Kitesurfing in Almanarre
Hyères · France
- Spot type Chop
- Rider level beginner
- Water Dark - Clear
- Beach Sand
- Crowd Seasonal crowd
- Tide effect None
Kitesurfing in Almanarre: Conditions, Wind & Season
Almanarre, on the Presqu’île de Giens near Hyères in southern France, is one of the Mediterranean’s best-known kitesurfing destinations. The long sandy beach stretches for almost 5 kilometres along the western side of the peninsula, offering plenty of space and a variety of conditions depending on the wind direction. The Mistral from the west and northwest creates onshore chop and waves with plenty of ramps for jumping and freeride, while easterly winds can produce much flatter and smoother water.
Almanarre is particularly reliable from spring through autumn, with the Mistral often arriving in multi-day runs and providing frequent riding opportunities. Easterly conditions can produce very flat water, making them attractive for freestyle and cruising, although the wind direction requires confident riding and appropriate safety awareness. The beach is relatively narrow and the water gets deep quickly, so launching and landing require care, particularly when the spot is busy or the Mistral is strong and gusty. During the summer season, kitesurfing is restricted to designated areas, so riders should follow the local beach regulations and use the appropriate launch and riding zones.
Beyond kitesurfing, Almanarre and the surrounding Presqu’île de Giens offer plenty to explore. The Route du Sel is ideal for walking and cycling, while the nearby salt marshes are home to flamingos and other birdlife. Hyères and the surrounding coastline offer opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, hiking and boat trips to the Îles d’Or, including the beautiful island of Porquerolles. With its combination of reliable wind, Mediterranean scenery, warm weather and a lively watersports community, Almanarre makes an excellent destination for both dedicated kiters and travellers looking for a varied coastal holiday.
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Spot Gallery (5)
Almanarre is best suited for
Spot profile
- Travel spotA proven kite destination with reliable conditions, worth a trip. Kiters fly in from all over the world for their kite holidays, and you will probably find schools, rentals and a lively kite scene nearby.
- Family spotEasy to visit with family and friends. Facilities are close by and non-kiters have plenty to do while you are on the water, so everyone enjoys the day, whether they kite or not.
- Local spotNot worth a long trip, but a great option if you live nearby and the wind is on. Ideal for a quick session after work or a spare afternoon, without planning a whole trip.
Equipment
You’ll want a solid kite quiver to cover a decent range—typically 7m to 12m kites will handle anything Almanarre throws at you between 10 and 30 knots. On flat easterly days you’ll be nicely powered on a 12m. When the Mistral rolls in fast, a 7m will save your session. Wetsuit-wise, summer months are shorty or boardshorts weather, but early spring or late autumn you’re going to need at least a 3/2
Wind Conditions
Main wind directions
Windy days per month
Share of the days with more than 10 knots.
Wind speed range
10 - 21 knots
Wind strength on rideable days
- 7-11 kn65%
- 12-16 kn28%
- 17-22 kn7%
- 23-28 kn0%
- 29+ kn0%
Share of the daytime hours with 7+ knots.
Calculate your kite size
Estimate for a rider of your weight at Almanarre: kite size = weight / wind speed x 2.2, adjusted for the kite shape and aspect ratio. Board, skills and gusts change the ideal size.
Month by month at Almanarre
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind | ||||||||||||
| Rideable daysdays | 18.5 | 17.5 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 24.5 | 29.5 | 25 | 23 | 21 | 17.5 | 16 |
| Usable windhours | 137 | 129 | 189 | 185 | 165 | 178 | 211 | 170 | 168 | 150 | 129 | 113 |
| Average gustsknots | 15 | 16 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 19 | 19 | 17 | 15 | 14 |
| Temperature | ||||||||||||
| Air°C | 12 | 13 | 15 | 17 | 21 | 27 | 30 | 29 | 25 | 21 | 16 | 13 |
| Sea°C | 15 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 23 | 21 | 18 | 16 |
| Weather and sea | ||||||||||||
| Sunshinehours / day | 7.2 | 8 | 9.6 | 11.2 | 12.2 | 13.9 | 14.1 | 12.6 | 10.7 | 8.9 | 7.5 | 7 |
| Rainmm | 60 | 55 | 73 | 52 | 52 | 29 | 8 | 22 | 63 | 100 | 93 | 84 |
| Rainy daysdays | 7.5 | 7.5 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 | 1.5 | 3 | 6 | 7.5 | 9.5 | 8 |
| Wave heightm | 1.2 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 1.1 |
Typical monthly averages over several years, based on weather data: local thermal winds are usually stronger than shown, and sea temperature and waves are a regional estimate. A rideable day has at least 3 hours of 7+ knots between 10:00 and 18:00, usable wind counts those hours, a rainy day has 1 mm or more.
Forecast on Windy.com
Kitesurfing Safety & Local Rules at Almanarre
Almanarre is well suited to confident riders, but the narrow beach can become very crowded during the summer season. Launching and landing require particular attention, especially when the Mistral is strong and gusty. Keep the kite under control, allow plenty of space from other riders and beach users, and follow the designated launch and riding areas. The nearby road also means that losing control close to the beach can have serious consequences.
The water becomes deep relatively quickly, so beginners may find water starts and self-rescue more challenging than at shallow-water spots. Strong Mistral conditions can produce fast-building chop, gusts and waves, so choose your kite size carefully and consider local advice before launching. Pay close attention to the marked swimming areas and buoys, as kitesurfing restrictions apply in certain zones, particularly during the busy summer season.
How to reach Almanarre
- Closest cityHyères
- How to get thereBy car: From Toulon, follow the D559 towards Hyères, then continue on the D559 until you reach the Presqu'île de Giens. By flight: Fly into Toulon-Hyères Airport and then drive to the Presqu'île de Giens.
- AccessPublicly accessible, with no private or regulated accesses. However, there are specific kite areas marked during peak season.
No-Wind Days: What to Do Around Almanarre
Almanarre is ideal for extended stays, with easy access whether you’re travelling in a van or staying in a hotel in Hyères. When the wind takes a break, the area around the Presqu’île de Giens offers plenty of ways to enjoy the Mediterranean without a kite. The Port-Cros National Park covers much of the surrounding coastline and islands, with hiking trails, protected natural areas and spectacular Mediterranean scenery to explore.
For a change of scenery, take the boat from La Tour Fondue to Porquerolles, the largest of the Hyères islands. The island is perfect for a full day away from the kite beach, with sandy beaches, turquoise water, pine forests and quiet trails to explore by foot or bicycle. Cycling is particularly popular on the island, while swimming, snorkelling and exploring the coastal paths provide plenty to do when there is no wind.
Closer to Almanarre, the Olbia Archaeological Site is an interesting alternative to another day on the beach. Located directly on the Almanarre road, this ancient Greek fortified trading post dates back to the 4th century BC and offers a fascinating glimpse into the area's Mediterranean history. You can also explore the villages and small harbours around the Giens Peninsula or simply enjoy the beaches and coastline.
If you prefer to stay active, the area offers cycling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, diving, snorkelling and boat excursions. The Port-Cros National Park provides information about hiking routes and activities both on land and in the sea, including diving and snorkelling around the protected islands and coastline. The park also features nature and heritage sites that can be explored independently or through guided activities.
After a day outside, Hyères and the surrounding peninsula offer plenty of restaurants, cafés and relaxed seaside spots for an evening meal or drink. With its combination of coastal hiking, island excursions, swimming, cycling, nature and Provençal culture, Almanarre works just as well as a holiday destination as it does as a kitesurfing spot. Even when the wind disappears for a few days, there is enough to explore around Hyères and the Giens Peninsula to keep the trip interesting.
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