The Traveller's Magazine
The popularity of sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing is seeing new spots to enjoy these sports popping up all over the world. Surfing enthusiasts will certainly want to check out these windy spots for their next thrilling holiday.
This post is purely for kitesurfers and windsurfers who are tempted to spend their holidays catching the next best wave and of course for those who have never set foot on a board but are dying to have a go at a sport that’s as exciting as it is exhilarating.
There’s no shortage of offers on the internet offering all-inclusive trips for those wanting to learn to kitesurf or windsurf. Typically offers include a return flight, accommodation for a week and an introductory course at a club with a tutor and equipment rental.
- Advice for newbies: first, take a look at this video for a good introduction on the difference between the two sports.
Australia, Vietnam, Brazil, Dominican Republic… there are so many places on the other side of the world that are dream destinations for kitesurfing and windsurfing enthusiasts. We’ve chosen five of the best rated that are closer to home and accessible with pretty cheap flight tickets.
Dakhla – Western Sahara
This is perhaps the spot that most European kitesurfers dream about visiting. It’s located along the Atlantic Coast in the Western Sahara just south of Morocco. Imagine a place where the water is 25° practically year-round! Windsurfers and kitesurfers from all over Europe take refuge down here when the northern waters are too cold for comfort.
- Royal Air Maroc provides Dakhla flights with a stopover in Morocco.
Red Sea
In Egypt, the Red Sea has exceptional conditions for kitesurfing most of the year and the water is almost always warm. Each resort has its own sports club. Hamata, Hurghada, Safaga… it’s really up to you which one you choose. Kitesurfing conditions are pretty similar throughout the region so it really depends what type of trip you’re after (off the beaten path or one with a more tourist amenities).
Canary Islands
Another favourite, the Canary Islands are one of the most popular spots for these high-speed sports. The reason? It’s windy, very windy, just about every day of the year. The tourism offices put kitesurfing and windsurfing at the tops of their lists of things to do in the Canary Islands. Lanzarote, Tenerife and Fuerteventura are all fab choices for practising these sports.
Portugal
Portugal is one of the best places to surf in Europe. Maybe you’ve already heard of Nazare Canyon where the world’s highest wave was recorded… we couldn’t believe one surfer was there to catch this massive wave!
Viana Do Castelo and the Peniche peninsula are among the best spots, just ask any local surfer. It’s hard to tell which spot is the best because the wind and waves are so varied but kitesurfing and windsurfing are popular along almost the entire coast.
- Find a flight to Lisbon.
Corsica
Of course France is just across the Channel and has some fab spots to kitesurf and windsurf along the Atlantic Coast but also in the Mediterranean, in Corsica for example. This is arguably the most beautiful place to kitesurf in Europe. Right, don’t take our word for it, this video is proof enough!
Have you ever taken a kitesurfing holiday? Take your pick from any of these spots on this kitesurf world map and go! This is just a taste of what you can do after a little bit of training…
