Grande Lisboa

The Região Centro and northern [[REGION-90]] boast some of Europe’s best surf-spots, with names that make wave-addicts drool – ‘Supertubes’ in Peniche, ‘Coxos’ and ‘São Lourenço’ in Ericeira. These breaks only work for kiting or windsurfing when the Nortada is extremely strong, as there are no local influences to strengthen the wind. If your 3.5m sail is torn from your hands or you’re overpowered on even a 6m kite at Guincho, it will be more relaxed with 2 Forces less wind at Ericeira or Peniche. But that doesn’t often happen; the long beach between Peniche and Baleal usually suits kiting in Force 3 to 4. Spots like Ribeira das Ilhas and Praia do Matador in Ericeira are just for windsurfers though – and good ones at that: fast reef-breaks, rocky sea-urchin peppered launches and plenty of surfers on the peak ensure a degree of natural selection.