Kitesurfing in Portugal
Kitesurfing in Portugal - find your perfect Kite Spot
Kitesurfing in Portugal
Portugal is a great kitesurfing destination, with over 800 km of Atlantic coastline, a mild climate, and consistent winds, having something for beginners and advanced riders.
To list just a few mentionable spots:
Algarve: Great for beginners with lagoons, sandy beaches, and calm waters. Plenty of schools with IKO-certified instructors.
Esposende: Just 30 minutes outside Porto lies Esposende, a peaceful town far north of Portugal where the Cavado river meets the Atlantic Ocean. Protected by dunes in the river mouth you will find a great flat water spot that is ideal for beginners. Just on the other side of the dune you are in the middle of the ocean. What a combination.
Lagos: Known for its flat shallow lagoon at Ria do Alvor which offers nice wind conditions due to the strong north winds that funnel through the area. Highly recommended from June to August.
Best Time to Visit
Kitesurfing is theoretically possible all year-around. For beginners, May to October offers milder conditions. For advanced riders, October to April has stronger winds and bigger waves.
Travel and Accommodation
Portugal is accessible via Lisbon, Faro, and Porto airports. Accommodations range from hotels to Airbnb options near kitesurfing spots.
Additional Activities
Beyond kitesurfing, enjoy hiking, fishing, paddleboarding, and exploring historical cities like Lisbon and Porto.
Portugal's beautiful scenery, rich culture, and great kitesurfing spots make it a must-visit for kitesurfers.
Best Beginner Kitesurf Spots in Portugal
The Obidos Lagoon is one of the best places in Portugal to start kiteboarding because of the shallow, waist-deep water, which is generally flat and with acres of space. The Lagoon, located one hour north of Lisbon in the Centro Region, is exposed to the full force of the Nortada wind, which is funneled in by the neighboring hills. Summer conditions are ideal, but this is a year-round kiteboarding spot as Obidos works in all wind directions and at all times of the day. There's lots of space to practice as it's generally less crowded than some of the other kite spots nearer to Lisbon. The flat water is perfect for mastering all your tricks, whether that’s relaunching your kite, first jumps, board offs, or busting your first double handle pass. Because the bottom is sandy and there are no channels to draw you out into the ocean, the Obidos Lagoon is a relatively safe area spot to learn to kitesurf, and also offers amazing freestyle kiteboarding conditions for you aspiring pro riders.
Top Wave Kiteboarding Spots in Portugal
Moledo is a small kitesurfing oasis situated in the North of Portugal away from the swarms of visitors who frequent other Portuguese spots, making it a kite surfer's paradise on a windy day. You will find yourself in a little, charming town with a long stretch of white sand beach, with waves and wind coming in off the Atlantic coast. With adventurous activities like kiteboarding, surfing, mountain biking, hiking and yoga, or simply relaxing on the beach if you just want to chill. This long sandy beach, complete with the Insua fort just offshore, is rugged and beautiful and it can get pretty crowded with tourists in July and August. The beach is a blue flag beach and has all the amenities you’d expect, with parking, restaurant, toilets etc.
Praia do Bom Sucesso on the Obidos Lagoon used to be a bit of a hidden gem kiteboard spot, but it has gained popularity in recent years due to visits by pro kitesurfers and Portugal in general exploding onto the scene (Looking at you Nazare...). The combination of plenty of space, flat water, and the Portuguese Nortada wind makes for a fantastic kite spot for all levels. The quality of kite schools and kite surf infrastructure here have dramatically improved in recent years and so it has become much more welcoming for adventure lovers.
You are only allowed to kiteboard on the estuary and Northern side from mid September until mid June, the summer months are reserved for general public use, so if you visit in summer you’ll have to go kitesurfing a bit further into the lagoon, but Bom Sucesso is still a great place to launch from.
Lagoon Kiteboarding Spots in Portugal
The Obidos Lagoon is one of the best places in Portugal to start kiteboarding because of the shallow, waist-deep water, which is generally flat and with acres of space. The Lagoon, located one hour north of Lisbon in the Centro Region, is exposed to the full force of the Nortada wind, which is funneled in by the neighboring hills. Summer conditions are ideal, but this is a year-round kiteboarding spot as Obidos works in all wind directions and at all times of the day. There's lots of space to practice as it's generally less crowded than some of the other kite spots nearer to Lisbon. The flat water is perfect for mastering all your tricks, whether that’s relaunching your kite, first jumps, board offs, or busting your first double handle pass. Because the bottom is sandy and there are no channels to draw you out into the ocean, the Obidos Lagoon is a relatively safe area spot to learn to kitesurf, and also offers amazing freestyle kiteboarding conditions for you aspiring pro riders.
Praia do Bom Sucesso on the Obidos Lagoon used to be a bit of a hidden gem kiteboard spot, but it has gained popularity in recent years due to visits by pro kitesurfers and Portugal in general exploding onto the scene (Looking at you Nazare...). The combination of plenty of space, flat water, and the Portuguese Nortada wind makes for a fantastic kite spot for all levels. The quality of kite schools and kite surf infrastructure here have dramatically improved in recent years and so it has become much more welcoming for adventure lovers.
You are only allowed to kiteboard on the estuary and Northern side from mid September until mid June, the summer months are reserved for general public use, so if you visit in summer you’ll have to go kitesurfing a bit further into the lagoon, but Bom Sucesso is still a great place to launch from.
Travel Information Portugal
Portugal: A Tapestry of Heritage and Modernity
Located on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal unfolds a tapestry where rich heritage seamlessly blends with modernity. Diverse landscapes, from sun-kissed beaches to lush valleys, set the stage for an enchanting journey through this captivating country.
Climate and Coastal Allure
Portugal's climate is as diverse as its terrain. While the coastal regions enjoy a Mediterranean influence with hot, dry summers, inland areas and the north experience a more Atlantic-influenced climate with mild, wet winters. Coastal breezes add a refreshing touch, making seaside exploration delightful.
Exploring History and Gastronomy
Immerse yourself in Portugal's storied past by visiting landmarks like the Tower of Belém and the fairytale town of Sintra. The culinary scene, a blend of tradition and innovation, offers a gastronomic journey with fresh seafood, pastries like Pastel de Nata, and regional wines.
Hospitality and Leisurely Pursuits
Portugal's hospitality is warm and inviting. Engage with the locals at bustling markets, participate in traditional festivities, and unwind on the sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve. The country's leisurely pace encourages exploration, whether meandering through historic streets or embracing the scenic beauty of the countryside.
