Urla Gülbahce: New destination for wingfoilers with shallow water and meltemi
SURF Redaktion
· 29.01.2026
The Çeşme peninsula juts out far into the Aegean Sea and benefits from its exposed location. From June to September, the thermal Meltemi ensures constant conditions, while the low season brings changing wind systems. It is no coincidence that Alacati has been one of the top spots in the region for years. Not far away, Urla Gülbahce is another spot that is sheltered in a long, north-facing bay.
The place to go is the Urla Surf House, previously known primarily in the kitesurfing scene. For some time now, the centre has been expanding its offering to include wingfoiling, and the destination can now be booked via Surf & Action. The flight time from Germany is between 2:15 and a maximum of three hours. Almost all airports in Germany, Austria and Switzerland offer daily connections to Izmir. A transfer agency welcomes guests after customs control outside the terminal. The well-developed motorway leads to the hotel in around 35 minutes. The route of just under 45 kilometres offers views of Izmir, the Mediterranean, wine and fruit-growing areas, olive groves and the hilly Aegean landscape.
Wind systems of the Çeşme Peninsula
Like the entire region, Urla Gülbahce also benefits from stable wind systems. From June to September, the Meltemi from north to east. This thermally enhanced wind enables wing sizes of between four and five square metres. The wind starts early in the morning and blows until around 3 to 4 pm. The station opens at 8.30 a.m. so that sessions are possible before breakfast. Different winds blow at different times in autumn, winter and spring. The Lodos comes warm and offshore from the south, the Poiras strong from the north. The strongest wind is the Gerence from the north-east, which even the locals respect. From October to April, around 50 per cent of the days offer gliding winds of between four and seven Beaufort.
Shallow water area with standing area
The spot is on Gülbahçe beach near Urla. The wind comes sideshore from the left. There is a large freeride spot with shallow water directly in front of the centre. The water in the front area is very shallow in places, which is why we recommend starting upwind or a little further in deeper water. The fishing harbour upwind ensures that the water remains relatively shallow even in strong winds. The training area with a large, chest-deep standing area is located next to the freeride spot. The beach is made of firm sand and offers plenty of space to set up your equipment. There are no dangerous rocks or reefs in the water. The area is suitable for all skill levels from beginner to pro and offers conditions for freeriding and freestyle. The centre regularly organises trips to a secret spot upwind with perfect flat water. After the session, there is the option of a 45-minute downwinder back to the centre.
The centre offers the latest wing equipment for freeride, freestyle and strapless boards. SUPs are available for hire for activities outside of wingfoiling. Sufficient storage facilities allow you to safely store your own equipment and there is also a lounge area where you can relax. The centre offers beginner, advanced and freestyle courses with international instructors. Lessons are held in English and guarantee coaching in safe conditions. The in-house restaurant and café is located just a few metres from the water sports centre in the Urla Surf House Hotel.
Accommodation in the surf concept hotel
The Urla Surf House is a surf concept hotel that is simple, but very clean and family-run. Just a three-minute walk from the centre, everything has been designed with attention to detail. Each room is uniquely decorated, inspired by wingfoiling and surf culture. The hotel offers standard and comfort rooms. The standard rooms are suitable for travellers on a budget and can accommodate one or two people. They have a double bed, a private bathroom and a fan. The comfort rooms are more spacious and themed around a popular kite, wing or surf spot. They can accommodate up to three people and are equipped with a private bathroom and air conditioning. For families, there is a family room with a separate children's sleeping area with bunk beds. In the hotel garden, cosy seating and lounging areas and a small pool invite you to cool off.
The hotel has its own restaurant, café and bar. Breakfast is served in the Urla Surf House Restaurant. The kitchen offers everything water sports enthusiasts need throughout the day: from breakfast coffee to light, healthy dishes and dinner with local specialities. The café offers a wide selection of hot drinks such as coffee, freddo and tea as well as desserts. The bar offers a wide selection of beers, local wines and other drinks. There is regular live music here. Gülbahce is a hospitable village with small restaurants. For more variety, you can take the bus to Urla, which takes about 15 minutes. There is a wider range of restaurants there. A trip to Izmir is also worthwhile, whether for the bazaar or the harbour promenade.
At wingreisen.com from Surf & Action you can book various packages for a wing holiday in Urla! Information is available at wingreisen.com
