Did you know Turkey is a stellar country when it comes to windsurfing, not only in the top-class athletes it produces but also in the destinations within the country that have ideal conditions for the sport coupled by unparalleled backdrops? In fact, Turkey happens to have one of the top destinations in the world for windsurfing by the way of Alaçatı, which is regularly and rightfully referred to as the "St. Tropez of Turkey."Alaçatı

Located on the peninsula off of Izmir and just 10 kilometers from Çeşme, Alaçatı was only discovered as being the ideal windsurfing spot in the country a few decades ago, however it quickly transformed into becoming one of the most unique and trendy summer destinations in Turkey. While the town is located a few kilometers from the beach, wıth Port Alaçatı in between, the cove, which made windsurfing famous in Turkey, has all of the perfect conditions nearly 300 days of the year. A consistent and strong wind coupled by crystal clear waters that are predominantly shallow in a nearly enclosed cove, make this the ideal spot to learn the sport or watch the pros competing as Alacatı has also become a regular stop on the PWA (Professional Windsurfers Association) world tour.There are a number of schools in Alaçatı offering classes and rentals for all ages and all levels. Starting from the shore nearest the port, which are the most enclosed, hence safest, yet also the most crowded, Bu Bi and Myga surf schools are the top choice when it comes to offering excellent training by windsurf "star" teachers. Meanwhile, one of Turkey's biggest windsurfing stars by the name of Bora Kozanoğlu, who has dozens of Turkish titles and made it as far as becoming the world's second best male slalom windsurfer also has a school by his own name.

Down the road are the increasingly trendy Alaçatı Surf Club Paradise and Alaçatı Windsurf and Kitesurf Okulu, the latter located in the ever-so-swanky Alaçatı Beach Resort & Spa.On the opposite side of the cove and port, respectively is Orsa, the earliest windsurfing school in Alaçatı and the Çağla Kubat Windsurf Academy, named after the model-turned windsurfing pro who also has acquires numerous windsurfing titles. This side of the beach is for the more advanced however as the winds increase and the water is deeper at this end, however, the plus side is you do get lesser of the crowds.Bodrum​

Perhaps the greatest windsurfer in Turkey these days is Lena Erdil, a 28-year-Turk raised in Germany, who learned to windsurf during her summer vacations in Alaçatı. She is the second best female slalom windsurfer in the world, two-times over and has recorded the fastest speed in the world for women as well. She also happens to have a windsurfing school located in the center of the Bodrum peninsula, which just happens to be Turkey's biggest holiday destination. The Lena Erdil Windsurf School is located in Ortakent's Yahşi, in the center of the stretch of the peninsula popular for the sport, with some of the most consistent and strong winds. They offer classes or you can watch the local pros whizz by.

In neighboring Bitez, there is Bodrum Windsurfing, however one of the most popular spots for windsurfing in Bodrum has always been the nearby Akyarlar beach, discovered by a French expat who opened Fener Windsurf some 20 odd years ago. Meanwhile, Wind Academy is a more relaxed option in the lovely Yalıkavak district of Bodrum, a definite favorite among expats, which also boasts the ultra-luxurious Palmarina.

Neighboring Gündoğan on the other hand, boasts Sail Loft Surf Shack, a phenomenon in of itself. What started as a windsurf school and café in this sleepier district on the peninsula, has now turned into one of the most happening spots to while away the day, evening and on into the wee hours of the morning. The proprietor is a popular local windsurfer and DJ and the spot, while quaint and located on the main strip, has fast become a must-stop for those in the know. This would be a great school for the more adult learners to enjoy the lounge atmosphere and lavish menu.Heading south

Datça, a beloved town and district located at the tip of the Datça peninsula just south of Bodrum, from which it is also accessible by ferry, has the Datça Sürf Tatil Köyü, another good option for learning the sport while discovering the area.

While, Akyaka is an area that has bloomed for kitesurfing, there are also options to windsurf, however fewer and farther between. In Fethiye, there are two schools located on Çalış Beach, namely the Fethiye Surf Center and Surf Blue Fethiye.

Heading north

Ayvalık and its neighboring peninsula Ali Bey Island, popularly referred to as Cunda, is also becoming a popular kitesurfing spot, however the Cunda Surf School, is a one-man operation run by a windsurfing pro who spent three decades in the U.S.

The province of Çanakkale and more specific its Gallipoli peninsula and neighboring Gökçeada Island are also popular windsurfing spots that make for a shorter half-day drive if you are heading from Istanbul. In Eceabat, you can windsurf in the Dardanelles Straight at Storm Windsurf and if you take the ferry to the island of Gökçeada, also known as Imbros, there are a handful of schools, making this after Alaçatı one of the most concentrated windsurf spots in the country.

There is the popular with and started by expats Crazy Island as well as Radikal Windsurf & Kiteboard, Gökçeada Sörf Eğitim Merkezi and Çelik Surf School, which also doubles as a hostel. The windswept area of Kefalos beach, which is the shore off of Eşelek Village also has a neighboring salt lake, where you can take mud baths and then wash off in the sea. Meanwhile, back on the mainland, in Çanakkale Güzelyalı has Ida Windsurf a place popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers alike that has Kilitbahir and the battle grounds of Gallipoli in the backdrop.In Istanbul, the options are fewer and far between for windsurfing, however if you head to Burç Beach in Kilyos, there are classes and equipment available for rent.