North Portugal Overview

West Portugal offers a fantastic option for families, just a few hours from the UK and most major European cities. With fantastic conditions for a range of abilities, amazing luxury accommodation, beautiful landscapes, rich historical sites and a range of other activities for everyone to enjoy, West Portugal has it all.

The area is home to the Lima River that gives the area a rich natural beauty with green countryside and a rugged coastline. Head north from Porto and discover impressive scenery and excellent conditions and fantastic wind - catering towards a wide range of skill levels. The best spot in the region is the area of Cabedelo where the quiet waters of the Lima River meet the more challenging Atlantic waters and the harbour of Viana do Castelo provides the perfect windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions.

Kitesurfing In North Portugal

The area of Cabedelo beach is slowly rising through the ranks as one of the best places in the world to learn to kitesurf. Here large breakwaters protect the entrance to the port of Viana do Castelo, providing flat water, while good waves can be found further down the bay. The best winds prevail during the summer months between May and September. The wind is normally light in the mornings, picking up nicely for beginners during lunch time and increasing in strength towards the afternoon with late afternoons being the best time for advanced kitesurfers to take to the water.

The Wind In North Portugal

This area of Portugal is said to provide the most consistent wind in the whole country. Thermal by nature, the wind is prevalent throughout the summer months, building throughout the day, although it is not uncommon to have great wind from after breakfast right through until sunset! The thermal winds are accompanied by clear skies and warm temperatures - making this watersports haven!

The wind blows side shore and the natural horseshoe shape at the area of Viana do Castelo means you can't really get yourself into trouble. That said lifeguards are on duty and during the summer months a rescue boat is available, free of charge, in case you need help.

Things To Do

Great for families and non-sporting partners this region of Portugal offers a relaxing atmosphere where you can truly kick off your shoes and get back to nature. The beaches call for lazy days spent tanning, swimming and chilling with a good book or, if you do want to get out and get active, this area of Portugal provides visitors with many activities to enjoy both on and off the water, from SUPing adventures, to fishing excursions, surfing, sailing, trail running, hiking and mountain biking - you can do it all! The area is also rich in history with amazing architecture, with port cities and fishing villages just waiting to be explored. The local Douro valley area also makes fantastic wines, while a number of great restaurants and taverns serve delicious cuisine to cater for all tastes.