Costa Tropical y Almería

Classy waves break in strong Poniente over a shallow bank at “Dog’s Arse”, as the locals have named this spot. It never get as big as 'Mar Azul', so it’s also popular with intermediates. Light Poniente means flat-water and Levante works here too – also creating waves if it's strong enough.

Almería's city spot of Zapillo is popular with the locals, especially in cross-on Poniente which gets thermally accelerated here for regular afternoon sessions. The launch is on the eastern edge of town in front of 'Eolo’ surf shop. Breakwaters limit the shorebreak so you can comfortably get out, even in some swell. Outside, the ramps are perfect for big jumps. Light cross-off Levante is also rideable, but very gusty, so there are better places to go.

In Poniente, this beach in front of the new developments south of Roquetas is a freeride venue. Cross-off wind from the right irons the water flat. Just like in 'Zapillo', it’s strengthened by a local Venturi in the afternoon to blow stronger than elsewhere. Levante (cross-on from the left) also delivers some waves, it blows strongest in the morning but is generally weaker than at other venues. The best launch is by Hotel Playa Luna at the southern end of this wide beach, where the apartment blocks, golf courses, restaurants and sunloungers gradually peter out. You can also kite here out of season.

If you’re just passing through, you’ll certainly find more beautiful spots further south, although conditions at the beach of Mojácar aren't so bad. South-westerly and light easterly Levante winds offer bump-&-jump sessions behind the little breakwater, nice waves sometimes run north of the launch if the easterly gets stronger. Both seabed and shore are rocky by the points, so try to avoid unplanned exits. Also a good place for a post-session fiesta in summer.

'Carchuna' is Costa Tropical’s best break in strong Poniente (cross-shore from the right), with logo-high waves crashing onto a rocky reef up by the 'castillo'. The launch is rocky too, so kiting is risky. Light Poniente or south-westerly thermal Leveche show this venue’s quieter side – the best launch is then further east by the ruined tower at 'Calahonda'.

If 'Mar Azul' is too gnarly for you, head towards the salt-pans at Guardias Viejas where the waves stay smaller in Poniente. This place is beautifully set amidst an unspoilt area – and thankfully, building plans have been halted by the real estate crisis.

This unspoilt beach in front of the old salt-pans north of Roquetas de Mar has become very popular with local kiters in recent years. Conditions are relaxed in cross-on Levante; only strong winter winds send small waves onto a gently shelving beach. The only obstacles are some rubbish bins on the sand.

Conditions at 'Costacabana' and 'El Alquián' are very similar; both common wind directions are good for bump-&-jump, only a strong Poniente brings any waves. The main difference is that Costacabana has houses right on the seafront – too dangerous for kiters, who prefer El Alquián’s wide sandy beach.

Conditions at 'Costacabana' and 'El Alquián' are very similar; both common wind directions are good for bump-&-jump, only a strong Poniente brings any waves. The main difference is that Costacabana has houses right on the seafront – too dangerous for kiters, who prefer El Alquián’s wide sandy beach.

Rosita is to the east of the Andaráx river; a dirt-track leads down from the desalinisation plant on the coast-road. Conditions get really good in strong cross-shore Poniente. Long, powerful, pretty clean waves break by the rivermouth at Punta Rio. A few rocks and sea urchins demand some experience – certainly with a kite, this one's for experts only.

The sheltered bay of Herradura is ideal for beginner windsurfers in Levante and weak Poniente – but it certainly isn't in the chaotic waves and shorebreak of a strong Poniente. In contrast, Levante can blow as hard as it likes, yet the water always stays nice and flat. There are designated swimming zones in summer, plus loads of windsurfers and dinghies, but otherwise no worries. The best launch is by the surf-shop at the rivermouth.

The campsite this spot was named after is long-gone, making way for apartment complexes and a promenade which have ruined much of this place's edgy charm. But the former World Cup venue is still worth a visit in strong Poniente – which blows cross-shore here! Promising the region's biggest waves, the wind usually builds throughout the day, building both wave height and shorebreak (which claims the odd mast, although it's not normally too vicious). If you happen to be in the area anyway, you can also freeride here in Levante.