitesurfing spots like Viganj. The first is the "Mistral" from the north. This provides steady (somewhat lighter) winds. The second is the "Bora", which also comes from the north, but this one is a lot stronger! And finally the "Jugo," which comes from the south. In the summer, the Mistral and the Jugo are dominant.
You will find the best wind conditions in Croatia from June to August, with a superior Mistral-wind from the northwest. May and September are popular too, because the Bora blows more often then.
During the summer, kitesurfing in a shorty (3/2mm) wetsuit is the way to go, because the temperature can rise to as high as 35 degrees celsius!
Viganj is suitable for all types of riders: from beginner to advanced kitesurfers. Because the wind is mostly constant and the water flat and warm, you can quickly progress.
WHAT ARE THE BEST BEACHES FOR KITESURFING IN VIGANJ?
Ponta Beach (Eastside)
On the Eastside border of Viganj, you'll find this spot famous for watersports, especially with the younger crowds. The atmosphere is trendy and versatile. Enjoy a cold drink at the beach-bar or at one of the cafes close by. Stay at one of the campsites and enjoy magnificent views over the bay and the town of Korcula.
Wind direction: sideshore (off & on)
Water conditions: flat, shallow water with deeper, choppy parts.
Discipline(s): freeride, freestyle
Skill level: beginners, freestyle, freeride
Watch out for: swimmers and sunbathers who also use this pebble beach
Getting there: Get a cab/transfer from Orebec (bus stop) or rent a car from the airport in Dubrovnik just a few hours drive away.
Ponta Beach (Center) Kućište
Almost right in front of the village you'll find another watersports center and starting point to go kitesurfing on the clear flatwater Viganj offers. Stay on the campsite and you won’t be needing a car nor bike or scooter to transport yourself within the beach, the kitesurf-center, and your sleepingbag.
Wind direction: sideshore (off & on)
Water conditions: flat, shallow water with deeper choppy parts.
Discipline(s): freeride, freestyle.
Skill level: beginners, freestyle, freeride
Watch out for: swimmers and sunbathers who also use this pebble beach
Getting there: Get a cab/transfer from Orebec (bus stop) or rent a car from the airport in Dubrovnik, just a few hours drive away.
Ponta Beach (West)
This part of Ponta beach is known for sailing.
TRAVELING TO VIGANJ AS A KITER
Getting There
There are multiple roads to get to this idyllic kitesurfing spot. You can rent a car from the airport(Split for example). From there, it's about a three-hour drive.
It’s not rare to take the night bus from the capital Zagreb to Orebic, which is a 600 km ride. From here you can be picked up with a transfer by one of the schools/surf centers or grab a cab. It’s about 7 km from this town to the kitesurf spot.
Last but not least, you can also catch a boat to Viganj. The ferries depart regularly from surrounding (small) places such as Korcula.
Accommodation
Around Ponta Beach there are plenty of campsites, including the Antony Boy Campsite that offers a beach-front children play-area as well.
Your best choice might be to rent a holiday home or apartment. Affordable and comfortable, there are a lot to be found online.
Getting Around
The majority of people pick up a rental car at the airport to get around in Croatia. This way you can not only visit multiple kitesurfing spots, but you can also enjoy cultural activities and indulge yourself in Croatia’s stunning nature.
Buses are a common way to get from point A to point B for the locals. You might want to give this more sustainable way of travel a try, too. Orebec is most likely where you’ll get off the bus. From here, you can get a cab or transfer to Viganj.
Food and Drink
There are several noteworthy cafes, bars, and restaurants nearby. For instance:
K2 bar is perfect for a drink or to play billiards after a day on the water. During the summer, they host parties, too. For cake, coffee, and ice cream, go to Croccantinocro.
Head to the town of Korcula for a broader choice of food and a decent dose of live entertainment. During the summer, DJs and bands can be found at caffe bar Academia, cocktail bar Nona, and at many other establishments in this area.
No Wind?
Wakeboarding, SUP, kayaking, and biking are popular activities for mornings with a lack of wind or for the days without wing. If you’re looking for a city getaway, your best choice would be Dubrovnik. In just a two-hour drive you can wander through the old town, stroll the city walls, climb Mount Sri, and seek out Game of Thrones shooting location. Watching the sunset from Buza Bar is also a must-do when visiting this ancient city.
