KITING IN PORTUGAL
Portugal is an awesome and famous surf destination, has it also good kite spots? You bet! Portugal has around 1800km of coastline with tons of great kite spot and very good wind statistics. We have made a selection of the main regions and kite spots but bare in mind that there exist many many more spots in this beautiful country. Best months are May till October.
WIND, WEATHER AND WATER
The predominant wind in Portugal is the Northeast or so called Nortada. Anywhere in Portugal mainland the Nortada is present on 80 % of the days, especially around the summer months. Expect 16 till 28knots or more and sometimes chilly wind that comes blowing out of the Atlantic on to the shore. Water temps are rather cold, average 13-18°C 22-24 °C in summer. A wetsuit is necessary : In summer you can go with a shorty or 2/1mm, in winter bring a 4/3mm. Air temperatures are comfy but bring a jumper to deal with the wind chill.
Portugal receives one of the biggest and cleanest waves in Europe, which can be a hazard if you are learning. In summer the size and power of the swells luckily is much less than in winter. And if you prefer completely flat water there are many lagoons or river mouths protected from the swells and shore break. Underneath we highlight mostly flatwater spots, but keep in mind that the whole coastline has great kite possibilities.
North region
Close to the city of Porto we find Viana do Castelo, and Esposende.
Viano do Castelo and the beach Praia do Cabedelo. Praia do Cabedelo is a beach that is protected from the waves by a long pier. Cabedelo has flattisch water and waves on the outside of the pier.
15km south of Cabedelo you arrive at Esposende which also offers a perfect mix of waves and flat water. This stunning location at the rivermouth of the river Cavado is perfect for learning. The village is very lively especially in summer.
The Aveiro lagoon is yet another large flatwater paradise.
Aveiro, a bit south of the city of Porto called Ria do Aveiro by the Portuguese is a giant lagoon that has all the ingredients for a happy kite session. You can choose between the many schools and kite centers if you want to do a course.
The Lisbon region.
North of Lisbon between Nazaré and Peniche there is the Óbido Lagoon (Lagoa de Óbido). Another huge flatwater lagoon just next to the atlantic with perfect conditions for all levels.
Cascais and praia do Guincho
Guincho has been a famous wind surfing and kite spot for decades. Lots of space, strong Nortada wind and amazing ramps on the inside waves makes it a great wave riding or big air spot.
Schools teach at Guincho because it is close to Lisbon and the beach is almost never crowded. Blue water, nature preservation area and the powerful wind makes you connect with nature in no time.
Costa de Caparica
Just south of Lisbon, having crossed the 25th of April bridge, you arrive at a very long stretch of beautiful sandy beaches in a vast preserved nature area. This coastline is called the costa de Caparica.
Being so close to Lisbon and still so untouched, Caparica is ideal for kitesurfing and surfing. Many schools have a set up there.
A bit south but still on the same stretch of Costa de Caparica you will find Lagoa de Albufeira which is a huge flatwater lagoon getting increasingly popular among the big kite brands that film their promo movies there. Don `t get confused with the name: this lagoon is just south of Lisbon, the touristic city of Albufeira in Algarve region is a 2 hour drive!
Further south: (Alentejo area)
Vilanova de Milfonte Oldemire. Alentejo is famous for its wine, and is a beautiful uncrowded province with empty beaches and uncrowded wave spots. Vilanova de Milfonte is a pitoresc town with a beautiful kitespot that has super flat water conditions at the rivermouth of the Mira river.
Algarve
Algarve is the far south region of Portugal.
Around the cape of Sagres there is a coastline that is faced south and makes kiting with south east or south west wind possible. Lagos city and the beaches around are a good example.
Predominant winds are still northeast in summer.
Alvor is a great kite lagoon between Lagos and Portimao city. The Nortada wind channels through the Monchique mountains blowing over the shallow lagoon, making a daily recepee for kite fun in summer. On low tide the lagoon can get really shallow or empty so it is better to ride with high tide. To get to the launch area you need to walk +-250m over a wooden path/ bridge. Alvor has a camping at the lagoon, but there are many options for accommodation like guest houses or hotels in town.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Wherever you are at the atlantic coastline of Portugal, you will be able to surf, or Sup if you have energy left from kiting.
Other activities depends mostly on which spot you are based. Picture some uncrowded places and nature, but there are touristic hotspots as well, with all the party and tourist attractions you can imagine. Overall, in Portugal it is still possible to find a healthy balance between peace and action.
Food and drinks are cheap, with many seafood restaurants.
Spots: Peniche, Algarve, Guincho
Season: May | June | July | August | September | October
