Where and when to go kitesurfing in Europe
Best kitesurf spots in Europe
The geography of places for kitesurfing in Europe is incredibly large. Starting from the most popular and easily accessible places, ending with some exotic destinations. It can be mainland or an island, any way you will find a spot where you can ride. All of it depends on the wind season, as in each country it starts at different times of the year.
Here we will post descriptions of kite spots from all over Europe. And we try to be useful for you in choosing schools and camps for kite traveling.
Important: Given the still difficult travel situation in the world in 2022, check separately the possibility of going to a particular country, its regions, and local outdoor spots for you before the trip on the official tourist and other sites.
Kitesurfing Destinations in Europe by month
Best kitesurfing spots in Europe for beginners
1) Tarifa, Spain
The most southern part of Spain on the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Mediterranean sea and the Atlantic ocean. This is the famous "capital of the winds" – Tarifa. Only 16 km separate Europe and Africa here.
Ideal conditions for extreme sports — strong winds, waves, sandy beaches and fast current. During the Levante, wind blows from the east and during the Poniente wind blows from the west. Two main areas for kitesurfing in the vicinity of Tarifa:
— a long wide beach Playa de Los Lances (DOS Mares), where both beginners and professionals can ride
— a smaller beach is Valdevaqueros, with excellent conditions for kiting regardless of the wind direction.
Season: All year
Wind: 4-20 m/s
Working wind directions: W, SW, E
Kite sizes: all
Poniente time: 10-15
Levante time: 6-10
Depth: >1m
Water conditions:
— When poniente: 1-2m
— When levante: chop
Wind speed forecast in Tarifa
Tarifa, Spain. Photo: Vidar Nordli-Mathisen / Unsplash
2) Almanarre, France
One of the main spots for kitesurfing in France is the Almanarre beach. The peninsula is called Giens and it is 5 km long. Popular among kitesurfers from France, it also attracts riders from all over the world because you can ride on a long sandy beach and with stable wind conditions here.
Season: May - October
Wind: 7-13 m/s
Working wind directions: E, SE, SSE, S, W, WNW, NW
Kite sizes: 9-15
Depth: 0,5-1,5 m
Water conditions: Chop
Wind speed forecast on Almanarre
Almanarre, France. Photo: Julien Rougeron / Unsplash
3) St. Peter-Ording, Germany
Saint Peter-Ording is located on the biggest beach in Germany (2 km wide and 12 km long). Saint Peter-Ording is situated on a peninsula and has a lot of various spots for all weather conditions. There are shoal lagoons for learners, flat water spots for freestyle riders and wave spots for pro-riders.
Season: March - October
Wind: 6-13 m/s
Working wind directions: SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW
Kite sizes: 9-15m
Depth: >1m
Water conditions: Chop, waves 1-3m
Wind speed forecast on St. Peter-Ording
St.Peter-Ording. Photo: Toby Christopher / Unsplash
4) Brouwersdam, Netherlands
Zeeland is the sunniest place in the Netherlands. A lot of kitesurfers come to these beaches every year for the good weather conditions. The beaches of the North sea with a length of 60 kilometers give the opportunity to engage in water sports. The most popular places In Zeeland suitable for kitesurfing are Vrouwenpolder (in the lagoon at high tide) and Brouwersdam.
Season: May - October
Wind: 6-13 m/s
Working wind directions: SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW
Kite sizes: 9-15
Depth: 0,5-1,5m
Water conditions: Small wave
Water conditions: Chop, waves 1-3m
Wind speed forecast on Brouwersdam
Brouwersdam, Netherlands. Photo: Israel Gil / Unsplash
5) Sicilia, Italy
Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean sea, it has warm weather and a large flat shoal lagoon. Flat and shoal water makes it a unique place in Italy for beginners to learn quickly. The wind blows more than 300 days a year and you will be kiting very often.
Season: May - September
Wind: 9-14 m/s
Working wind directions: N, NNE, W, WNW, NW, NNW
Kite sizes: 10-15m
Depth: 0,5-1m
Water conditions: Flat, little chop
Wind speed forecast on Sicily
Sicilia, Italy. Photo: Petr Slováček / Unsplash
6) Rhodes, Greece
Prasonisi is a Peninsula in the southern part of Rhodes. The area for kiting is narrowed by Rhodes on one side and by Prasonisi - on the other. On one side of the spit there is the Aegean sea and on the other - the Mediterranean sea.
On the Aegean side - the pressure of wind and waves. Waves are with large intervals of flat between them, they are chaotic and very exhausting.
On the Mediterranean side, there’s wringing wind and flat. In summer the wind blows every day, it is called Meltemi. The wind is weak in the morning, stronger in the evening. At the beginning of the season take light wind equipment, but in high season and early autumn you will need small size kites.
Season: May - September
Wind: 5-18 m/s
Working wind directions: N, NW, NNW
Kite sizes: 7-17m
Depth: <1m
Water conditions: flat, waves
Wind speed forecast on Rhodes, Greece
Rhodes, Greece. Photo: Natalie Sym / Unsplash
7) Poole Harbour, United Kingdom
There are 2 main beaches for kiting:
— The “Duck Pond” works best on anR NW wind because the wind funnels down the river from Exeter and cleans up as it comes down the estuary. The main sailing area is sheltered by a sandbank at low tide, this keeps the swell at bay and provides excellent flat water conditions.
— The seafront. Wind Works best in S, SE and ESE. This is when the clean wind comes in off the sea and is onshore. SW works usually but is gusty. The main sailing area is sheltered by a massive sandbank which keeps the swell at bay and provides excellent flat water conditions.
Season: all year
Wind: 5-18 m/s
Working wind directions: NW
Kite sizes: 7-17 m
Depth: 0,5 - 1m
Water conditions: flat, little chop
Wind speed forecast on Poole Harbour
Poole Harbour, United Kingdom. Photo: uniqsurface / Unsplash
8) Gokova, Turkey
Gökova Bay is located in the west of Turkey and surrounded by the warm and clear Aegean Sea. For unknown reasons, this spot is one of the most unpopular in Europe which means there is no huge traffic. Along the entire length of the bay (3 kilometers) there is a small chop. A steady thermal wind blows every evening.
9) Spain, Fuerteventura
Spot Sotavento is located in the southern part of Fuerteventura island, on the Jandia Peninsula. This Spanish island is located in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. The weather is nice all year and if you don't have wind for kiting, you have waves for surfing and other activities. Anyway, you can see amazing mountain landscapes and always enjoy wonderful views.
Season: All year
Wind: 15-20 m/s
Working wind directions: N, NE
Kite sizes: 5-10m
Depth: >1m
Water conditions: Сhop
Wind speed forecast on Fuerteventura
Spain, Fuerteventura. Photo: Unsplash
10) La Garda, Italy
In Italy at Lake Garda strong winds blow all 12 months. Onshore wind, called Peler, blows in the morning and offshore wind, called Ora, blows from afternoon until sunset.
Around the lake, there are many spots for kiting and sailing. On the eastern side the most popular spots are Malcesine, Campagnola with a stone beach and Navene with a special beach for launching and a parking area. Conditions are always great, but there are some restrictions in relation to the time and area for kiting – so learn about it before you go on water.
Season: All year
Wind: 4-15 m/s
Working wind directions: SW, NE
— SW before 10:30 am, more than 10 m/s
— NE after 2 pm, less than 10 m/s
Kite sizes: All
Depth: >1m
Water conditions: Little chop
Wind speed forecast on La Garda
La Garda, Italy. Photo: Giovesoft / Unsplash
Best kitesurf schools for beginners in Europe
Kitesurfing is a fast developing sport and there are many kite schools out there, so we recommend choosing it carefully. All these kite schools are accredited by the International Kiteboarding Organization. After learning in these schools, the students will get their riding level certified and will have access to the vCard, the official kiteboarding certification, recognized by the IKO Community in more than 60 countries.
Rene-Egli, Fuerteventura, Spain
Private lessons (2 hours): 210 euro
Semi-private lessons, 2 people (3 hours): 170 euro (in high season - 185 euro)
Group lessons, 4 people (3 hours): 120 euro (in high season - 135 euro)
Website | Instagram
Rene- Egli, Spain. Photo: Vidar Nordli-Mathisen / Unsplash
KTS, Tarifa, Spain
Private lesson (1 hour): 60 euro
Semi-private lesson (1 hour): 35 euro
Group lesson (3 hours): 70 euro
Website | Instagram
KTS, Tarifa, Spain. Photo: Vidar Nordli-Mathisen / Unsplash
SkyHigh watersports center in Sardinia, Italy
Private lesson (1 hour): 60 euro
Semi-private lesson (1 hour): 40 euro
Group lesson (1 hour): 30 euro
Website | Instagram
Sardinia, Italy. Photo: Massimo Virgilio / Unsplash
Kites angels beach, Marina di Grosseto, Italy
Private lesson (6 hour): 390 euro
Semi-private lesson (6 hour): 280 euro
Group lesson (6 hour): 280 euro
WebsiteInstagram
Marina di Grosseto, Italy. Photo: Ludovic Charlet / Unsplash
Sicily Kite School Stagnone Marsala, Sicily, Italy
Private lesson (1 hour): 80 euro
Semi-private lesson (theory + 5 hours practice): 330 euro
Website
Sicily Kite School Stagnone. Photo: Marsala, Sicily Camille Minouflet / Unsplash
Surf Club Keros, Limnos, Greece
Private lesson (1 hour): 70 euro
Semi-private lesson (1 hour): 50 euro
Group lesson (1 hour): 45 euro
Website | Instagram
Limnos, Greece. Photo: George Tseganis / Unsplash
Mikri Vigla beach, Naxos, Greece
Private lesson (1 hour): 70 euro
Semi-private lesson (1 hour): 40 euro
Website | Instagram
Mikri Vigla beach, Naxos, Greece. Photo: Chris Barbalis / Unsplash
Paros Kite Pro Center, Paros, Greece
Private lesson (1 hour): 110 euro
Semi-private lesson (3 hours): 180 euro
Website | Instagram
Paros Kite Pro Center, Paros, Greece. Photo: Raimond Klavins / Unsplash
KiteStyle, Jastarnia, Poland
Private lesson (4 hours): 120 euro
Group lesson (4 hours): 90 euro
Website | Instagram
KiteStyle, Jastarnia, Poland. Photo: Piotr Musioł / Unsplash
Banana kite&surf, Chałupy, Poland
Private lesson (1 hour): 45 euro
Semi-private lesson (1 hour): 36 euro
Website | Instagram
Chalupy, Poland. Photo: Magda V / Unsplash
Best kite camps for beginners in Europe
Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Spain
Duration: 1 week
Price: 485 euro (low season – 455 euro)
Website
Price includes:
- 7 nights accommodation in Lanzarote
- Transportation to the beach from the kite center in Famara
- Kiteboarding lessons at Famara beach (theory and practical) for 4 days, 3 hours/day (total 12h)
- All kitesurfing equipment (Kites, boards, harness, helmets, life vest, wetsuit etc)
- Radio-assisted classes, you will be in contact with the instructor at all times, including in the water
- Senior IKO Instructors
- IKO Kiteboarder Card with level certification
- Low student/teacher ratio (max. 4 students per instructor)
- Insurance during kite lessons (civil liability)
Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Spain. Photo: Santtu Perkiö / Unsplash
2) Kitesurf camp in Portugal (Obidos lagoon, Peniche)
Duration: 1 week
Price: 499 euro
Website
Price includes:
- 12h Semi-private Kiteboarding lessons (2 students/instructor)
- Nights accommodation in private room at the lagoon
- Full kitesurf equipment and insurance during the lessons
- Boat rescue
- IKO certificate
- Other weekly activities (volleyball, dinners, …)
Obidos lagoon, Peniche. Photo: Edgar Almeida / Unsplash
SKYHIGH Kitesurfing Camp in Sardinia, Italy
Duration: 1 week
Price: 490 euro
Website
Price includes:
- club membership fee
- accommodation in apartments in Villarios
- kitesurfing group classes, 3h per day
- airport transfer, both ways
- 2 transfers per day (to and from our sports center) + 2 trips to a supermarket
- rescue
- stand up paddle boards
- 1 wakeboarding session with a motorboat
- resident care
- photos from the camp
Sardinia, Italy. Photo: Michaela / Unsplash
Best spots in Europe for Advanced kitesurfers:
Tarifa, Spain
From the mountains of Tarifa to the Strait of Gibraltar stream two rivers and they flow in the middle of the beach of Los Lances. At high tide, a small lagoon forms and makes a great place for Pro riders. If there is no tide, it is possible to choose from several spots on the beaches Valdevaqueros, La Costa, Punta Paloma.
Season: all year
Wind: 4-20 m/s
Working wind directions: W, SW, E
Kite sizes: all
— When poniente: 10-15
— When levante: 6-10
Depth: >1m
Water conditions:
— When poniente: 1-2m
— When levante: Chop
Wind speed forecast on Tarifa
Tarifa, Spain. Photo: Miguel Sinisterra / Unsplash
Fuerteventura, Sotavento
When we look at the map, we see that Fuerte is part of the African continent, but in reality, it is one of the 7 Canary Islands. Spot Sotavento got big popularity when 30 years ago locals began to hold competitions with Professional Windsurfing Association. The spot started to develop instantly and now is popular not only with windsurfers but with kitesurfers equally. For all riders there is a great infrastructure.
Season: All year
Wind: 15-20 m/s
Working wind directions: N, NE
Kite sizes: 5-10m
Depth: >1m
Water conditions: Chop
Wind speed forecast on Fuerteventura
Fuerteventura, Sotavento. Photo: Santiago Lacarta / Unsplash
Prasonisi, Rhodes, Greece
Prasonisi – a sandy isthmus between two seas, the Mediterranean and the Aegean. The spot has proven itself to be a good place for kitesurfing due to stable wind conditions. On one sandy spit two zones for different styles of riding are located.
Season: May - September
Wind: 5-18 m/s
Working wind directions: N, NW, NNW
Kite sizes: 7-17m
Depth: <1m
Water conditions: Flat, waves
Wind speed forecast on Prasonisi
Every year, thousands of water sports enthusiasts from all over the world come to Europe's beaches to practice kitesurfing. Wind, water, sun: Europe is the perfect place to enjoy kiteboarding. Be careful and ride with pleasure.
You can monitor the wind in real time on live wind map.
Text: Windy.app team
Cover photo: Unsplash
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