THE LOWDOWN
Viana do Castelo is the perfect spot for everyone wanting to connect with nature and sports, a charming village, surrounded by nature, with great gastronomy and good wines. Its strong ties with river and sea have turned Viana do Castelo into a nautical city with a huge natural, cultural and archaeological heritage. If you´re a kiteboarder, Viana do Castelo, in particular the Cabedelo beach, is the perfect option. Great weather, great wind conditions, approximately three hours’ flight time from most of Europe, there’s a whole lot of culture and many other activities to enjoy at FeelViana.
KITING SET UP
The Cabedelo Beach has extraordinary natural features for kitesurfing that make it the perfect spot for all levels of rider. These features were acknowledged as the beach hosted the 2018 GKA Kite-Surf World Tour that brought the world’s best riders to Viana do Castelo.
This beach has three distinct areas: one, by the pier, more protected and with flat water; another, in front of the FeelViana Water Center, with side shore wind and finally, south from the bay, a third area with onshore wind.
Cabedelo Beach is also home to Portugal’s largest water sports center. This beach structure is the go-to spot for all riders because of its unique conditions and the quality and variety of the equipment available for rental. This is also the reason why it is the perfect spot for those looking to improve their kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, wingfoiling or SUP skills. Why? Because you will have a safe experience and the help of experienced, certified instructors.
WHEN IS BEST TO GO?
The wind season is from the end of April until the end of September, with consistent wind that benefits from a thermal effect, which considerably increases its velocity, compared to forecasts. Wind usually starts at noon and blows until sunset in a northwest direction, at a 16 to 35 knots speed. From April to September the average speed between noon and 6pm is 25 knots.
NO WIND?
If there is little wind, it is the ideal time to try foiling or enjoy a good session in the cable park or do one of the mountain or road bike routes. They have designed numerous routes that adapt to all tastes and physical fitness and that will allow you to enjoy the wonderful natural environment that surrounds the spot. Although, if you cannot live out of the water, why not try a surf course at the school for even more water-based fun! Besides the sports activities, there are also moments of pure relaxation at the spa.
