Kitesurfing or kiteboarding is an extreme watersport that is relatively new and has its roots in the south of France.
Although the Portuguese are not as keen on kitesurfing as they are on other water sports such as surfing and bodysurfing, Portugal has some of the best spots in Europe to kitesurf. With more than 1,500 kilometers of coastline and waves and winds from the North Atlantic Ocean, it is no wonder that there are several places offering perfect conditions to practice this sport.
In this post, I will guide you through the best kitesurfing spots near Lisbon and give you the contact information of the top-rated schools in the area in case you want to learn kitesurfing from zero or enhance your techniques.
Best places to kiteboard
Costa da Caparica belongs to the municipality of Setúbal but it’s only 20 minutes away from Lisbon and has great connections. Its privileged location offers a 26 kilometer coastline with wonderful waves and strong winds all year around. There are several routes from Lisbon to reach this wonderful place. You can find buses in Alcântara, Areeiro, Campo Pequeno and Marqûes de Pombal.
Guincho beach is located in Cascais along the Portuguese Riviera. It is popular for its strong winds and powerful waves so it is a well known destination for surfers, windsurfers and of course, kitesurfers. It is only half an hour away from Lisbon and the bus route M15 from Cascais station will leave you at Guincho beach quickly.
Lagoa de Albufeira is the farthest away from Lisbon but the 45-minute trip to reach it will be worth it. It also belongs to Setúbal Municipality just south of Lisbon, and although it’s not a beach but a lagoon that flows into the ocean, it’s paradise for kitesurfers. While the lagoon is more suitable for kitesurfing beginners, the beach of Lagoa de Albufeira offers huge waves and strong breezes ideal for experienced kitesurfers.
Kitesurfing schools
Katavento is just over the bridge in Costa da Caparica, this school has over 20 years experience teaching kitesurfing and stand up paddle. You can get a 90-minute “baptism” class if this is your first time trying kitesurfing, you can buy a regular course of 10 hours to learn the techniques and you can also enjoy private lessons if you prefer to have a trainer for yourself.
All the equipment is included in their prices and their instructors are certified. Furthermore, they guarantee that their methods follow the indications of official national and international sports associations. You can visit their website to book a class and read more information about them or find them in Praia da Bela Vista in Costa da Caparica.
Prices start at 60 euros for the “Baptism” class and go to 400 euros for the full 10-hour class.
You can see all the fees here.
Kitesurf Adventures is located in Sintra, close to Guincho, but depending on the weather conditions, their classes can be held in Guincho beach, Costa da Caparica or Lagoa de Albufeira. They offer beginner and intermediate courses as well as courses focused on specific techniques and all of their courses include equipment and insurance.
Kitesurf Adventures is one of the few schools in Lisbon that offers lessons for children (9 years old and above) and teenagers and an amazing “multiwater” pack in which you will experience in 8 hours (split in 3 or 4 days) the three watersports that they teach: kitesurf, surf and stand up paddle.
Group lessons start at 65 euros per person for groups of four and go up to 510 euros for private lessons. You can see details here.
About the author:
Mónica Da Silva was born in Venezuela but her parents and grandparents are Portuguese. She’s a teacher and translator. Mónica lived in Bonn, Germany for six months and has been in Lisbon for three years.
She speaks Spanish, Portuguese, English, French and a bit of German.
Read more of Mónica’s posts for Dispatches here.
Read more about Lisbon and Portugal in our Dispatches archives
See Mónica’s list of Portugal’s best music festivals here.
See more about kitesurfing here.
Mónica da Silva is half-Venezuelan, half Portuguese and has lived in Venezuela, Portugal, Spain and Germany. She has studies linguistics and has a Bachelor’s Degree in European Studies. Besides contributing to Dispatches, she works remotely as an English teacher, which allows her to be on the move as often as she wants.
