Praia da Bordeira
Lagos - Portugal
Spot Type
Wave
Water
Dark - Clear
Beach
Sand
Rider Lever
intermediate
Spot characteristics
Spot Type
Wave
Rider Skill
intermediate
Crowd
Seasonal Crowd
Beach Type
Sand
Water Quality
Dark - Clear
Tide Influence
All tide levels with different conditions (chop - flat - wave)
Description of Praia da Bordeira (Portugal)
Praia da Bordeira is one of those raw Atlantic spots where you really get everything that makes Portugal’s west coast so special for kiting. Sitting up near Carrapateira in the western Algarve, this place is a winter magnet for any intermediate to advanced rider who’s fired up by serious wave energy. It’s big, it’s open, and it’s got that consistently howling NW wind that makes you feel like you’re right in nature’s wind tunnel. From around October to March, this spot fires with strong, rideable swell and reliable wind in the 13 to 25 knot range, often juiced by the thermal effects coming off the land. Cross-onshore from the NW dominates here, and you’ll definitely want a wave board ready—though you can still make freeride gear work when it mellows out.
When you first get there, the beach opens up wide—golden sand backed by sea grass dunes and cliffs. You can park right up by the dunes and take a short walk to the launch. No long hikes with your gear, just open space which is awesome on windier days when you don’t want to fight crowds. Launching is relatively friendly, but stay clear of the dune edges and steer clear of the rocky patches—especially toward the cliffs on the south side. The main section of beach offers clean launches, and there's usually a small lagoon at the northern end when tides and sandbars align. That area stays flatter and can be handy if the ocean’s closing out or for warming up before heading into the big stuff.
One of the best parts about Bordeira is its dual personality. You've got heavy swell action out on the ocean—big rolling Atlantic walls that break clean when the wind lines up—and then tucked a bit back near the lagoon you find chilled waters good for beginners or just tuning your gear. So you can progress steadily by working your way from inside to out. Expect a bit of current though, depending on tide and swell direction, so you’ve got to stay sharp and make sure you’ve got an upwind game.
The water gets cold, especially in the deeper season. Bring your 3/2mm suit for the warmer months and a 5/4mm with boots for winter days. The spot’s not tropical, but it's bracing, honest, and worth every second. That colder water means less crowds, more solitude, and loads of room to really ride. The crowds definitely ebb and flow—summer can get busy with tourists checking out the beach, but prime kite season in winter means it stays mostly local and serious riders.
Kite sizes? I'd bring your 9 and 12m for most days, with a 7m backup for those really honking days. Typical NW flow is trustworthy, not too gusty, and great for long sessions. The waves here work best around mid tide, but you can ride through the full tide cycle—it just shifts the feel of the break. Low tide opens up some speedier sections, and high tide can dump close to shore, so you’ll want to have your timing dialed in.
Overall, Praia da Bordeira is a proper wave rider’s spot with room for freeride options, and the extra perk of scenic cliffs, wild nature and the low-key charm of Carrapateira nearby. If you’re down for real Atlantic kiting, this place is worth planning a mission to.
Spot best suited for
Spot profile
Travel spot
The typical kite travel destination, it is known for its great conditions, and kiters from around the world come here for their vacations.
Equipment
You’ll need a 3/2mm wetsuit during the warmer months, but from late fall through early spring you’ll want a 5/4mm plus boots—especially during long sessions in colder water.
Wind Conditions
Main wind directions
% of Windy days per month
Wind Speed Range
From 13 to 25 Knots
Suggested sizes
8 - 9 mt
10 - 11 mt
12 - 13 mt
Forecast on Windy.com
Dangers
Like most good wave spots on the Atlantic, Praia da Bordeira has its challenges—and they’re part of what makes it exciting if you’re prepared. First off, the cross-onshore NW wind that dominates here comes in clean and strong, but it can push you toward the beach when matched with bigger swells. That means anyone not confident staying upwind or handling surf transitions needs to take it seriously. You’ve got to respect the ocean energy at this spot—it’s no mellow lake session.
The shorebreak can be punchy at higher tides, and some days the waves come in hard and steep, especially when longer-period swells light up the beach. Current is usually manageable, but with swell and wind working together, water movement can increase, especially near the lagoon outlet and along the cliffside in the south area. It’s crucial to keep spatial awareness and know the escape zones—there’s a wide beach, but rocks near the headlands can come up fast if you’re not paying attention.
Launching and landing isn’t hard, but give yourself room and a second set of eyes when possible. If the beach gets busier or the winds shift a bit off heading, rogue gusts can catch you during setup. No official rescue service operates on-site, and cell signal can be spotty in parts of the beach, so you need to be self-sufficient. Kite with a buddy, wear flotation, and have a plan. There may also be environmental restrictions on dune access and some rules in summer about staying out of wildlife nesting zones or keeping distance from swimmers. Not a high-risk spot overall, but respect the conditions and bring your A-game when the swell jacks up.
Location
Closest City
Lagos
How to get There
From Faro Airport, it's about 1.5 hours by car—super easy with a rental. Drive toward Lagos and then up toward Carrapateira. From either Lagos or Sagres, head north on EN268 and follow road signs to Praia da Bordeira. The spot is well-known and GPS-friendly. There's a dirt road that takes you near the dunes with free parking near the launch area; just watch for soft sand areas if you're not in a 4x4.
Access
Public beach access with no fees or private restrictions. Free parking is available close to the sand dunes. The access road is dirt but manageable for most vehicles. From the parking area it’s a short walk across sand and dunes to the launch area. No special permissions or local taxes required.
What to do besides kitesurfing
Beyond the kite itself, Praia da Bordeira really hits a sweet spot for riders who also love quiet atmospheres and a dose of wild nature around their sessions. Carrapateira—the small village nearby—is super low key but it ticks the right boxes: a couple of cozy surf lodges, guesthouses that welcome kiters, a few cafes with strong Portuguese coffee, and great food like grilled sardines and octopus rice that hits the spot after a day in the wind.
You're not going to get nightlife or big supermarkets, but honestly, that's why most people like it. This is a spot where nature's still got the upper hand. No towers, no resorts—just sand dunes, cliffs, and wide spaces to soak it all in. Internet and mobile signal are okay depending on where you're staying, and most accommodation is used to outdoor sports folk so storing gear and washing wetsuits isn't going to be a problem.
On no-wind or down days, there's plenty to do. The cliffs nearby lend themselves to some satisfying hikes, especially early morning before the sun gets high. Birdwatchers love the coastal trails, and the Atlantic views from up top are absolutely worth packing a camera. You can also check out the other nearby beaches—Amado is just down the road and fits nicely into any surf mission. A lot of dual kiter-surfers mix it up in this area.
There’s also a really mellow dirt path along the coast heading north that eventually leads toward Vale Figueiras—a bit more remote and another wave spot worth checking out. Just make sure to take a car that’s ready for Portuguese backroads. Local markets in nearby towns, especially on weekends, offer handmade produce and products (and excellent cheese), and campers will find designated areas for overnight vans or setup.
If you're here for a week or longer, do a supply shop in Lagos or Sagres before heading up—it’ll make life easier. That said, Carrapateira’s mellow surf-town vibe, with a chilled community of riders, keeps it super welcoming but never commercial. It's the kind of place where riders say hi at breakfast and trade session notes in the evenings. Bottom line: Bordeira gives you what you’re looking for when you want wind, waves, and wild beauty—all without the noisy crowds or unnecessary fluff.