Praia do Amado
Aljezur - Portugal
Spot Type
Wave
Water
Crystal Clear
Beach
Sand
Rider Lever
intermediate
Spot characteristics
Spot Type
Wave
Rider Skill
intermediate
Crowd
Beach Type
Sand
Water Quality
Crystal Clear
Tide Influence
All tide levels with different conditions (chop - flat - wave)
Description of Praia do Amado (Portugal)
Praia do Amado has that rugged character you often crave when looking for a solid wave spot that also works well for kitesurfing. Tucked into the southwestern coastline of Portugal’s Algarve region near Aljezur, it’s got a wild beauty about it—windswept cliffs, raw ocean energy, and wind that turns on regularly during the main season, especially March to October.
The spot works best with northwest winds that grab a thermal boost most summer afternoons. You’re looking at a range of about 13 to 25 knots, with 70%+ wind probability June through August. You get enough consistency not to hate yourself for planning a trip here, but it’s not too intense either—ideal for intermediates moving into waves, or experienced riders chasing some bump and jump fun out back.
Conditions are mostly beach break, with a shifting sandbar layout that gets reshaped with swells and tides—they’re mellow at times, but days with punchy sets in the 6-8ft range are common. It handles up to about 10ft but that’s pushing into heavy-wave territory, and paddle-outs get tricky when that happens. It’s sandy-bottomed, which I appreciate—keep your knees intact when messing up the odd landing. Watch for the occasional submerged rock formations closer to the take-off points, especially mid to low tide. The beach faces WNW, sucking in northwesterly swell and wind which lines up nicely for right and left-handers depending on the bank.
Tide-wise, all levels are rideable, but low tide often exposes rocks near the edges, so mid-tide tends to be safer and gives more water coverage with enough punch in the surf.
Even summer crowds aren’t insane—yeah, weekends get visitors and camper fans, but it’s far from overly crowded on riding spots. Access is easy via car with big parking areas near launching zones. Post-session, grab a snack at the cliffside bar—it’s only a short stroll from the beach. Gear rental and surf schools are nearby, though kitesurf-specific rentals are more limited, so bring your own gear if possible. Carrapateira is the small local village nearby, and Aljezur is the closest town with supermarkets or gear shops. This is very much a trip-worthy spot with that laid-back edge.
Pack a few kite sizes—your 9m sees a lot of action here. And if you’re into exploring, this coastline’s got killer hikes and cliff views, good seafood, and small village vibes that balance out the adrenaline sessions. Overall, Amado’s got that rare mix: raw nature, decent infrastructure, consistent wind, and rideable waves that let you level up your game without getting punished too hard.
Spot Gallery (4)
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
A 3/2 mm full wetsuit works well spring through early autumn. In winter or on windy overcast days, go for a 4/3 or 5/3 setup to stay warm in water temps sometimes dipping to 12°C. Water shoes aren't essential due to the sandy bottom but might help near lower tides when submerged rocks are more exposed.
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
While Praia do Amado is generally considered safe thanks to its soft sandy bottom and open beach layout, there are a few hazards that you definitely need to keep in mind when riding here—especially if you’re charging into the waves or launching near low tide. The most critical issue is submerged rock formations. There aren't many, but the ones that exist are hidden just beneath the surface, usually near the left cliff section and at the northern end of the bay. These rocks often get obscured during mid to high tide and are very easy to miss if you're not familiar. Hitting one during a launch or a wipeout isn’t fun—seen a buddy snap a fin and tweak an ankle last spring during a quick beach run gone sideways.
Another serious element is the paddle zone during bigger swells. When the swell pushes above 6ft, the impact zone stretches out and the waves start to break in multiple sections with punch. If you're not confident with wave timing or punching through whitewater while managing your kite, these sessions can go sour quickly, especially as the current tends to pull sideways if the tide’s running.
The wind is mostly steady, but you can get some surprise gusts, especially when thermal boosts and coast eddies interact on hot summer days.
Also, be respectful of surfers and avoid tangling lines or charging into crowded surf take-off zones—they stake out solid spots regularly and aren’t shy about staring down kiters who snake waves.
Other than that, you’re clear: no jellyfish, no currents that’ll drag you to Morocco—but you should always double-check the swell and tide reports before heading out, especially since what looks mellow from the parking lot can surprise you once in.
Location
Closest City
Aljezur
How to get There
Fly into Faro Airport, rent a car, and drive west via the A22 then up the N120. It’s about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive depending on traffic. At Carrapateira, take the clearly marked turn-off toward Praia do Amado. The coastal road is paved and scenic, with wide views and plenty of pull-over spots. There are no tolls past the main highway, and access to the beach is completely public. Free parking is available in two lots that overlook the beach.
Access
No fees or permits needed, fully public access. Two main parking areas overlook the beach with a sandy downhill path that leads directly to the launch zone. Roads are paved all the way. In summer, campervan parking fills up early so come early if you want a prime space. It’s easy to carry a board or kite bag from the lot to the setup area.
What to do besides kitesurfing
Off the water, Praia do Amado and its surroundings are just as rewarding. You’ve got a raw stretch of Algarve coast with high bluffs and walking trails weaving along the cliffs. Morning walks top out with some insane panorama views over the Atlantic and west-facing beaches—it’s one of those spots that makes you linger even on windless days. Follow the cliff path north for 10 minutes, and you’ll hit a small open-air restaurant with a terrace overlooking the surf. Grab a grilled sardine plate and a cold Super Bock—it hits differently after a couple of solid hours out on choppy water. Down at the beach, there are a few seasonal cafes and surf schools that keep the scene low-key but functional. Don’t expect high-end brunch or green-juice stations—this is a sandy-feet, towel-on-shoulder kind of place. Still, you can get decent coffee and a warm tosta mista from the beach bar. If you stay in Carrapateira, a 5-minute drive inland, you’ll find local restaurants that serve unpretentious homemade Portuguese dishes—baked cod, octopus salad, and amazing fresh bread. For accommodation, you’ve got a mix of guesthouses and local cottages, some with rooftop terraces great for gear drying. The nearby town of Aljezur fills in the gaps with groceries, ATMs, and surf repairs. There are also a few low-key kite camps and yoga/surf retreats that run through spring and summer. It’s very common to see campervans lined along coastal parks from June on—most people camp in their vans right near the cliffs. If you’re into nature, don’t skip the Rota Vicentina hiking trails that connect to the beach; they pass through traditional farmland and eucalyptus forest. Don’t expect city nightlife, but you can catch open mics or chilled live music nights in Carrapateira. Finally, mornings tend to be for surf or foiling when winds haven’t filled in, so split your day—surf or hike before lunch, kite the afternoon thermal window. It’s that kind of rhythm down here.
Video about Kite Spot
Check this panoramic video view from Radovan Vacík