Praia de Mira
Coimbra - Portugal
Spot Type
Wave
Water
Crystal Clear
Beach
Sand
Rider Lever
intermediate
Spot characteristics
Spot Type
Wave
Rider Skill
intermediate
Crowd
Seasonal Crowd
Beach Type
Sand
Water Quality
Crystal Clear
Tide Influence
Tide independent
Description of Praia de Mira (Portugal)
If you're into wave riding and you’ve got a bit of experience under your belt, Praia de Mira is a spot that can keep you coming back. Located a short drive from Coimbra on Portugal’s Atlantic coast, this long, sandy beach stretches wide and open with nothing blocking the wind — which is the first big advantage right there.
You get a steady flow of wind, mostly from the north to northeast, making it a reliable option from late spring through early fall. I’ve had some great sessions here in June and July, when the wind tends to be at its best — enough to power a 9 or 10m kite depending on your weight and board setup. Conditions here can get choppy, especially when the swell stacks up with onshore conditions. It’s not a spot for the flat-water seekers, but if you like slicing through waves or boosting off chop, get ready for a fun session.The waves are typically mid-sized and manageable but can pack a punch on bigger days depending on swell direction and tide. The cool thing is that the beach offers tons of room to rig and launch, and it doesn’t get overcrowded even during peak summer — rare in a European kitesurfing spot, right?
The sandy bottom is forgiving, no rocks to worry about, and access is simple, just drive in and park close to the spot.You'll definitely want a spring or summer wetsuit. Water temperature hovers around 17°C, which doesn’t sound freezing, but after two hours in the water, you’ll be chilled if you’re not suited up. The air though? Super pleasant in summer — think high 20s Celsius — so you’re never uncomfortable once you get out. Kite size wise, pack a range from 8m to 12m; wind strength averages 16 to 28 knots, with some days pushing stronger under local thermal effects. You'll mostly be riding in sideshore or cross-onshore wind, which creates ideal ramps and some fun sections for down-the-line riding when it's lined up.
Because of the beach’s open layout, it’s also beginner-friendly in terms of space, but I’d say the swell and directional variability make it more suitable for intermediate kiters onward. There are no hardcore hazards, but we'll get to small risks later. One thing I really like here is the vibe — Praia de Mira’s not overdeveloped, it keeps that local town feel with cool seafood joints right on the water. So after being tossed around in the Atlantic for a few hours, you land your kite and you’re minutes away from grilled sardines and a cold Sagres.
All in all, this spot delivers consistent wind, manageable waves, and a laid-back local scene that makes for an excellent few-day trip or even a longer stay. It’s kind of low-key, not overbranded, which makes the sessions feel personal. No kite schools hogging the beach, just clean rides and solid down-the-line potential when the elements kick in together.
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.
Family spot
Located in an area that offers amenities for all the family and can provide good alternatives for everyone when the kiters are in the water.
Equipment
You’ll want to bring a spring or summer wetsuit — 3/2mm or even a shorty for warmer days — as the air gets hot but the Atlantic stays chilly around 17°C. No booties needed for the sandy beach unless you’re prone to cold feet.
Wind Conditions
Main wind directions
% of Windy days per month
Wind Speed Range
From 16 to 28 Knots
Suggested sizes
7 mt and below
8 - 9 mt
10 - 11 mt
12 - 13 mt
Forecast on Windy.com
Dangers
Praia de Mira is generally a safe beach for kiting, but there are a few things to be aware of before launching into a session. First off: the wave energy. While not monstrous, the Atlantic can shift quickly, and the wave size can sneak up depending on tide and swell direction. On a big day, you can get knocked around if your timing is off, especially during launch or land near the shore break. Onshore and cross-onshore winds are common, which are manageable but less forgiving than side-shores — especially if you're not confident launching or body-dragging back in through surf.
The wind here is solid but not always steady — shifts can happen, especially in low-pressure systems that sneak into the coastline. Check local wind forecasts (I use Windguru and Windy with real-time stations like the one at nearby Figueira da Foz) and always double-check your kite size before committing. Mid to higher tides tend to amp up the wave impact, so if you're not a fan of punchy white water, time your session during low or outgoing tides. There's no reef or rock hazard, which is awesome, but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down — the swell and wind mix can get chaotic on stronger days.
Another thing: swimmers. In summer, these beaches see families and beachgoers, especially closer to town. Stick to well-launched kite zones or set yourself a bit downwind. There are no major local restrictions, but respecting flagged zones is essential both for safety and for keeping good vibes with locals. The beach is long enough to find solitude for your session, but always keep a lookout when launching and landing — the sand may be soft, but the crowded stretches aren't ideal for first-timers or solo missions. Use a tether or have a buddy launch if it's blowing hard.
Location
Closest City
Coimbra
How to get There
The best way to get to Praia de Mira is to fly into Porto or Lisbon if you’re coming from abroad, then rent a car and drive over — it’s the only real convenient way to haul your gear. From Porto, you’re looking at about an hour and a half on the A17, and from Lisbon, closer to two and a half to three hours up the A1 then west toward Mira. Coimbra, the closest big inland city, is under an hour’s drive, and makes a great cultural side trip if you’ve got a windless day.
Access
Praia de Mira is easy to access with wide open public beach entry points and no permits required. It’s fully public with no private restrictions. Parking is available just behind the dunes — even in high season, you’ll usually find a spot within walking distance to rig.
What to do besides kitesurfing
Outside the kite action, Praia de Mira fills out the rest of your trip nicely. The town’s relaxed and easygoing, with that small-time coastal Portugal vibe that hasn’t been wiped out by mass tourism. You’ll find good accommodation options right near the beach — from modest guesthouses to modern hotels, all within walking distance of sand. Think: leave your kite bag in the room, have a quick espresso at a café, and check for whitecaps from the promenade. Food-wise, expect freaking good seafood. Local spots serve grilled fish, boats deliver lobster straight into the town harbor some mornings, and you can grab a seafood rice dish with giant shrimp that’ll crush post-session hunger. There’s not much nightlife, which I actually like after a day getting tossed around in salty winds — couple beers as the sun goes down, then hit the sack. There are a few surfy bars and summer events, but mostly this town holds a chill tone throughout the year.
On non-wind days, head inland to Coimbra, which is less than an hour’s drive. Beyond its historic university and old-town alleys, Coimbra’s got some great cafés, bookstores, and a relaxed riverfront if you're after a slow day. Hiking and nature trails also dot the inland forest areas near the edge of town, and you can rent bikes or explore on foot.
Another cool tidbit — nearby salt flats and natural freshwater lakes offer sightseeing and paddleboarding alternatives. And if you’re into photography, sunsets over the Atlantic from the dunes here are wild.Overall, this isn’t a party town or Instagram-influencer hotbed, which makes it ideal for a mellow trip with lots of solid water time. It’s also surprisingly good for families — while you ride, they can hang on the safe wide beach, and there’s loads of non-kite options like pedalos and nature walks out by the lakes.
Bring your own gear or coordinate with shops in Porto if you’re renting, since the town has limited kite services. That said, if you show up with your own setup and a little flexibility, this place delivers more often than not — wind, waves, and a clean patch of Atlantic beach to call your own.