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The long beach of 'Cabedelo' opposite Viana do Castelo is probably North Portugal's most popular spot – and certainly one of the best. With its thermal turbo-boost, the Nortada regularly reaches 25 knots so it's often busy on the water. Cross to cross-offshore wind combined with more than 2m of W swell generates classy waves over a hard sand seabed. However, wave quality and power recedes with the tide and it tends to close out when it's big. Viana is often just a freeride area though – the water's super-flat by the large harbour wall, and in summer the waves often disappear further south too. Parking is behind the breakwater, about 400m from the water – windsurfers tend to launch further south at the campsite. There a few rocks in the water, so watch your fins.

Koper-Zusterna just beyond the Italian border is the most northern Balkan spot. The launch is from the left of the bay beside the surf club’s containers. The water’s rough in strong and often gusty Bora, then in summer the thermally enhanced Maestral (NW) just nudges 12-15 knots; ideal for relaxed freeriding. Izola is the better call in Bora, which blows cross-shore from the right less gusty than elsewhere out by the lighthouse. Be wary of the reef upwind as it’s claimed a few fins. In strong Bora (over 30 knots), intermediates retreat to the protected bay of Fiesa safe in the knowledge that they’ll be swept back to the beach if they get tired or break anything. Just beware of the dead wind zone at the foot of the cliffs. A couple of kilometres south-west, just over the Croatian border is Savudrija where you can rig up sheltered from Bora winds. The launch is over a wall and through a 50m lull into strong winds and nice bump-and-jump conditions. In southerly winds, windsurfers should head for Umag to find a powerful wave by the lighthouse. The launch from a small beach right onto the harbour is comparatively easy. On the southern point of Istria is northern Croatia’s most popular spot. The EFPT meet at Premantura every autumn for freestyle windsurfing competition in good Bora winds. The safest launch is at Camping Stupice, where there’s room to rig and launch kites on a small peninsula within the campsite. Southerly winds can produce nice waves by the islands offshore, where it’s best to wear boots to protect from sharp, urchin-infested rocks. Medulin is even better in southerly winds, the prime launch is at the western end of the long shingle beach. Liznjan remained a well-kept local secret for years – even weak NE accelerates to planing strengths, and strong Bora can generate a nice wave that breaks on the reef. Another good freeride venue, Ravni scores a Force 3-5 thermal on sunny afternoons. But better known for its thermal is Preluk where an offshore Force 5-6 beckons freeriders in the early morning. Just don’t linger over breakfast or you might have to swim back in as the wind drops off 1-2 hours after sunrise. Offshore Bora renders the entire steep coastline between Rijeka and Zadar useless, but not the islands within Kvarner Bay. The northernmost, Krk Island is connected to the mainland by bridge. The hills surrounding Punat strengthen a good Bora wind by a Force or two, while in Baska even light NE airflows from the mountains above Senj hit planing strengths when everywhere else has nothing. Sick jumps can be had here off decent ramps that form in strong Bora. Further south, there are two safe spots for freeriders and beginners on the Pag peninsula at Simuni and Sabunike. Both bays have sandy beaches and large shallow areas. Croatia’s most famous beach is the 'Golden Horn’ near the picturesque town of Bol on the Dalmatian island of Brac. Most summer days a 15-knot wind builds in the strait between two islands, ideal for relaxed freeride. There is a Jul/Aug kite ban on the main beach, in which case launch onto the turquoise waters from the next beach downwind of the promontory. In south-east wind try Supetar or in Bora, Povlja. Like Bol, both Viganj and Perna on the Pelješac peninsula enjoy a summer thermal that ramps up to Force 5 in the 1.5km venturi between the islands of Korčula and Pelješac. Plus there’s a picture-postcard view of Korčula Island and its historic town of the same name.

Koper-Zusterna just beyond the Italian border is the most northern Balkan spot. The launch is from the left of the bay beside the surf club’s containers. The water’s rough in strong and often gusty Bora, then in summer the thermally enhanced Maestral (NW) just nudges 12-15 knots; ideal for relaxed freeriding. Izola is the better call in Bora, which blows cross-shore from the right less gusty than elsewhere out by the lighthouse. Be wary of the reef upwind as it’s claimed a few fins. In strong Bora (over 30 knots), intermediates retreat to the protected bay of Fiesa safe in the knowledge that they’ll be swept back to the beach if they get tired or break anything. Just beware of the dead wind zone at the foot of the cliffs. A couple of kilometres south-west, just over the Croatian border is Savudrija where you can rig up sheltered from Bora winds. The launch is over a wall and through a 50m lull into strong winds and nice bump-and-jump conditions. In southerly winds, windsurfers should head for Umag to find a powerful wave by the lighthouse. The launch from a small beach right onto the harbour is comparatively easy. On the southern point of Istria is northern Croatia’s most popular spot. The EFPT meet at Premantura every autumn for freestyle windsurfing competition in good Bora winds. The safest launch is at Camping Stupice, where there’s room to rig and launch kites on a small peninsula within the campsite. Southerly winds can produce nice waves by the islands offshore, where it’s best to wear boots to protect from sharp, urchin-infested rocks. Medulin is even better in southerly winds, the prime launch is at the western end of the long shingle beach. Liznjan remained a well-kept local secret for years – even weak NE accelerates to planing strengths, and strong Bora can generate a nice wave that breaks on the reef. Another good freeride venue, Ravni scores a Force 3-5 thermal on sunny afternoons. But better known for its thermal is Preluk where an offshore Force 5-6 beckons freeriders in the early morning. Just don’t linger over breakfast or you might have to swim back in as the wind drops off 1-2 hours after sunrise. Offshore Bora renders the entire steep coastline between Rijeka and Zadar useless, but not the islands within Kvarner Bay. The northernmost, Krk Island is connected to the mainland by bridge. The hills surrounding Punat strengthen a good Bora wind by a Force or two, while in Baska even light NE airflows from the mountains above Senj hit planing strengths when everywhere else has nothing. Sick jumps can be had here off decent ramps that form in strong Bora. Further south, there are two safe spots for freeriders and beginners on the Pag peninsula at Simuni and Sabunike. Both bays have sandy beaches and large shallow areas. Croatia’s most famous beach is the 'Golden Horn’ near the picturesque town of Bol on the Dalmatian island of Brac. Most summer days a 15-knot wind builds in the strait between two islands, ideal for relaxed freeride. There is a Jul/Aug kite ban on the main beach, in which case launch onto the turquoise waters from the next beach downwind of the promontory. In south-east wind try Supetar or in Bora, Povlja. Like Bol, both Viganj and Perna on the Pelješac peninsula enjoy a summer thermal that ramps up to Force 5 in the 1.5km venturi between the islands of Korčula and Pelješac. Plus there’s a picture-postcard view of Korčula Island and its historic town of the same name.

The 6.5km long Brouwersdam connects Goeree with Schouwen Duiveland, isolating the North Sea from the inland Grevelingenmeer. Windsurfers and kiters have long gathered here to cut loose, and its popularity remains intact today. Away from the water, it’s all about chatting with kindred spirits over a well-deserved beer or BBQ in the evening. The dyke is drivable and the surrounding dunes and beaches offer an amazing backdrop – it’s just like being on holiday. In fact, this area gets more sun than anywhere else in Holland. Conditions are usually freeride: the stronger and more onshore the wind, the choppier it gets – rarely bigger than a metre though, as a ring of sandbars about 5km offshore absorbs most North Sea swell. Only at high tide in stormy west to north-westerlies do any waves wash over to break feebly on the dyke. There are three launches: the main spot, roughly in the middle of the dam, is also the kite zone (all the way to the southern beach pavilion at 'De Kou', marked by yellow buoys). The southern can occasionally host good waves at high tide. The second spot is at the northern end of the main beach, where you can park right by the water. Windsurfing only though! The third is at the northern end of the dyke: beyond the slipway, a bay suitable for all wind directions nestles amidst high dunes with a sandy shore downwind. Although not officially allowed, kiting is still tolerated here.

An excellent and hence popular kite spot. Low-pressure winds blow freely and consistently onto Lac d'Hourtin, as does the thermal. Pleasant parking under pines with showers and toilets rounds things off nicely. The kite zone (which should definitely be observed – the swimmers are all too quick to alert the beach patrol!) is between the harbour and Lachanau. 500m wide, the lake’s whole east bank is a protected nature reserve. The shore drops off so gradually that windsurf blasters have to wade out a long way to find fin-deep water.

Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer is most famous for perfect speed conditions off the eastern beach and in the purpose-built "French Trench" speed canal in Mistral wind. Loads of records have been set here, but it's not all speed – waves readily break to the west of the harbour in east to south-easterly winds; it also works in a westerly. If you’re lucky and the wind veers from south to northerly, head back east where you can ride waves for miles in the offshore wind.

Koper-Zusterna just beyond the Italian border is the most northern Balkan spot. The launch is from the left of the bay beside the surf club’s containers. The water’s rough in strong and often gusty Bora, then in summer the thermally enhanced Maestral (NW) just nudges 12-15 knots; ideal for relaxed freeriding. Izola is the better call in Bora, which blows cross-shore from the right less gusty than elsewhere out by the lighthouse. Be wary of the reef upwind as it’s claimed a few fins. In strong Bora (over 30 knots), intermediates retreat to the protected bay of Fiesa safe in the knowledge that they’ll be swept back to the beach if they get tired or break anything. Just beware of the dead wind zone at the foot of the cliffs. A couple of kilometres south-west, just over the Croatian border is Savudrija where you can rig up sheltered from Bora winds. The launch is over a wall and through a 50m lull into strong winds and nice bump-and-jump conditions. In southerly winds, windsurfers should head for Umag to find a powerful wave by the lighthouse. The launch from a small beach right onto the harbour is comparatively easy. On the southern point of Istria is northern Croatia’s most popular spot. The EFPT meet at Premantura every autumn for freestyle windsurfing competition in good Bora winds. The safest launch is at Camping Stupice, where there’s room to rig and launch kites on a small peninsula within the campsite. Southerly winds can produce nice waves by the islands offshore, where it’s best to wear boots to protect from sharp, urchin-infested rocks. Medulin is even better in southerly winds, the prime launch is at the western end of the long shingle beach. Liznjan remained a well-kept local secret for years – even weak NE accelerates to planing strengths, and strong Bora can generate a nice wave that breaks on the reef. Another good freeride venue, Ravni scores a Force 3-5 thermal on sunny afternoons. But better known for its thermal is Preluk where an offshore Force 5-6 beckons freeriders in the early morning. Just don’t linger over breakfast or you might have to swim back in as the wind drops off 1-2 hours after sunrise. Offshore Bora renders the entire steep coastline between Rijeka and Zadar useless, but not the islands within Kvarner Bay. The northernmost, Krk Island is connected to the mainland by bridge. The hills surrounding Punat strengthen a good Bora wind by a Force or two, while in Baska even light NE airflows from the mountains above Senj hit planing strengths when everywhere else has nothing. Sick jumps can be had here off decent ramps that form in strong Bora. Further south, there are two safe spots for freeriders and beginners on the Pag peninsula at Simuni and Sabunike. Both bays have sandy beaches and large shallow areas. Croatia’s most famous beach is the 'Golden Horn’ near the picturesque town of Bol on the Dalmatian island of Brac. Most summer days a 15-knot wind builds in the strait between two islands, ideal for relaxed freeride. There is a Jul/Aug kite ban on the main beach, in which case launch onto the turquoise waters from the next beach downwind of the promontory. In south-east wind try Supetar or in Bora, Povlja. Like Bol, both Viganj and Perna on the Pelješac peninsula enjoy a summer thermal that ramps up to Force 5 in the 1.5km venturi between the islands of Korčula and Pelješac. Plus there’s a picture-postcard view of Korčula Island and its historic town of the same name.

The bay in front of Alghero certainly has a split personality. During Mistral (or moderate west to southerly winds) it provides nice freeride conditions, protected by the craggy 'Capo Caccia’. Just watch out for the breakwaters, and rocks near the small island of 'Maddalenedda’. In south-south-westerly storms, Neptune turns up the heat – one of Sardinia’s biggest waves offers perfect cross-off conditions 800m offshore on a reef north of the island. Incredibly good, but sadly all too rare.

With its exceptional watercolours and temperature, Piantarella could hold its own against a fair few Caribbean beaches. Launch from the slipway and sail towards the sandbank to practice waterstarts, gybing and much more in the lagoon. Take care though; it’s shallow enough to catch your fin in places. Ideal wind is north-east to easterly, which starts blowing nicely in the morning and then dies down in the afternoon. Katabatic westerlies generally blow stronger than on the west coast. Mistral isn't great though: as soon as you get out of the wind shadow, it hits you full force – and if something goes wrong you're soon in open seas. Another problem is it’s jam-packed in summer.

The spots south of 'Cap Rhir' are only really windy in wintertime when a north-westerly sea breeze builds in the afternoon. If it's on, launch at the northernmost of the three beaches at 'Tamraght’ where the waves are usually manageable and the wind blows cross-onshore. As usual around here, only go out if you’re not getting the surfers' way.

Apulia’s only true city spot is 'Torre Quetta’ beach on Bari’s eastern promenade. Since old asbestos remains have been removed from the water, it's safe to ride here again. Conditions generally suit freeride, although in north-easterly wind the chop turns into beautiful waves.

Who hasn't heard of this former World Cup beach on the outskirts of Hyères'? But L'Almanarre is just one of many options on the windy Giens peninsula. The west coast sees waves in Mistral (north-westerly, Force 6-9) and Libeccio (south-westerly, up to 20 knots), whereas the sea’s completely flat in an easterly. Up in this corner, waves break on a small windward reef. Mistral blows cross-onshore from the right, usually a bit weaker than further south. The break is better for jumping than riding as the waves aren't that powerful. Watch for a few rocks to the right of the launch. L’Almanarre's prime location right at the start of the peninsula, plus a beach café and surf shop make it very popular – it soon gets overcrowded on the water and in the car-park.

Koper-Zusterna just beyond the Italian border is the most northern Balkan spot. The launch is from the left of the bay beside the surf club’s containers. The water’s rough in strong and often gusty Bora, then in summer the thermally enhanced Maestral (NW) just nudges 12-15 knots; ideal for relaxed freeriding. Izola is the better call in Bora, which blows cross-shore from the right less gusty than elsewhere out by the lighthouse. Be wary of the reef upwind as it’s claimed a few fins. In strong Bora (over 30 knots), intermediates retreat to the protected bay of Fiesa safe in the knowledge that they’ll be swept back to the beach if they get tired or break anything. Just beware of the dead wind zone at the foot of the cliffs. A couple of kilometres south-west, just over the Croatian border is Savudrija where you can rig up sheltered from Bora winds. The launch is over a wall and through a 50m lull into strong winds and nice bump-and-jump conditions. In southerly winds, windsurfers should head for Umag to find a powerful wave by the lighthouse. The launch from a small beach right onto the harbour is comparatively easy. On the southern point of Istria is northern Croatia’s most popular spot. The EFPT meet at Premantura every autumn for freestyle windsurfing competition in good Bora winds. The safest launch is at Camping Stupice, where there’s room to rig and launch kites on a small peninsula within the campsite. Southerly winds can produce nice waves by the islands offshore, where it’s best to wear boots to protect from sharp, urchin-infested rocks. Medulin is even better in southerly winds, the prime launch is at the western end of the long shingle beach. Liznjan remained a well-kept local secret for years – even weak NE accelerates to planing strengths, and strong Bora can generate a nice wave that breaks on the reef. Another good freeride venue, Ravni scores a Force 3-5 thermal on sunny afternoons. But better known for its thermal is Preluk where an offshore Force 5-6 beckons freeriders in the early morning. Just don’t linger over breakfast or you might have to swim back in as the wind drops off 1-2 hours after sunrise. Offshore Bora renders the entire steep coastline between Rijeka and Zadar useless, but not the islands within Kvarner Bay. The northernmost, Krk Island is connected to the mainland by bridge. The hills surrounding Punat strengthen a good Bora wind by a Force or two, while in Baska even light NE airflows from the mountains above Senj hit planing strengths when everywhere else has nothing. Sick jumps can be had here off decent ramps that form in strong Bora. Further south, there are two safe spots for freeriders and beginners on the Pag peninsula at Simuni and Sabunike. Both bays have sandy beaches and large shallow areas. Croatia’s most famous beach is the 'Golden Horn’ near the picturesque town of Bol on the Dalmatian island of Brac. Most summer days a 15-knot wind builds in the strait between two islands, ideal for relaxed freeride. There is a Jul/Aug kite ban on the main beach, in which case launch onto the turquoise waters from the next beach downwind of the promontory. In south-east wind try Supetar or in Bora, Povlja. Like Bol, both Viganj and Perna on the Pelješac peninsula enjoy a summer thermal that ramps up to Force 5 in the 1.5km venturi between the islands of Korčula and Pelješac. Plus there’s a picture-postcard view of Korčula Island and its historic town of the same name.

“LE wave spot” around these parts – Marseilles locals would doubtless claim it’s the best in the whole Mediterranean! North-westerly blows cross-off from the right over a clean reef-break; south-easterly’s cross-shore from the left with even bigger waves, but also some chop. The right conditions tempt quite a few decent riders onto the water. If you’re going to risk sailing here, you’ll need to be up to it. The launch is over slippery slabs, while mussel-covered rocks await anyone who drifts off. You’re in the wrong place for northerly Mistral; the violent and gusty offshore wind irons the waves out – maybe try 500m west at 'La Cabane’? You can get a campervan into the car-park on the headland, although break-ins are common.

Cala Millor is a classic example of cheap package tourism. In summer it’s hard enough to find room to lie down, so forget about kiting or windsurfing – but you can freeride in winter when the tourists have left. If you’re looking for beautiful scenery, keep heading north.

At just 22km long, this is the region’s smallest inland sea. The Veersedam looks similar to the Brouwersdam at first glance, but it’s much narrower (2km across) and the road runs around rather than over the water. Its entire length is paid parking, yet launching from here is rocky and slippery so most riders prefer the sandy shallows at either end of the dyke. Another popular launch is from 'De Schotsman’ campsite on the west bank, complete with coin-operated showers and a coffee shop. The wind’s generally a little weaker on the Veersemeer than at exposed coastal venues, which can be handy if it’s super-windy. Kiting is not permitted on this relatively small body of water.

This long beach is THE summer kite spot around here thanks to its consistent thermal. The day's wind usually starts around noon with east to south-easterly Garbí blowing onshore for two or three hours, before slowly turning cross-shore and eventually cross-off southerly Llebech in the afternoon and evening, usually around 20 knots. There’s loads of space for launching, and even in strong thermals the waves are waist-high at most on this very gently shelving beach. Conditions aside, it's worth a visit for its dune landscape and clear water on still mornings.

Mostly bump-&-jump and freestylers enjoy playing in the small bay of Pointe Rouge. As long as the wind's not too much, beginners also feel safe thanks to 100m of shallow water. In strong Mistral, nice waves break to the right of the breakwater – great for big jumps and backside riding. Onshore conditions can mean crowding in front of the rocky shore. If the wind’s too gusty it’s worth tacking upwind out of the bay to the foot of Le Glissant slipway, where it blows stronger and more consistently. It's a tricky launch because of shorebreak and slippery concrete, but the vibe’s really chilled.

Koper-Zusterna just beyond the Italian border is the most northern Balkan spot. The launch is from the left of the bay beside the surf club’s containers. The water’s rough in strong and often gusty Bora, then in summer the thermally enhanced Maestral (NW) just nudges 12-15 knots; ideal for relaxed freeriding. Izola is the better call in Bora, which blows cross-shore from the right less gusty than elsewhere out by the lighthouse. Be wary of the reef upwind as it’s claimed a few fins. In strong Bora (over 30 knots), intermediates retreat to the protected bay of Fiesa safe in the knowledge that they’ll be swept back to the beach if they get tired or break anything. Just beware of the dead wind zone at the foot of the cliffs. A couple of kilometres south-west, just over the Croatian border is Savudrija where you can rig up sheltered from Bora winds. The launch is over a wall and through a 50m lull into strong winds and nice bump-and-jump conditions. In southerly winds, windsurfers should head for Umag to find a powerful wave by the lighthouse. The launch from a small beach right onto the harbour is comparatively easy. On the southern point of Istria is northern Croatia’s most popular spot. The EFPT meet at Premantura every autumn for freestyle windsurfing competition in good Bora winds. The safest launch is at Camping Stupice, where there’s room to rig and launch kites on a small peninsula within the campsite. Southerly winds can produce nice waves by the islands offshore, where it’s best to wear boots to protect from sharp, urchin-infested rocks. Medulin is even better in southerly winds, the prime launch is at the western end of the long shingle beach. Liznjan remained a well-kept local secret for years – even weak NE accelerates to planing strengths, and strong Bora can generate a nice wave that breaks on the reef. Another good freeride venue, Ravni scores a Force 3-5 thermal on sunny afternoons. But better known for its thermal is Preluk where an offshore Force 5-6 beckons freeriders in the early morning. Just don’t linger over breakfast or you might have to swim back in as the wind drops off 1-2 hours after sunrise. Offshore Bora renders the entire steep coastline between Rijeka and Zadar useless, but not the islands within Kvarner Bay. The northernmost, Krk Island is connected to the mainland by bridge. The hills surrounding Punat strengthen a good Bora wind by a Force or two, while in Baska even light NE airflows from the mountains above Senj hit planing strengths when everywhere else has nothing. Sick jumps can be had here off decent ramps that form in strong Bora. Further south, there are two safe spots for freeriders and beginners on the Pag peninsula at Simuni and Sabunike. Both bays have sandy beaches and large shallow areas. Croatia’s most famous beach is the 'Golden Horn’ near the picturesque town of Bol on the Dalmatian island of Brac. Most summer days a 15-knot wind builds in the strait between two islands, ideal for relaxed freeride. There is a Jul/Aug kite ban on the main beach, in which case launch onto the turquoise waters from the next beach downwind of the promontory. In south-east wind try Supetar or in Bora, Povlja. Like Bol, both Viganj and Perna on the Pelješac peninsula enjoy a summer thermal that ramps up to Force 5 in the 1.5km venturi between the islands of Korčula and Pelješac. Plus there’s a picture-postcard view of Korčula Island and its historic town of the same name.

Rømø is a legendary wave spot that's always well-attended yet never overrun. The waves peel over several sandbars, while a powerful shorebreak and strong current sort the men from the boys. If your car gets blown towards oncoming traffic on your way over the dam, you’ll be looping on starboard off the beach. If you veer towards the crash-barrier, expect wind from the left. And if your car's going slower than usual, it’s blowing onshore (often gusty) and there’s chaos on the water. Rømø starts producing fantastic conditions in Force 6+ south to south-westerly and north to north-westerly winds. It's biggest in a north-westerly on the back of a passing low, when the fetch is at its longest and the preceding south-west to westerlies have had a few days to do their work. Rømø becomes a tame flat-water venue in offshore easterlies – just be careful, as it’s a long way west before any sign of land. Also watch out for nets inshore plus a few groyne remnants. And don’t park too close to the water at low tide: it’s only going to come in!

This lagoon, with standing-depth water in many parts, offers plenty of space out of season. The mouth is dredged every May, so there's rarely much water in summer and it gets very tight with so many swimmers. The summer Nortada isn't strong enough for windsurfing anyway, although there's always the option of taking a big kite out to sea to play in the beach-break. Winter south-westerlies are more challenging, with chaotic waves and heavy shorebreak on the ocean side. The break only stays vaguely ordered on the first day of wind. In the lagoon, keep away from the shellfish farming platforms. And a fierce current in the channel to the sea spells danger – experienced windsurfers have drowned under their sails in just 50cm of water.

An excellent wave spot when there’s a low over the Gulf of Genoa, supplying Corsica’s north coast with south-westerly wind. The longer the Mistral blows on the mainland, the bigger the waves and shorebreak. If pure Libeccio blows in summer or goes cross-offshore southerly in winter, the water stays as smooth as with Tramontana. The summer launch for both windsurfers and kiters is via a shipping channel in front of the lifeguard tower. If you like it really radical, head to Corsica’s answer to 'Jaws’! About 2km north-west, mast-high waves and more break over an outer reef in strong Mistral or Libeccio (especially in winter). The shallows are marked, but do look out for rocks in the water. The reef's not called 'Le Danger d’Algajola’ for nothing!

This seemingly sleepy town on the cliffs marks the western end of Fuerte's legendary North Shore. The spot south of town has a split personality depending on swell. In summer intermediates can enjoy the long sandy bay, but natural selection starts when swell arrives. The sandy seabed shelves relatively gently, so the almost perpetual sets often close-out – and it's a fine line between fantastic big-wave down-the-line and mast-high shorebreak. The number of surfers in the water increases every season as well. But there’s worse to worry about; too many people have helplessly looked up while their belongings are stolen from cars parked up on the cliffs. In big winter swell, the outer reef named 'Puertito’ awakes in front of the small harbour. It's pros only, but spectacular for spectators.

A perfect kite spot: you can stand up throughout most of this giant bay, and the water's so shallow it doesn’t even get choppy. Apart from a few wooden posts, no dangers lurk on the wide sandy beach. You used to be able to drive right onto the beach until the access road through the bird sanctuary was closed, so now you’ll face a 500m walk. Kite schools are so fond of this spot anyway that they've adapted a trolley to shuttle their kit to the beach.

Koper-Zusterna just beyond the Italian border is the most northern Balkan spot. The launch is from the left of the bay beside the surf club’s containers. The water’s rough in strong and often gusty Bora, then in summer the thermally enhanced Maestral (NW) just nudges 12-15 knots; ideal for relaxed freeriding. Izola is the better call in Bora, which blows cross-shore from the right less gusty than elsewhere out by the lighthouse. Be wary of the reef upwind as it’s claimed a few fins. In strong Bora (over 30 knots), intermediates retreat to the protected bay of Fiesa safe in the knowledge that they’ll be swept back to the beach if they get tired or break anything. Just beware of the dead wind zone at the foot of the cliffs. A couple of kilometres south-west, just over the Croatian border is Savudrija where you can rig up sheltered from Bora winds. The launch is over a wall and through a 50m lull into strong winds and nice bump-and-jump conditions. In southerly winds, windsurfers should head for Umag to find a powerful wave by the lighthouse. The launch from a small beach right onto the harbour is comparatively easy. On the southern point of Istria is northern Croatia’s most popular spot. The EFPT meet at Premantura every autumn for freestyle windsurfing competition in good Bora winds. The safest launch is at Camping Stupice, where there’s room to rig and launch kites on a small peninsula within the campsite. Southerly winds can produce nice waves by the islands offshore, where it’s best to wear boots to protect from sharp, urchin-infested rocks. Medulin is even better in southerly winds, the prime launch is at the western end of the long shingle beach. Liznjan remained a well-kept local secret for years – even weak NE accelerates to planing strengths, and strong Bora can generate a nice wave that breaks on the reef. Another good freeride venue, Ravni scores a Force 3-5 thermal on sunny afternoons. But better known for its thermal is Preluk where an offshore Force 5-6 beckons freeriders in the early morning. Just don’t linger over breakfast or you might have to swim back in as the wind drops off 1-2 hours after sunrise. Offshore Bora renders the entire steep coastline between Rijeka and Zadar useless, but not the islands within Kvarner Bay. The northernmost, Krk Island is connected to the mainland by bridge. The hills surrounding Punat strengthen a good Bora wind by a Force or two, while in Baska even light NE airflows from the mountains above Senj hit planing strengths when everywhere else has nothing. Sick jumps can be had here off decent ramps that form in strong Bora. Further south, there are two safe spots for freeriders and beginners on the Pag peninsula at Simuni and Sabunike. Both bays have sandy beaches and large shallow areas. Croatia’s most famous beach is the 'Golden Horn’ near the picturesque town of Bol on the Dalmatian island of Brac. Most summer days a 15-knot wind builds in the strait between two islands, ideal for relaxed freeride. There is a Jul/Aug kite ban on the main beach, in which case launch onto the turquoise waters from the next beach downwind of the promontory. In south-east wind try Supetar or in Bora, Povlja. Like Bol, both Viganj and Perna on the Pelješac peninsula enjoy a summer thermal that ramps up to Force 5 in the 1.5km venturi between the islands of Korčula and Pelješac. Plus there’s a picture-postcard view of Korčula Island and its historic town of the same name.

Offshore northerly winds mean Lagos’s city beach is primarily a slalom and freeride venue. Compared to 'Martinhal', the Nortada starts working later in the day here and doesn't get as strong, attracting beginners and intermediates. Windsurfers launch at the centre in the middle of the beach, the official kite zone is by the golf course to the east. Nortada blows cross-offshore and this long, sweeping beach also works in winter. Best in cross-shore south-westerly, with big waves that aren’t as confused as 'Martinhal'. Onshore winter south-east to southerly winds are also rideable, but better for kiting as current and shorebreak seriously increase. In easterly winds the cleanest waves are behind the breakwater in the east.

Koper-Zusterna just beyond the Italian border is the most northern Balkan spot. The launch is from the left of the bay beside the surf club’s containers. The water’s rough in strong and often gusty Bora, then in summer the thermally enhanced Maestral (NW) just nudges 12-15 knots; ideal for relaxed freeriding. Izola is the better call in Bora, which blows cross-shore from the right less gusty than elsewhere out by the lighthouse. Be wary of the reef upwind as it’s claimed a few fins. In strong Bora (over 30 knots), intermediates retreat to the protected bay of Fiesa safe in the knowledge that they’ll be swept back to the beach if they get tired or break anything. Just beware of the dead wind zone at the foot of the cliffs. A couple of kilometres south-west, just over the Croatian border is Savudrija where you can rig up sheltered from Bora winds. The launch is over a wall and through a 50m lull into strong winds and nice bump-and-jump conditions. In southerly winds, windsurfers should head for Umag to find a powerful wave by the lighthouse. The launch from a small beach right onto the harbour is comparatively easy. On the southern point of Istria is northern Croatia’s most popular spot. The EFPT meet at Premantura every autumn for freestyle windsurfing competition in good Bora winds. The safest launch is at Camping Stupice, where there’s room to rig and launch kites on a small peninsula within the campsite. Southerly winds can produce nice waves by the islands offshore, where it’s best to wear boots to protect from sharp, urchin-infested rocks. Medulin is even better in southerly winds, the prime launch is at the western end of the long shingle beach. Liznjan remained a well-kept local secret for years – even weak NE accelerates to planing strengths, and strong Bora can generate a nice wave that breaks on the reef. Another good freeride venue, Ravni scores a Force 3-5 thermal on sunny afternoons. But better known for its thermal is Preluk where an offshore Force 5-6 beckons freeriders in the early morning. Just don’t linger over breakfast or you might have to swim back in as the wind drops off 1-2 hours after sunrise. Offshore Bora renders the entire steep coastline between Rijeka and Zadar useless, but not the islands within Kvarner Bay. The northernmost, Krk Island is connected to the mainland by bridge. The hills surrounding Punat strengthen a good Bora wind by a Force or two, while in Baska even light NE airflows from the mountains above Senj hit planing strengths when everywhere else has nothing. Sick jumps can be had here off decent ramps that form in strong Bora. Further south, there are two safe spots for freeriders and beginners on the Pag peninsula at Simuni and Sabunike. Both bays have sandy beaches and large shallow areas. Croatia’s most famous beach is the 'Golden Horn’ near the picturesque town of Bol on the Dalmatian island of Brac. Most summer days a 15-knot wind builds in the strait between two islands, ideal for relaxed freeride. There is a Jul/Aug kite ban on the main beach, in which case launch onto the turquoise waters from the next beach downwind of the promontory. In south-east wind try Supetar or in Bora, Povlja. Like Bol, both Viganj and Perna on the Pelješac peninsula enjoy a summer thermal that ramps up to Force 5 in the 1.5km venturi between the islands of Korčula and Pelješac. Plus there’s a picture-postcard view of Korčula Island and its historic town of the same name.

Who hasn’t heard of La Torche – the legendary World Cup beach that even Robby Naish called “a really difficult spot”? The bay’s split in two by a pronounced rocky outcrop from where you can watch an exhibition of double-mast-high waves. The right-hand side is for accomplished wave warriors only; the surf is more radical and the current’s more extreme too – especially close to the jutting cliff-face. If in any doubt, stick to the southern bay of 'Pors Carn' where you can launch a kite too (there's a kite zone in summer). Only the rocks midway along the beach are any problem here as they’re covered at high tide. There is extra parking at the southern end of the beach, known as 'Le Petit Bois’.

Domburg is located on the Walcheren peninsula, jutting out into the North Sea. Hence it has pretty decent waves by this region's standards, even hosting regular surf contests. At such an exposed location the tidal currents are also strong though. South-westerly wind is great, anything else is awkward to dangerous because of closely spaced wooden groynes. Park behind the golf course in front of the dunes, then it's a quick sprint to the dyke for a check on conditions, then the same again with your gear, and away you go. A second launch of the same quality has formed from beach landfill 1km further south, also with parking on the dyke.

This little fishing village in the south of the island is where most people mean when they talk about Lefkas. Vassiliki is famous for great freeride and reliably high wind in summer. Several factors make Vass a windy place; a north-westerly airstream skirting the Mediterranean high forms the foundation, but this breeze is then thermally and topographically supercharged. The mountains determine the dose – in the mornings an onshore sea breeze steadily builds, until around lunchtime when the katabatic descends to blast across the bay. Force 5 to 6 as a rule, but Force 7 isn’t unusual. 'Eric' (as the Brits call the wind) usually calms down as the sun sinks behind the mountain. But even then 'he’ often takes a deep breath, so encroaching darkness often marks a session’s end. Later, fresh fish awaits in the harbour restaurants and – naturally – a drink in the legendary 'Zeus Bar’.

Zaafarana is just such a secluded desert oasis, about halfway between Cairo and Hurghada. According to managers of the local wind farm, this is the region’s windiest place – and it definitely offers the most space on the water. Only one hotel (3- to 4-star) sits on the long sandy beach. With its standing-depth area and no reefs it’s a relaxed spot without much variety, yet it is affordable and handy for excursions to nearby Cairo or St Paul’s Monastery. It’s a completely different story at the El Gouna mega-marina, built by telecoms millionaire Samih Sawiris. High-class hotels, bars and restaurants line countless bays and canals across 10km², including a marina and 5-star golf course. Due to comfy surroundings (for non-sailors too), an excellently stocked hire centre and a standing-depth area, Mangroovy Beach at the northern end has rapidly become one of the most popular (and crowded) kite spots in the whole of Egypt – despite the fact that prices here have risen to near European levels. Another option is a private beach in front of the 5-star hotel Mövenpick in the centre of the complex. Especially good for beginners kiters is Seahorse Bay 10km south of El Gouna. Similar to Zaafarana there’s nothing there but two hotels, although it’s only 15km to Hurghada’s markets and restaurants – a welcome diversion from staring at the hotel wall. Some of Hurghada’s hotels might be getting a bit tired, but they make up for it with very affordable prices. Flights to Hurghada are also by far the cheapest. With cross to cross-onshore winds, four spots merge into the bay south of town, each named after their respective hotel and hire centre: Magawish/Colona (nice beach and large standing-depth area), Sofitel/Ibi & Friends (launch protected by a jetty), Grand Seas / Tommy Friedl (protected beginner’s bay), and Yasmin Village / Tommy Friedl (a classic with affordable accommodation). 50km south, investors developed Soma Bay to offer more luxury than Hurghada. Since then, windseekers wanting a better class of accommodation can find 4- to 5-star hotels and a 'Club Robinson’. The wind always blows offshore at the northern end of the bay, creating especially smooth water but also introducing an element of risk. But the standing-depth area and safety boats mean even riders that can’t yet stay upwind will ride here. If that’s too sketchy for you, there’s cross to cross-off wind and a large standing-depth area at Abu Soma on the western shore of the bay near the InterContinental Resort. 5km south in Safaga everyone gathers in front of Hotel Shams at the beach with the only standing-depth area and the best wind. While you can’t imagine Hurghada without tourism, the future’s only just begun down south. But you’ll have to forego the beach culture and nightlife – instead, immerse yourself in the vastness of the desert or infinity of the starry sky during a pitch-black night. Despite its isolation, the 4-star hotel Equinox in El Naaba is very comfortable. In front are Baby Bay and Giant Bay, a varied venue with flat water or a bit of wave action over the reefs. There’s a kite school 2km south in Blue Lagoon. The last windsport oasis before the Sudanese border is Wadi Lahami, about 180km south of Marsa Alam Airport and about 400km from Hurghada. In front of the only hotel, Lahami Bay offers a large freeride bay with a bit of a standing-depth area and the option of a foray through the reef into harmless swell. A kilometre north, soulful Bedouin tents and chalets make up Camp Wadi Lahami which offers a shallow lagoon fringed by mangroves and a little bit of wave action over the reef. The recently discovered Camel Beach is about 10km north. Since the reef’s still a long way offshore (unlike the north coast) a gigantic standing-depth lagoon offers great cruising opportunities.

Windsurfers meet a few hundred metres north-west towards 'Marseillan', or on the lake's east shore at 'Le Barrou'.

The bay in front of the Slufter is much the same as it ever was, except that the third flight of stairs down to the beach has now gone. This huge standing-depth bay is good for all tides, although the water's quite a walk away at low. As the tide floods, two huge lagoons fill up inshore – perfect playgrounds for kite freestylers and beginners. The water's only deep enough for windsurfers at high tide, although they sometimes shelter from fierce westerlies here.

Cala Martina shares a narrow beach with the well-known resort of 'Club Punta Arabi’. It’s relaxed cruising over turquoise waters in cross-on south-westerly to cross-shore westerly winds. It can even get crowded here in good conditions – thankfully the sunloungers disappear in winter, while the grassy rigging area, restaurant and showers remain. In the summer doldrums, you can also rent kayaks and SUPs on the beach.

Both of Le Havre's city spots occupy the same beach as Sainte-Adresse. Launch at the breakwater in south to south-westerlies, or 800m north at 'Ponan’ for west to north-westerlies. The latter can be especially good in strong north-westerlies – waves and sideshore wind. The break starts working two hours after high tide, just as the shorebreak (which is evil on this pebble beach) backs off. Either way, avoid launching a kite at high tide as the road really isn’t far away – low tide exposes a sandy beach and safe, shallow lagoon though.

Without a doubt, Capo Mannu is among the Mediterranean’s best breaks. Strong Mistral delivers almost Hawaiian calibre waves with wind from the right. The best conditions come when it blows south-west then veers north-westerly. It’s a bit gusty and a tough place for jumps, but makes up for it with pure down-the-line waveriding. Sail out via a channel on the left. Experts only – it’s totally rocky. Kiters launch from the beach at 'Putzu Idu'. Respect the surfers!

Thanks to a thermal on Capo Mimosa, this is Liguria’s favourite freeride venue. If there's no wind anywhere else in spring or summer, there might still be 15 knots here. In strong winds, this sandy beach also works as a wave spot. In winter, the club maintains a container with showers and changing-rooms. Parking is near bar 'Beach’.

North of the historic old town, a 500m strip of shallow water stretches about 2km along the shore. Just venture a little further out to have fun in easterly winds that blow freely across the IJsselmeer. After a session, the beautiful city of Enkhuizen is well worth a visit.

Blåvand isn’t exactly a secret either, although the crowds do spread out across the vast beaches, even at the weekend. The waves don’t get quite as big as 'Rømø' or 'Vejers', but they can be really clean. The wind’s also steadier, the current’s tempered by an offshore sandbank, and at low tide the first 50m is standing-depth. Blåvand is touristy and fully developed, which means there are plenty of holiday cottages to rent . but also such 'attractions’ as a miniature railway and full-sized sweet factory!

Coming from the east, Somo is the first (and best) launch into 'Bahía de Santander’. The beach is long, wide and sandy, the waves form a clean beach-break – and there’s only ever shorebreak at high tide. The quality also deteriorates in a big swell, when you’ll have thundering white water to deal with. Otherwise it’s a good break for surfing too, although so close to the city it's often crowded at the peak. There’s strong current in big swell and out in the rivermouth, while a shipwreck exposes at low tide. Without swell, the bay is also good for freeride in north-easterlies, offering long reaches past Isla de Mouro and Palacio de la Magdalena all the way to the impressive Cabo Mayor.

This lively city beach next to the 'Kasbah Oudaya’ is an alternative when low-pressure systems bring southerly winds, as the swell is generally smaller here. Northerlies mean freeride conditions – for even flatter water head to the rivermouth between the breakwaters. Even with full amenities and a surf club (whose president is no less than King Mohammed VI), just like most northern beaches there are rarely more than a few riders on the water.

Koper-Zusterna just beyond the Italian border is the most northern Balkan spot. The launch is from the left of the bay beside the surf club’s containers. The water’s rough in strong and often gusty Bora, then in summer the thermally enhanced Maestral (NW) just nudges 12-15 knots; ideal for relaxed freeriding. Izola is the better call in Bora, which blows cross-shore from the right less gusty than elsewhere out by the lighthouse. Be wary of the reef upwind as it’s claimed a few fins. In strong Bora (over 30 knots), intermediates retreat to the protected bay of Fiesa safe in the knowledge that they’ll be swept back to the beach if they get tired or break anything. Just beware of the dead wind zone at the foot of the cliffs. A couple of kilometres south-west, just over the Croatian border is Savudrija where you can rig up sheltered from Bora winds. The launch is over a wall and through a 50m lull into strong winds and nice bump-and-jump conditions. In southerly winds, windsurfers should head for Umag to find a powerful wave by the lighthouse. The launch from a small beach right onto the harbour is comparatively easy. On the southern point of Istria is northern Croatia’s most popular spot. The EFPT meet at Premantura every autumn for freestyle windsurfing competition in good Bora winds. The safest launch is at Camping Stupice, where there’s room to rig and launch kites on a small peninsula within the campsite. Southerly winds can produce nice waves by the islands offshore, where it’s best to wear boots to protect from sharp, urchin-infested rocks. Medulin is even better in southerly winds, the prime launch is at the western end of the long shingle beach. Liznjan remained a well-kept local secret for years – even weak NE accelerates to planing strengths, and strong Bora can generate a nice wave that breaks on the reef. Another good freeride venue, Ravni scores a Force 3-5 thermal on sunny afternoons. But better known for its thermal is Preluk where an offshore Force 5-6 beckons freeriders in the early morning. Just don’t linger over breakfast or you might have to swim back in as the wind drops off 1-2 hours after sunrise. Offshore Bora renders the entire steep coastline between Rijeka and Zadar useless, but not the islands within Kvarner Bay. The northernmost, Krk Island is connected to the mainland by bridge. The hills surrounding Punat strengthen a good Bora wind by a Force or two, while in Baska even light NE airflows from the mountains above Senj hit planing strengths when everywhere else has nothing. Sick jumps can be had here off decent ramps that form in strong Bora. Further south, there are two safe spots for freeriders and beginners on the Pag peninsula at Simuni and Sabunike. Both bays have sandy beaches and large shallow areas. Croatia’s most famous beach is the 'Golden Horn’ near the picturesque town of Bol on the Dalmatian island of Brac. Most summer days a 15-knot wind builds in the strait between two islands, ideal for relaxed freeride. There is a Jul/Aug kite ban on the main beach, in which case launch onto the turquoise waters from the next beach downwind of the promontory. In south-east wind try Supetar or in Bora, Povlja. Like Bol, both Viganj and Perna on the Pelješac peninsula enjoy a summer thermal that ramps up to Force 5 in the 1.5km venturi between the islands of Korčula and Pelješac. Plus there’s a picture-postcard view of Korčula Island and its historic town of the same name.

A spectacular beach with white sand and Caribbean water-colours. In theory it's a perfect freestyle and beginner venue, although of course such a beauty is also a very popular swimming beach in summer.

The crescent-shaped beach beneath this resort offers several viable launches. Depending on wind direction, either 'Supertubes' near the harbour or 'Consolação' in the south work best. Supertubes has a legendary reputation, but the waves can be awesome in Consolação too – and a little more relaxed than its famous neighbour. It's a long hike to the water, especially in the middle of the bay – and thieves work the whole area around the clock in summer. Plus the surfers don't always like sharing their waves.

Strong north to easterly winds transform Alcanada into a great wave spot – the reef-break can hit 3m on its day. Unfortunately that doesn't happen very often: the winds are mainly moderate south to easterly, building just a choppy little wave. In southerlies, be really careful not to stray too far from the beach as the currents quickly rip out to open sea. It’s a rocky launch and there are some barely submerged rocks near the lighthouse. Also a good surf-spot.

The island's kite spot can be found by bearing right after crossing the swing bridge from the mainland, then keep going until the windmills. The wind here's generally onshore and weaker than Vassiliki, although a chest-high swell can develop. If the breeze veers northerly and the thermals weaken a bit in Vassiliki, it's worth a look for windsurfing – and as kiting is prohibited in Vass all year long, Agios Ioannis (or 'Milos Beach') is Lefkada's only option for kitesurfing.

Marina di Grosseto is a bit more comfortable than its neighbours, as the beach is wider and parking spaces closer. The fairly ugly town isn't a patch on Castiglione though. On the water it's usually flat with some chop, although a strong wind will deliver waves. It’s overcrowded in summer when you can launch further south at 'Baia di Talamone'. You’ll see plenty of RRD gear around here – no wonder, as Roberto Ricci’s corporate HQ is just 10km inland in Grosseto.

In summer you'll need a huge kite here, hence Georgioupoli is more of a winter spot. Building winds bring stronger currents, but on good days the locals from Chania and Rethimnon head here as it's their nearest spot for northerlies.

Costa Vicentina between Sines and Sagres is one Portugal's wildest and most rugged coasts. The beautiful, steep cliffs, peppered with sandy beaches, are traditionally an area for surfing expeditions – kites and windsurfing kit are rarely seen. But with a bit of luck you can score good days here: like when north-westerly wind and swell coincide in winter. Ironically the thermal Nortada rarely blows strong enough in summertime, so the best chances come on clear, chilly winter days. Sheltered by capes, northerly blows pretty gusty in 'Vila Nova' and 'Odeceixe'. Cross-on low-pressure south-westerlies are also good, but only on the first day as swell and currents soon turn gnarly.

The southern Ria de Aveiro has become ever-more popular in recent years, especially for kiting. Choose your launch depending on wind direction. Most kiters visit Estacas for Nortada and in southerly or westerly winds, in easterlies the spot of choice is 'Biarritz' at the roundabout off the bridge. The water's a little deeper over here – you can even windsurf at low tide at 'Costa Nova Ria'. But if you're expecting to spend much time walking on the sandy seabed, wear shoes to protect from the shells. Tides ensure there's some current all over.