Where should you plan your next kiteboarding trip? We’ve got you covered with the best kiteboarding locations for your next vacation.
If you’ve noticed yourself zoning out at work lately or spending all your time scrolling through WindAlert while fantasizing about a salty beach somewhere, it may be time to get out of town. Whether the wind has dried up in your neck of the woods or you’re simply itching for a tropical vacation, an exotic kiteboarding trip can be the perfect way to reset your kiting chi.
Fortunately, the globe is covered in amazing kitesurfing spots that offer consistent wind throughout the year, along with sunny beaches and gorgeous sunsets. To help you plan the perfect kiting vacation, we’ve put together a list of the best locations worldwide so you can get started on your next adventure.
Best Kiteboarding in Europe
Tarifa, Spain
Tarifa Spain kiteboarding
Photo credit: Karan Jain
With white-sand beaches and a remarkable 300-plus windy days per year, Tarifa has long been dubbed the kitesurfing capital of Europe. Composed of a series of kiting beaches that stretch for more than 6 miles along the southern tip of Spain’s Costa de la Luz, the destination claims some of the most consistently windy, kite-able days of anywhere on the planet. The town itself is full of charming cobbled streets and Spanish flair overlooking the Strait of Gibralter.
There are two types of winds that blow at Tarifa: Poniente, which comes in from the west, and Levante, which blows from the east. Poniente is a cross-onshore wind and is by far the better, more consistent wind of the two. The conditions make it more beginner-friendly (although intermediate and advanced riders will find plenty to love too). Levante, by contrast, is much stronger and gustier, blowing offshore and cross-offshore. If you’re considering going out in Levante, you’ll need to purchase rescue boat tokens — if they have to come and get you without tokens, it will cost $150.
Tarifa Quick Stats
Windy season: Apr to Oct (peak Jun to Aug)
Wind speed: Poniente: 10 to 30 mph; Levante: 20 to 45 mph
Wind direction: Poniente: cross-onshore; Levante: offshore/cross-offshore
Air temperature: 77 to 86 degrees F
Water temperature: 68 degrees F
Rider level: Beginner to advanced
Attractions: Scuba diving, standup paddleboarding, mountain biking, surfing, horseback riding, castles, ruins, migrating birds, whale watching, Mediterranean food, nightlife
Hazards: Rocks
Leucate, France
Every year, the French seaside village of Leucate hosts the Mondial Du Vent. The big event occurs in April when gusts are the strongest, but you can find fantastic, consistent wind throughout the year. The town is situated on the northern tip of the Étang de Leucate lagoon. During the summer months, the beach offers a dedicated kite zone with a free campground, cozy beach bars, and a handful of kite schools.
When you’re not kiting, you can climb the hillside to the lighthouse on Cap Leucate to catch a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea all the way to the Spanish border. The town is famous for oysters (watch the oyster beds in the lagoon), and during the evenings, tourists flock to its quaint outdoor bistros.
The main wind in Leucate is the Tramontane which blows in from the northwest carrying very strong offshore winds. This wind is best for more advanced riders, bringing exceptional freestyle conditions. The Marin offers lighter, more beginner-friendly winds that come in cross-onshore from the southeast (though they sometimes can bring waves up to 6 feet).
Leucate Quick Stats
Windy season: Year-round; best Jul to Oct (summer) and Mar to Apr (winter)
Wind speed: Tramontane: 17 to 31 mph (up to 46 mph in winter); Marin: lighter
Wind direction: Tramontane: offshore (boat rescue); Marin: cross-onshore
Air temperature: 77 to 81 degrees F (summer); 58 to 64 degrees F (winter)
Water temperature: 70 to 77 degrees F (summer); 51 to 53 degrees F (winter)
Rider level: Beginner to advanced
Attractions: Jet skiing, scuba diving, sand yachting, standup paddleboarding, wakeboarding, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, tennis, paragliding, whitewater rafting, golfing, biking, aquatic park, nature walks
Hazards: Oyster beds