GUINCHO
Guincho kite beach is only a 30-minute train trip from Lisbon and has some of the most consistent wind in all of Portugal (the northerly mountains tend to increase the force of the thermal winds that blow here).
This is not a site for the faint of heart; the waves at Guincho beach range from more than a metre to a metre and a half in height, growing even larger during periods of severe surf. That being said, if you’re a surfer, this is the spot to kite in Portugal.
The flat sand bottom offers a lovely break that is broken up by clean spaces to play in between the waves. Simply keep an eye out for the large boulders on each side of the beach; they are the only significant challenges to avoid.
PRAIA DO BALEAL PENICHE/PRAIA DO BALEAL
Praia do Baleal, renowned for its high surf and large waves, is not for the faint of heart. Intermediate and experienced kiters, on the other hand, will like the fantastic surf and expansive sandy beaches.
The greater Peniche area is an excellent location for joining a kite camp, kite tour, or even planning a solo road trip due to the quantity of kiteable places within a half-hour radius.
LAGOA DE BIDOS LAGOA DE BIDOS
This is the largest flat water lagoon in Portugal, making it ideal for novices, free-riders, and wakestyle kiters. The lagoon, which is connected to the ocean by an estuary, is subject to tides—and during low tide, it may become quite shallow near the sandbars (therefore it’s better to visit during high tide). The greatest location for a launch is on the Foz do Arelho side, where there is ample space and a variety of schools and amenities.
CAPARICA
Caparica is densely packed with kiteboarding opportunities, however, kiteboarding is not permitted everywhere. Keep to authorised kite beaches, the most well-known of which being Novo Vaga.
Novo Vaga, located on the southern tip of Caparica, benefits from rather consistent winds and 1-1.5 metre waves. During the winter months, the surf may be rather strong, but during the summer’s peak kite season, the waves drop in size and become much more bearable —perfect for wave riding beginners and intermediate jumpers.
You also have access to Fonte da Telha, a rapidly growing kitesurfing beach with a number of schools currently in operation, about 15 minutes south. Further south (about a half-hour drive), you’ll find the legendary Lagoa de Albufeira, which features both flat water lagoon riding and tough outer breakers.
NORTH PORTUGAL
VIANA DO CASTELO/CABEDELO
This is without a doubt the greatest kiteboarding destination in Northern Portugal. Cabedelo is a long, sandy beach that front a large bay; there is plenty of safe launching space and minimal hazards. Two piers offer a calm flat(ish) area to play in while remaining shielded from the surf.
However, if you’re seeking waves, Cabedelo will not disappoint. Clean breakers sweep around the bay practically all year; come during the full moon to enjoy the waves at their best.
ESPOSENDE
Once you’ve had your fill of playing in the waves at Cabedelo, there is a slew of excellent kite beaches within a short drive of Viana do Castelo; Esposende is well worth a visit.
This is one of those beautiful kite sites that has it all: clean waves, a level ocean, and, most importantly, excellent wind. It’s unsurprising that it’s become one of the top kiteboarding places in northern Portugal!
ALGARVE
LAGOS/ALVOR
Lagos and its neighbouring Alvor are good locations for kitesurfers searching for a combination of waves and flat water.
Meia Praia is the most popular kite beach on the Lagos side of the bay. This is the site to visit if you’re a beginning or intermediate kiter, owing to the forgiving low breezes and expansive beach space (but keep an eye on the forecast as wind is often offshore here). On the other hand, Praia de Alvor offers comparable conditions and is a good choice for intermediate kiters looking to hone their slalom abilities.
Between the two is a flat water lagoon that attracts kiters of all abilities, from complete beginners to seasoned freestylers. The lagoon is accessible from both Lagos and Alvor, albeit the former requires a boat while the latter can be reached on foot. The lagoon is tidal, and it decreases significantly at low tide, thus it’s preferable to visit around high tide.
As the wind picks up in the afternoon, 9’s and 10’s are typically exchanged for 7’s and 8’s. It may be more manageable for beginners in the late morning/early afternoon.
CARRAPATEIRA
Carrapateira, dubbed one of Southern Portugal’s secret kitesurfing treasures by locals, is located just half an hour from Lagos and makes an excellent day trip for those kiting in the Algarve.
Bordeira, for example, has wonderful huge wave conditions that are popular with surfers, but it’s also a good kitesurfing destination because of the cross-onshore wind. Additionally, there is a flatwater lagoon concealed behind the estuary. This location is optimal in the winter; summer breezes are rather light here.
South of the headland is Amado, whose chaotic breakers are normally too much for kiteboarding during the south-westerlies, but may provide for a delightful little playground during the winter months when the northerlies blow hard enough.
FARO
Faro, Portugal’s southernmost city, boasts a smattering of kiteboarding beaches. Ilha da Barreta, Ilha de Culatra, Barrinha, and Ilha de Armona are the ones to keep an eye out for. You’ll find a mixture of flat water lagoons, waves, and mild chops on the open ocean along with these areas. Due to the picturesque island close off the coast, this is a perfect location for a kite safari or catamaran sail.
When you’ve had your fill of kitesurfing in this location, drive about half an hour east to Cabanas de Tavira, another favourite Algarve kitesurfing destination because of its moderate winds and large, safe beach area.
