About Portugal's Kite Surfing

With a long north-south coastline and vast beaches, Portugal is one of the premier kite surfing destinations in the world. Also known as kite boarding, this rapidly growing extreme sport is popular in Portugal because of the favorable westerly winds that blow onto the Iberian Peninsula from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Cadiz. From Porto in the north to Algarve in the south, Portugal has breezes to please beginners and experts alike.

  1. Locations

    • Portugal has roughly 10 kite surfing zones: Algarve, Aveiro, Beja, Braga, Coimbra, Leiria, Lisboa (Lisbon), Porto, Setubal and Viana do Costelo. These zones contain approximately 28 spots for kite surfing enthusiasts to take up the sport or master their skills. The geography of each zone comprises at least one of the following: open ocean, beach, lagoon, river and estuary. Most zones encompass sites that are appropriate for beginner and advanced surfers, and feature schools as well as rental and repair shops.

    For Beginners

    • If you and your family are just taking up the sport, choose a location with kite surfing schools as well as rescue services. Most zones, particularly those with multiple kite surfing spots---Algarve, Aveiro, Leiria, Lisboa and Setubal---have at least one area that features both these amenities. Given the extreme nature of kite surfing, lessons are essential to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. For more information on kite surfing schools in Portugal, contact the Portuguese Kiteboarding Association at joao.correia@netspring.pt.

    Climate

    • Portugal's climate is temperate.

      Although Portugal's weather is renowned for being temperate year-round, northern regions of the country are slightly cooler and rainier than the south, which is mostly warm and dry. Kite surfing is most popular during the summer months---between June and mid-September. In spots with rescue services, lifeguards usually staff kite surfing locations during the summer only. Also, water temperatures tend to be quite chilly from October to May.

    Considerations

    • Keep in mind that the favorable summer weather along Portugal's Atlantic coastline draws throngs of visitors to its beaches, with prices rising accordingly. Besides safety and peace of mind, taking lessons allows you to try the sport without investing heavily in equipment; also, kite surfing schools often sell cheaper gear for beginners than regular kite surfing shops do. Many kite surfing spots in Portugal include amenities such as campgrounds, hotels and restaurants.

    Safety

    • Wear a helmet for safety.

      The strong winds that blow onto Portugal's coastline mean the sport does pose safety risks for the surfer, others on the water and bystanders on the beach. The experts at kitesurfingschool.org advise kite surfers to stay safe by riding a board that is commensurate with their size and weight; surfing in favorable weather; wearing protective devices such as a helmet and impact vest; learning to handle unexpected risks such as wind gusts and submerged rocks; and going slowly near people and hard objects.