Spain is one of the most popular wind sports destinations in Europe. Thanks to warm water and air temperature, the beach season here is very long. Also, Spain doesn't have a windy season; it is quite windy all year round. Kitesurfers and windsurfers love thermal winds from Africa during the summer and strong storm winds in the winter. Generally, the wind is more consistent from April through October, but also keep in mind that it coincides with high tourist season, and beaches can get crowded.
Tarifa in Andalusia is the top destination for kitesurfing in Spain, often called the kiting capital of Europe. Due to its unique location, you can kitesurf and windsurf here all year round. In the summer, Tarifa gets warm and dry Levante wind blowing from 20 to 50 knots. In the winter, Poniente wind comes from the west blowing from 10 to 25 knots. Even though it's not as strong as summer wind, it is really constant.
Tarifa has many beaches dedicated to wind sports, so there is plenty of space for everyone. Los Lances (La Jaima), Rio Jara Laguna, the famous Valdevaqueros, and Punta Paloma are the most popular places in the area, all of them located northwest of Tarifa. To explore Southern Spain a bit more, travel to Los Caños de Meca praised for strong Levante wind. Another spot is Conil, 65 km (40 mi) from Tarifa, with a beautiful flat lagoon perfect for beginners. Advanced riders kitesurf in the sea.
On the north-eastern end, kitesurfers flock to The Bay of Roses in the Costa Brava. Sant Pere Pescador is the leading kitesurfing destination there featuring the strong Tramuntana wind from the Pyrenees and thermal winds in the summer months. On the eastern coast around Valencia, Denia and Oliva beaches have decent winds over the summer blowing for 16-20 knots.
If you are able to travel to the Canary Islands, you can definitely find plenty of renowned kiting spots there. Famara Beach in Lanzarote, Flag Beach and Sotavento in Fuerteventura, and El Medano in Tenerife to name but a few.
Spain doesn't lack ideal windsurfing spots. Windsurfers call the Canary Islands "the Hawaii of Europe" due to strong year-round trade winds. Gran Canaria is home to many windsurfing champions. On the southern coast of Spain, the most famous locations are Tarifa and Cadiz that receive thermal winds of the Mediterranean. The south-eastern province of Murcia boasts numerous Costa Cálida beaches. It has ideal conditions to learn windsurfing. El Ejido in the south-east (Almería), Praia Da Lanzada in the north-west (Pontevedra), and Pollensa (Pollença) on Majorca are also popular windsurfing destinations in Spain.
Practical info
When is the best season to visit Spain for kitesurfing and windsurfing?
To get the best kitesurfing or windsurfing experience in Spain when the consistent winds and warm temperature of both the water and air merge, plan your visit between April and October. But because it coincides with the country's peak tourism season, expect crowded beaches. Show more
Where are the best locations for kitesurfing and windsurfing in Spain?
Spain offers kitesurfing enthusiasts with some of the best locations worldwide, with Tarifa in Andalusia being a top destination known for year-round kiting and windsurfing due to its strategic location. Other places like Los Caños de Meca, Conil, The Bay of Roses - Costa Brava, and beaches surrounding Valencia are perfect for kitesurfing while Gran Canaria, Tarifa, Cadiz, Murcia, El Ejido, Praia Da Lanzada, and Pollensa - Majorca are ideal for windsurfing. Show more
What kind of winds can kitesurfers and windsurfers expect in Tarifa during the summer and winter?
Tarifa receives warm and dry Levante wind blowing at 20-50 knots during summer for kitesurfing and windsurfing enthusiasts, whereas Poniente winds come from the west during winter at around 10-25 knots, not as forceful as summer but more uniform. With several beaches in Tarifa catering to wind sports, there's enough room for everyone. Other Spanish beaches with specific wind-types also abound. Show more
What are some other popular activities to do in Tarifa besides kitesurfing and windsurfing?
Alongside kitesurfing and windsurfing, Tarifa offers beach-related recreational activities like swimming and sunbathing due to its lovely and pure-water beaches. Other activities include horseback riding, mountain cycling, cultural exploration of historical castles and Moorish-style architecture, night-time events that make Tarifa's Andalusian nightlife unique. Show more
Are there any places in Spain that are ideal for beginners to learn kitesurfing and windsurfing?
In Spain, there are various ideal locations for beginners to learn the craft of kitesurfing or windsurfing. Places like Conil have beautiful flat lagoons that are perfect kitesurfing training locations. In contrast, Murcia provides an optimal foundation for windsurfing basics. There are professional services, including training, equipment rentals, and experienced trainers, to guide new learners at their comfortable pace. Show more
