Top 25 best kitesurfing destinations in Europe

With over 60000 km of European coastline to explore, you may need some advice on where to spend your next kitesurfing trip and which campings are on the spot or near. Our blog starts in the most southern point of Europe “Tarifa” and we’ll go as north as Klaipeda in Lithuania. Some islands are included (Sardinia, Sicily) as well. So go where the wind takes you (the wind season differs per destination) and have a great kite-surf-camping-trip.We received a lot of input via Facebook, by email and from (new) friends and processed it as much as possible. New spots are always welcome! 

So if you fancy kite surfing European style, any of the spots below are well worth a visit. The list starts in the European kite capital Tarifa, and works its way up north through Europe country by country.

Tarifa

“European kite capital”, “the kite metropolis of Europe”, we’ve only seen superlatives so far for this most southern point village of Europe which often hosts GKA Kite World Cup events. The Straits of Gibraltar forms a natural funnel delivering strong winds, waves and a fast current. Hop on a flight to one of the nearby airports of Gibraltar (45 min), Jerez (90min) or Malaga (1h45) or take your car or camper along a scenic route through Extremadura or along the coast. 10km of great sandy beach awaits you from April to November (less busy April-June and September-November). Two main areas for kitesurfing near Tarifa: the long wide beach Playa de Los Lances and the smaller Valdevaqueros Beach which has great kiting conditions regardless of the direction of the wind, and according to what we are told from one of the best kitesurf schools in Tarifa. Other top beaches are at Conil, El Palmar and Canos de Meca. Nearly 300 days of wind and sunshine each year, a hip & trendy fisherman’s village, Sevilla, Cordoba, Jerez, and Cadiz are all nearby, this is your kitesurfing holiday destination! Looking for a cool place to stay on Valdevaqueros Beach: Tangana Bungalows has surfer style bungalows just off the beach.

El Médano, Tenerife

With charter flights from almost every main airport in Europe, Tenerife (Canary Islands) is easy to reach. The island is not only easy to reach, it offers a great climate year-round, superb cuisine and lots, lots of wind making it one of the best kite spots in Europe. The El Médano bay is close to Tenerife Airport and suitable for all levels of riders. Winds are strongest and most reliable in the summer, but with average temperatures above 20˚C all year round, winter, spring and autumn are more relaxed and almost as good. For lessons or equipment hire head to Kite & Surf Center Playa Sur in El Médano, a family business founded in 1980. They have plenty of sails of each size (three times as many sails as available boards) already rigged up!

Never considered camping on the Canaries? Well, head to Camping Nauta for large swimming pools, quirky green bungalows, tennis courts and sports field.

Praia do Guincho (Cascais)

If you fancy combining kiting with some great culture, food and city life, then head to Praia do Guincho which is only a 30min drive from Lisbon and less than 15min to the old town centre of Cascais. The Praia do Guincho the impressive Atlantic beach is bordered by cliffs and forests, a truly spectacular place to visit. The locals are laid-back, the food is superb and the winds build a big swell. Heads up to all kitesurfers: this beach is for the better and experienced surfers. The waves can be high (and we mean “high”) and a wetsuit is recommended as the Atlantic waters stay pretty cool. Camping in Cascais? You betcha! Camping Guincho Orbitur rents pitches and mobile homes have a great pool area and sports a tennis court.

Peniche

Picture long sandy beaches, surfing, sardines, and Supertubos (formerly known as Medão Grande), you’re in Peniche, mainland Europe’s westernmost city. Often named Portugal’s surf capital, Peniche is a great place for beginners (with plenty of kite schools) as well as a host of the MEO Rip Curl Portugal at Supertubos. A yearly event where the world’s best surfers race for the title.

Peniche is a year-round destination, July and August can be busy but waves are a bit gentler, so good for learning how to kite. The old town of Peniche is a picturesque place. Many bars and cafes are centred around Largo da Ribeira near the Fortaleza (fort) of Peniche. Go camping, go to the hip Urban Art Camping close to the Pedras Muitas beach.

Leucate

Plage Les Coussoules and Plage La Franqui form a 10km stretch of superb sandy beach right on the Languedoc-Roussillon coast some 36km from Perpignan. Leucate is a renowned kitesurfing destination and hosts the annual Mondial Du Vent competition in April. Head down there in springtime (March-April) or autumn (September-October) when the beach is less crowded and yours to feel the full excitement when the Tramontana wind gets up. No Tramontana no worry, the wind here blows for around 300 days per year. As this is Southern France, you’re never too far from a great bar or top restaurant. Head to the village of La Franqui for a steak at Fish&Blues, a pizza at PizzAddict or great seafood at L’Etang. After dinner, enjoy the terrace of your lodge at Viglamo Domaine Presqu'île de la Franqui or have a late-night drink and snack at trendy bar Le Kat. 

Lacanau, France

The Atlantic coast of France has many superb kiting. Lacanau, which is situated just west of Bordeaux is probably the best amongst them. Bordeaux is easily reached by car, plane (Bordeaux airport) or high-speed train and is one of the must-see cities in France. The surf activity is centred around the Plage Centrale and the Plage de la Grande Escoure which is on the Étang de Lacanau (lake) with warmer water and softer winds. Lacanau is a popular summer destination and has an abundance of good campings. This one is right on the Plage Nord (North Beach): Yelloh Camping Les Grands Pins

Hyères

If you’re a beginner then Almanarre Beach in Hyères is a great place to start your kite surfing career. The beach is part of the Giens peninsula and is 5km long. This is the Côte d'Azur and thus very popular among kitesurfers from France, and kiters and surfers from all over the world looking for long sandy beaches, shallow waters, good winds, a long season (May-October) and hotspots like Saint Tropez, Ramatuelle and Cavalaire not too far away. Toulon-Hyères airport is within easy reach. Campéole Camping Eurosurf is great camping right on the beach on the other side of the peninsula, opposite the Île de Porquerolles. Rent a mobile home, chalet or lodge tent and enjoy the sunshine!

Lake Garda (Torbole-Nago-Malcesine)

The northern part of the lake is a kite surfer Walhalla. It may not have the sandy beach but it does have strong winds blowing 12 months a year and breath-taking mountain scenery. Head to Navene for its dedicated kitesurfing beach, to the stone beach of Campagnola or the beach in Malcesine to enjoy the Peler (morning) or Ora (afternoon) winds. Check times/restrictions before you hit the water. Lake Garda is a popular tourist destination and the lakeside is dotted with campings, big and small. Camping Maroadi is top camping in Nago-Torbole and scores an 8.8/10. They rent chalets, mobile homes, apartments and pitches.  

Porto Pollo, Sardinia

Crystal clear turquoise water, nearby Maddalena Islands, strong winds blowing down from Corsica, seafood one day, pasta the other combined with delicious local wines. This is Sardinia. Porto Pollo on the northern shores of the Island, close to the Costa Smeralda has in recent days become a Geheimtipp (secret tip) amongst kitesurfers. The complex weather system with several winds that blow here throughout the year – Poniente, Tramontana, Scirocco – makes the season run from April right through to October. Porto Pollo is best reached by car (rental or your own) from one of the larger ports or airports (Alghero/Olbia). Camping Isola dei Gabbiani - Land of water is a hideaway camping in Palau. Book early to snap one of their lodges overlooking the sea. Other places to discover in Sardinia: La Caccia, La Cinta, Rena Majore, Valle Doria, Porto Botte and San Giovani Sinis. 

Marsala, Sicilia

Marsala in western Sicily is a great place for beginners. Masala has warm weather and a large flat shallow lagoon (Riserva Naturale dello Stagnone) which makes it a unique place for beginners. The wind blows more than 280 days a year, so pick a week and you’ll be a semi-pro after a week of lessons or trial-and-error. The season typically runs from May to September in southern Italy and when there don’t miss the other marvels this part of the island has to offer. Take a day trip to explore the temples of Agrigento and/or Selinunte or head north to Trapani and Erice or the marvellous beach of San Vito Lo Capo. Camping Biscione in Petrosino, just south of Marsala, rents luxury safari glamping tents for up to 6 people and has a superb restaurant (8.6 on TheFork).

Marina di Grosseto, Tuscany

Tuscany’s coast is dotted with great surf and kite destinations. Marina di Grosseto is probably the best and boosts long expanses of white sandy beach along the Tyrrhenian Sea. Picture the aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean and vast pine woods in the back. Marina di Grosseto is consistently awarded the "Bandiera Blu," the blue flag denoting the cleanliness of the beaches and water and the coastal town is pretty laid-back. This is the Maremma, one if the prettiest and most eco-friendly areas of Italy. Head to Kite’s Angel Beach right on the edge of the WWF oasis of San Felice for some great kiting, equipment rental, changing rooms and sunbeds. While in the area don’t forget to visit the pretty hill towns of Scansano (also noted for its wines), Pitigliano and Manciano. A plus for this resort: it has great camping. We particularly like Camping Village Le Marze which rents comfortable mobile homes, tents, glamping huts and pitches. 40km more to the south lies Talamone, which is known for the thermal NW wind of often more than 15 knots. In the beautiful bay, the wind comes from various directions, from gregale to sirocco wind and the latter is very popular with kiters. Talamone Camping Village is a great place to spend the holiday. 

Sylt

Sylt is a touristic hotspot and the place to show and to be seen during long summer nights. The island is part of the Frisian archipelago and has a great range of beaches, bars & restaurants and some of the best campings in northern Germany. Kiters and surfers flock to Sylt as the combination of reliable winds, shallow water and steady waves is a safe bet during the April to November season. Courses are available from Easter through to October while the GKA kite world tour has Sylt on the agenda for yet another year. Camping Westerland in Sylt-Ost is right in the dunes and close to the beach and rents mobile homes and pitches. On-site restaurant “die Osteria-S52 Seaside” has tasty pizzas and seafood.

St Peter Ording

The biggest beach in Germany (2km wide and 12km long) is situated on a peninsula in the Baltic Sea of Northern Friesland and offers a variety of surf & kite spots for all weather conditions. Don’t expect warm water and bring your appropriate wetsuit. One of the best things about this place is that when the kite surfing season kicks off (April-November), you don’t need to walk to the beach to get to the kite spots as all the beaches are accessible by car and parking is allowed. St Peter Ording is one of the most popular spots in Germany and is suitable for all levels of riders. With waves up to 2m, it can be challenging at times. But there are shallow lagoons for beginners too. There are plenty of campings in the area of St Peter Ording. Try the Meergrun Westkusten Lodge which has a great natural pool and a superb review score of 9.1

Fehmarn

Fehmarn, a popular German island just north of Lubeck and a short ferry ride from Denmark is quickly becoming one of the most popular Baltic Sea kite and surf destinations. A true kite and windsurfing walhalla. Fehmarn has been on the GKA kite world tour and attracts growing numbers of kiters and surfers to beaches. The best beaches are found in the southern part of the island, east and west of the Fehmarnsundbrücke. This is where you’ll find the many kitesurfing centres and rental stations as well. Camping on Fehmarn? Check out Camping Wulfener Hals which is close to the Südstrand (South Beach) where the World cup race is held. The camping is right in the middle of all the (kite)action and hosts various competitions and festivals.

Hayling Island

Hayling Island is a 1,5hr drive from London and a mere 40min drive from Southampton. It is one of the UK's finest spots and offers good conditions for intermediate and advanced kiters. Whatever the wind direction is, this place is flexible, so there’s always a beach and direction to kite on. Hayling Island also hosts the Kitesurfing Armada Festival (June), which has been voted Best UK Kitesurfing Event for 3 years in a row and the National Water Sports Festival (September). The festival vibe, great choice of campings and nice beach make this a top kite destination. Camping Fishery Creek is located right on the coast close to where the action is:  

Gower Peninsula

Broughton Bay’s sandy beach has small sand banks and a couple of shallow tidal lagoons. Watch out for rocks which are exposed by shifting sands. This spot is on the northwest tip of the Gower Peninsula in the south of Wales. Conditions here are best when a north, northwest or west wind is blowing and when the tide is low. The estuary to the north is known for its fast-flowing tides so don’t lose sight of the beach. As we’re in Wales don’t expect warm water and bring your wetsuit. Access to the beach is via the caravan park at Broughton Farm. Don’t park amongst the caravans, the farmer will block your car! A few kilometres down the road is Pitton Cross Caravan Park

Bamburgh Beach

Kilometres of long sandy beaches, impressive cliffs, an imposing 1000-year-old Bamburgh Castle, the “Holy Island” of Lindisfarne the pretty Farne Islands, kite spot Bamburgh Beach is a surfer's favourite amidst a great scenery. This kite spot offers good waves throughout the tide, but don’t forget you’re in the north of England, so bring your wetsuit as the water can be pretty cold. But hey, who cares when the sun is out and you’re kiting in such scenery; only a few places in Europe can compete with this stretch of coast where strong winds and a good surf are almost a guarantee and you may spot some great wildlife including dolphins and seals. If you’re a freestyler then you’ll want to kite the lagoon at 'Budle Bay' around high tide. Shallow in places and beware…currents can get strong. Some 4km from the beach on Northumberland Farm Featherdown has set us a dozen of great canvas 1-6p lodge tents.

Poole Harbour

Lots of kiting activities are happening around Bournemouth and especially its Poole Harbour area. There are 2 main beaches for kiting: The Duck Pond which is your best bet when there’s a northwest wind coming down the river from Exeter. The main kite area is sheltered by a sandbank, which at low tide keeps the swell down and flattens the water. Seafront, the second beach, works best with southern winds. Many surf & kite schools offer courses and lessons to improve on your game. Rockley Park camping rents affordable mobile homes and is located next door to the Rockley sailing training centre.

Brandon Bay

This West Coast spot is very impressive. Most sun hours and the best wind statistics are found here on the west coast As there are no “breakwaters” as far as Greenland, the waves have plenty of time to build up to be pretty monstrous with long flat periods in between. The west coast is rugged and perfect for "explorers" who love rounding a headland time and time again where they may discover the perfect empty spot. The rather spectacular 17km beach has some of the greatest mountain backdrops in Ireland. It is also home to some of the best kite surf and windsurfs schools in Ireland! Camping is best on the Dingle site.

Koksijde

Koksijde and neighbouring de Panne is a pretty Belgian seaside resort not far from the French border. Large sandy beach, mixed with grass and bordered by the Nature Reserve of Westhoek on one side. This is a great all-around destination for bother starters and pros. Beach gets a lot bigger at low tide, but then the water might be just too shallow. It’s also relatively quiet in de Panne. Not too many kiters and windsurfers mix up with tourists and locals enjoying the beach. The wind blows mostly cross-shore from the west, currents may be strong (beware!) and the season runs from May to Mid-October. Camping Bloemenduin rents charming chalets and pitches.

Scheveningen and Kijkduin

The beach in The Hague consists of two former villages, the famous Scheveningen and Kijkduin, slightly further south. The beach around the harbor of Scheveningen and the southern beach that starts beyond the windmill are full of kiters when the wind picks up. While enjoying a drink at beach club Copacabana in Scheveningen you can see kiters jumping and spinning. Kijkduin has recently developed a natural barrier called the Sand Motor, the shallow waters are great for beginners and professionals alike. An extra for Kijkduin is the presence of super nice beach houses Kijkduin if you are ready for some luxury! Camping Strandpark Vlugtenburg is located a little further south in 's-Gravenzande. They rent nice gypsy wagons (on the beach), chalets, bungalows, safari tents and pitches.

Brouwersdam

The southern province of Zeeland is the sunniest place in the Netherlands, one of the reasons why this area is so popular with kite surfers. The 60 km of North Sea beaches offer plenty of opportunity to take to the water with a kite. One of the most beautiful and best places for kitesurfing in Zeeland is the North Sea beach on the Brouwersdam. The North Sea beach is nice and wide, which means that it is also busy with kite buggies, land boarding and blow carting in addition to kiting. There is more than enough room for everyone, on the beach and on the water. Parking is free and there are a number of nice beach bars where you can eat and drink after kiting, including Beachclub Natural High. The Dutch season usually runs from April (Easter) to October. Camping Port Zelande - Centerparcs is located on the Brouwerdam, which offers bungalows and safari tents in addition to pitches. The children (and parents) can enjoy themselves for hours in the subtropical swimming paradise Aqua Mundo.

Women's polder

The beach of Vrouwenpolder is the largest kitesurfing spot in Zeeland. At high tide, the sandbanks at Breezand beach form an inland lake (lagoon) with flat and shallow water that is perfect for both beginners and freestylers. The best conditions can be found during high tide with wind force 5+ from the northwest, north or northeast. Roompot Holiday Parks has several nice parks along the coast, including De Banjaard .

Ameland

If there is a breeze somewhere in the Netherlands, the Wadden Islands are the first to benefit from it. Wind from the north, south, east, west. It all doesn't matter. On Ameland you can kitesurf with any wind direction. On the sea side, or on the mudflat side. Kitesurf school KiteSpot Ameland on Nes Beach is a collaboration between Henk and Leon. They have been giving kitesurfing lessons on Ameland for years and kitesurfing is their passion.

Ringkobing Fjord / Hvide Sande

Hvide Sande at the opening of the Ringkobing Fjord is the Denmark stage of the GKA Kite world cup. Kitesurfers can surf on both the North Sea and Ringkøbing Fjord! Take a pick from the many options at your hands' speed, they will all bring you the thrill and adrenaline synonym with kite surfing. The beaches of Bork Harbour, Kloster and Skaven are great and offer steady winds and flat and rather quiet waters. If you feel like trying out kitesurfing, then it’s important to take lessons first. The area is dotted with surf centres, which all offer kitesurfing lessons. The isthmus is full of campings. Our pick is Camping Nordso which rents quirky huts and pitches.

Kiting elsewhere in Denmark? A recommendation on the west coast of Zealand at the opening of the Isefjord is Skansehagen (Skansen) near Rørvig. If you are looking for a campsite around Rørvig, go to DCU-Camping Rørvig Strand.

Habo Ljung / Lomma Beach

All the action is centred around Lomma Camping Resort, located on the edge of the Alkärret Naturreservat. Southern Sweden has quite a few kite spots, but Habo Ljung is considered to be the best. When the tide is right the water is shallow for up to 400metres, so great for beginners and pro’s alike. The sandbanks keep the water and flat and calm for you to practice your moves and impress. The Lomma camping has a playground, a football field, a jeu-de-boules court, a kiosk and a mini-golf. For accommodation, they offer pitches for tents & campers.

Kiting elsewhere in Sweden? The west coast of Gotland was also recommended to us. If you are looking for camping around Tofta, go to Tofta camping. With a beautiful swimming pool in the dunes, this is Ibiza-meets-Nordics. So hip!

Jastarnia

Jastarnia is located on the Hel peninsula, easily reachable via Gdansk (airport or train). It is an ideal place to develop your kiteboarding skills. You’re in the middle of nature and weather conditions are often great. The kite schools in Jastarnia are located directly on the beach. The kiting area is pretty big….how about 25km of sandy beach with often favourable winds. Pod Cypisami Camping is right where the action is. They rent wooden chalets and pitches.

Svencelė (Klaipeda district)

Svencele is often called the Wind Mecca of the north and is internationally known as one of the best flat water surfing spots in Europe. Svencele is a great place to be active, but also a great place to wind down, read a book, let the wind empty your head and or listing to some cool music. A real hideaway off the beaten path never crowded with too many tourists. Take kiteboarding, freestyle, freeride, downwinders, speed, course racing, wakestyle, jumping or wave-riding class by some of the best instructors around. Svencele camping offers refurbished sea-cargo style containers, pitched tents, kiting in the morning, afternoon and evening and great entertainment, food and beverages at Meat Lovers Camp.