Go kiting to

Portugal

Go kiting to Portugal: Why choose this country?

Alright, let’s talk Portugal — it’s honestly one of the most underrated kitesurfing gems in Europe. The diversity here is wild.

You’ve got butter-flat lagoons for freestyle, punchy beach breaks for wave addicts, and open beaches with perfect kickers for boosting big air. It’s the kind of country where you can be cruising in a calm inland lagoon in the morning and slashing waves on the ocean in the afternoon — all within a couple of hours’ drive.

The wind? Mostly thermal in summer, super consistent along the west coast, but there’s usually something blowing year-round. And the scenery… man, don’t even get me started. Cliffs, sand dunes, little whitewashed villages, golden beaches stretching for days — it’s like kiting through a postcard.

Whether you're chasing progression, adventure, or just a session with a killer sunset, Portugal’s got you covered.

Pros: Portugal’s biggest win is variety. Flat water, waves, big air – it’s all here, and often within a short drive. You can go from smooth lagoon cruising to wave slashing in the same day. No matter your style or level, there’s a spot for you.

The summer wind is super reliable thanks to the Nortada. From June to August, the west coast turns into a wind machine. Outside summer, it’s more hit-or-miss, but still rideable if you're flexible.

Scenery? Unreal. Picture golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, tiny surf towns, and epic sunsets. It’s one of those places where just being there feels like part of the adventure.

Travel’s easy. The country’s small and road-trippable, making it perfect for a coast-hopping kite mission. Plus, it’s pretty affordable if you skip the tourist traps and go local.

Cons: the Atlantic is cold — even in summer. A 4/3 wetsuit is standard, sometimes more up north. No boardshorts here unless you’re a polar bear. Outside summer, wind can be less consistent. You might get skunked a day or two, so bring patience or a surfboard just in case.

Some spots depend on tides, especially lagoons. You’ll need to plan around water levels, and a few locations require a bit of trekking with your gear.

In remote areas, don’t expect fancy kite centers. It’s often DIY, so come prepared. And on busy beaches, watch out for swimmers and keep your launch/land game clean.