Alvor Lagoon

Description of Alvor Lagoon (Portugal)

Alvor Lagoon sits between Lagos and Alvor on Portugal's southern Algarve coast and is one of those spots that tends to click immediately with riders regardless of their level or riding style. The lagoon is massive, sheltered by dunes and salt marshes within a protected natural park that keeps the surrounding environment in a state that makes simply being there a pleasure beyond the riding itself. No intense beach break, no harsh currents pushing you off course, just a wide open expanse of waist to chest deep water where crashing the kite, resetting, and waterstarting carries none of the stress that more exposed spots introduce into the equation.

The wind between May and September is what makes Alvor genuinely addictive. The Nortada thermal wind picks up reliably by early afternoon and cruises consistently in the 18 to 22 knot range, giving riders session after session of predictable and enjoyable conditions throughout the summer season. The direction runs side-onshore to cross-shore depending on the launch point, which keeps things safe and removes the anxiety of offshore conditions that plague less forgiving spots along this coastline. Mid to high tide is the sweet spot on the water, when the current eases, the sandbars spread out, and the usable riding area opens up into what feels like a private flatwater park for anyone working on freestyle or simply enjoying long uninterrupted freeride runs.

A practical note on beach access worth passing on: the sand near the shoreline carries shells and barnacles in places, and going barefoot is a mistake that only needs to happen once before surf shoes become a permanent part of the kit bag. There are four parking options spread across the lagoon depending on which side you are approaching from. Coming from Lagos, the Lagos parking spot is the most direct access point, with a second option further out past the fish farms for those who prefer a different launch area on that side. From the Alvor side, Rocha Delicada offers a well-positioned alternative, while Praia de Alvor near the Restinga restaurant and Alvor marina covers the eastern end of the lagoon.

A 9 to 12 meter kite covers the wind range well for most of the season, with the right size depending on rider weight and how the wind is sitting on a given day. A shorty wetsuit is sufficient through the core summer months, with a full or spring suit becoming more relevant as temperatures drop in spring and autumn. The vibe on the water is relaxed and social without ever feeling crowded, with a mix of local riders, learners, and the occasional hydrofoiler on the lighter wind days sharing a lagoon that is large enough to give everyone the space they need without sessions ever feeling like a negotiation for water.

One aspect of Alvor that deserves specific mention is the protected wildlife status of the surrounding area. The dunes and marshy zones around the lagoon are active nesting and migration habitat, and staying out of those areas while kiting is something the local rangers take seriously during migration season. A camera is worth bringing for the birdwatching opportunities in the dunes on the days between sessions, and the natural park setting adds a layer to the overall experience that makes time spent not riding feel just as well spent as the sessions themselves.

Food options directly at the water are limited, but heading into town after a session for grilled sardines and a cold beer is the kind of simple and satisfying end to a day on the water that the Algarve does better than almost anywhere else. It is a detail that sounds small but consistently ends up being one of the more memorable parts of a trip to Alvor.