A Portugal kitesurfing holiday can include anything from flat/choppy water to 12 foot waves. The Portuguese coastline is both West facing which is great for wave riding and south facing is more sheltered and frequented by free riders.
Temperatures can get as low as 12 degrees in the winter and as high as 30 in the summer. So pack the right wetsuit depending on the time of year you are going. However, the summer months are the best to come here for your Portugal kitesurf holiday. The wind steadily builds throughout the day, peaking at 5pm when the sun starts to go down.
On the South coast the Algarve is the most visited section of the Portuguese coastline for kitesurfing. The main locations have good sections of flat water for beginners and freestyle experts because of the calm, sheltered waters. The winds push in from the North so will be offshore on the south coast but there is boat support at the major schools. The airports serving the Algarve are Lagos and Faro depending on what destination you choose. Lagos has a wide variety of accommodation from the luxurious 5* Yellow Meia Praia to the Casa surf and kitesurf lodge.
The Algarve suits couples and families as there is plenty to do off the water. Although there is quite a bit of night life around, it will not keep you up all night. Over the years the Algarve has become a major European tourist destination so try not to expect too much culture during your visit – just great weather and great kitesurfing conditions.
The west coast faces directly out to the Atlantic and this is where you will find the a classic surf break. Peniche is north of Lisbon airport and is only a short taxi ride away. The swell comes directly into the bay with the westerly Atlantic winds creating cross/cross offshore wind conditions. However, due to the nature of the bay you can kitesurf in most wind directions.
