Ria de Alvor

For years this standing-depth lagoon has been a favourite amongst kiters and windsurfers alike, although you often see more kites than sails on the water these days. The easiest access to the water is from the parking on the northwest side. There are white boys showing the launch area between the oyster beds and there is water from mid tide onwards. At low tide you walk 100m further out to a sandbank and launch from there. In north-north-westerlies it's best to stay in the middle of the lagoon as the winds in the side areas can be a bit gusty. When southerlies get stronger half-metre chop enters the lagoon and offers jumps for first flights while the tumultuous sea can reach logo-high. In the lagoon Windsurfers stick to high tide – or expect to do a lot of gybing!