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Wissant is the region’s best wave spot in a south-westerly wind. There's an amazing atmosphere between two limestone capes here, a real Atlantic vibe – and it ranks amongst the top five high wind spots in the whole of France. The waves are best at high tide, although rip and shorebreak are also strongest then. The current can hit 11 knots, so the walk back upwind is a familiar sight! The left of the bay is dominated by windsurfers, kiters generally launch from the right – where everyone congregates at high tide as the beach disappears along the reinforced promenade. Wissant is popular with French, Belgian and German riders, so it gets pretty crowded on good days. Vans might still grab a motorhome spot in the car-park, or there's a campsite at the southern end of town.

This one’s devoted to nature’s beauty up in the mountainous interior. The magnificent Canyon du Verdon flows along a high plateau into the man-made lake of Sainte-Croix. In the local afternoon thermal, Force 5 winds create a playground in the triangle between Sainte-Croix, Bauduen and the concrete dam. In Mistral, the anemometer hits maximum with amazing consistency. Launch from the small beach north of Hotel Les Cavalets, or the picnic area on the edge of the little village of Bauduen.

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. Kiting's not officially allowed, so be careful not to cause trouble – keep your distance from the boat traffic and breakwaters. Access isn't easy, either via a track behind the golf course or a mile walk from the car-park at 'Praia de Alvor'. Offshore north-north-westerly blows very gusty, but there's no danger of drifting off thanks to the breakwaters. Everyone can enjoy the Ria, even in winter south-westerly storms when half-metre chop offers jumps for first flights while the tumultuous sea can be logo-high. Windsurfers stick to high tide – or expect to do a lot of gybing!

A perfect combination of large standing-depth area with butter-flat water, and nice waves further out. Just be careful of the tides; that 60 to 80cm makes all the difference at low water (when it’s even too shallow to kite in the standing-depth area). Bora is better for jumping; frontside down-the-line riding’s possible in strong southerlies (which are sadly all-too-rare). Overall, a very popular spot. The drawbacks being that there's so much seaweed, and kiting is only allowed outside of high-season.

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.

Caorle also offers a couple of options. In Bora (cross-on from the left), launch near Madonna dell Angelo church on 'Spiaggia de Levante' (nice entry-level waves sometimes break near the church). The beach is very wide and drops off slowly into the Adriatic, offering 70m of standing-depth. In southerlies, launch in the estuary at 'Porto di Falconara' – just be careful as the sandbars are barely submerged. If you'd rather be alone, cruise over to the beach on the other side of the rivermouth. Caorle has charm; a lovely old town with narrow streets, earthy fishermen’s taverns and Venetian cafés. It gets really crowded in summer, although neither town nor beach are visited so much in winter, which is better for riding. Whenever you chooses to come, do keep an eye on your car!

Vada is one of Tuscany’s windiest and most versatile venues. It’s a perfect beginner and freeride arena that’s treated to thermal north-westerly winds in sunny weather – plus Scirocco is easily rideable too. Waves build below the harbour's super-long pier in winter low-pressure, although they don’t get quite as big as 'Lillatro'.

Just north of Agios Georgios, Issos Beach is a beautiful learning and freeride venue in summer north-westerlies. The breeze builds to 12-15 knots around noon – sometimes stronger, although high winds are rare. Sand dunes keep the water nice and flat, and a local windsurfing centre hires out kit. The wind shadow from those dunes isn't ideal for kites, especially as the hotel deckchairs lie in wait – but the kite spot of 'Chalikounas' is just 4km north. In winter, Issos reveals its dark side as low pressure southerlies blow nice waves into the bay and kiters ride in front of the deserted hotels.

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.

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.

Mirns is the best kite spot on the IJsselmeer's east bank, but the vast standing-depth area is too shallow for windsurfing. It can get a bit tight for launching on land, but there’s plenty of space on the water. Southerly winds are particularly steady here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This beautiful sandy beach (as good as the sand gets on the east coast) is protected by an isthmus connecting to the islet of 'Little Denmark’. Depending on water levels (which rely more on barometric pressure than tide around here) it ranges from mirror-flat to choppy – the best days are in summer high-pressure. During windier low-pressures, you’ll also find waves on the outside: initially the end of the peninsula is great for first-time wavesailors – then the further out you ride, the bigger the waves get. The best break is at the little isle of 'Vesle Sletter', but it's over a shallow, rocky seabed. Larkollen is one of Norway’s kiting epicentres, but to ride this narrow bay you at least need to be able to stay upwind.

This shallow lake is easy to get to from Bordeaux, and kiting is allowed year-round north of the harbour. Hence it gets crowded on the water, although you won’t see many windsurfers. There are a few trees on the beach, but launching from the vast standing-depth area is no problem. North-westerly is a bit gusty, whereas west to south-westerlies are steadier.

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 big, sheltered bay boasts several sandy beaches – and a nice shallow area for intermediates at 'La Roya’. Unfortunately, the Libeccio’s influence wanes here so the wind blows a bit gusty over the hills. There’s a light thermal in summer, and not many people.

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.

Klitmøller is Denmark’s most famous break – its fans rave about “Cold Hawaii”, while the North Atlantic Surf Association recently built itself a gigantic new clubhouse. As it's open to a range of wind directions, there’s actually a broad scope of conditions on offer. In south-south-west to south-westerly the sheltered bay isn't at its full potential, so the mussel-reef to the south is the best call for perfect cross-shore conditions on big, powerful waves. Reef contact is possible after a wipe-out though – so wear boots if you care about your feet. West to west-north-westerly is jump-time as huge swells roll into the bay, presenting decent ramps with plenty of space between them. There are a few pitfalls in Klitmøller though, like the 'Washing Machine' section where walls of white water break almost perpetually making it tough to recover. Plus there are so many on the water in decent conditions that you’ll need your wits about you. Life’s a little more relaxed downwind at 'Klitrosen’; a popular choice among locals and kiters (to launch from there, park in the last car-park on the edge of the village, then walk 300m over a large sand-dune to the beach). Aside from superb wave conditions, there are plenty of amenities on-hand in Klitmøller; fish-&-chip shops, bakeries, campsites and holiday cottages – what more could you want?

Bora airs this urban spot more often than most – it’s windy over 100 days a year, often storm force. Launch at 'Barcola Park', opposite the Esso petrol station – or mix with the locals off the sailing club premises (nobody seems to mind too much). Some even launch their kite from the water, which isn’t really recommended. Amazing views of the castle from super-flat water, as the wind blows bolt offshore – don’t go out too far, as it’s very gusty and prone to pick up or drop off very suddenly.

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.

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 wide, sandy beach is a Portuguese Kite Tour contest venue. The region’s jet-set gather here in summer, when it’s mostly flat-water light-wind conditions. Waves only hit this beach with a big swell – a little larger than 'Tróia' but less powerful. Off-season south-westerlies produce much bigger waves.

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!

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.

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.

Vrouwenpolder is the North Sea launch from the Veersedam. A popular surf spot in north-west to westerly winds – which is a bit special, as Holland has few launches where westerly blows cross-shore. Too bad the bay is silting up, and needs so much wind due to the shadow cast by the surrounding land. Like across the road, it's “betaald parkeren” (paid parking). Carry your kit across the concrete dyke and keep going – it’s a long way to the water, especially at low tide. But the upside is a shallow pool that's great for practising. Waves are best at high tide.

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’.

La Maddalena is a good option for loners who find Costa Smeralda too crowded. On the plus side, this island is no less windy than 'Porto Pollo' . the problem being that the bays are narrow and the beaches are often peppered with rocks. Your best bet is 'Baia Trinitá' on the west coast. But if in doubt, just enjoy the atmosphere: crystal-clear water and white beaches framed by wind-eroded cliffs.

A popular all-rounder on Étang de Berre – the first 100m is standing-depth, so it’s especially popular with beginners. The kite zone, roughly in the middle of the dam, stays open in high summer. North to westerly generates up to 1m of chop, it can be even wavier than Carro in due northerly (generally with stronger wind too). What’s more, in summer the south-westerly blows 15-20 knots at Plage de Jai - topping the charts for this area. In contrast, the lake’s flat as a pancake in offshore east to southerly. Dubious water quality with blooms of algae in summer's heat. Come winter though, that warm water chills off extremely fast.

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’.

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.

Way south of Cape of Creus, Pals is the best break around these parts in northerly Tramontana. Within limits though; Pals only works when it's nuking further north – even when it's small sails at 'Port de la Selva', there could be nothing here. But when the wind does push through, conditions are phenomenal. Big, clean waves with cross-shore wind from the left allow high jumps and quality frontside riding. The best Tramontana time is February to April; look inland to see the snow-capped Pyrenean peaks – wonderful! (The wind is suitably cold though.) But conditions in Pals can be relaxed too – south-westerly Garbí (cross-off from the right) might be gusty but isn’t bad for freeride. South-easterly Xaloc is ideal for kiting – even north-easterly Gregal is fun, sometimes with small waves to jump. Onshore Levante is no good though. Launch by the red-&-white antennae.

At this nature reserve a few kilometres north of 'Marsala’, 'Isola Grande’ protects a vast bay that's 1.8m deep at most – ideal for beginners and freestylers. Almost all wind directions work here: thermal northerlies in summer, pressure-driven the rest of the year. The salt-pan windmills at sunset and the island of Mozia are both sights to savour.

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 village is on Dutch soil, although the venue itself is halfway to Knokke in Belgium. The most popular launch is in front of 'De Zeemeuw' pavilion. Nice waves break along a long sandy beach in south-west to westerly winds. It can get pretty big in a north-westerly, although that will be onshore. Towards Knokke there are ever fewer groynes.

This beach is enormous: 300m-wide and miles long. Yet in summer you’ll still have problems threading your way to the water through football field sized areas of sunloungers. 'Off-season’ are the magic words here too – it’s still a 300m walk, but then you’ll be able to fully appreciate the beach’s width and gentle drop-off.

Heading west, the long, sandy beach of 'Da Frouxeira’ is the first to reveal Galicia’s great wave potential. As usual in the Rías Altas, it works best with the prevailing high-pressure north-easterly and low-pressure westerly wind. It’s never first choice amongst its neighbours though. The waves are huge but messy and break near the beach at high tide, while a strong rip pulls out to sea. It's full of sunbathers in summer too. Really one for experts who prize high jumps over long waverides.

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.

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.

The vast shallows of La Arihuela and the island with the imposing Castillo block most of the swell here, providing relaxed freeride sessions with perhaps a little chop in strong Poniente. Experienced riders tack up to the large sandbar to find some more space – but if you don’t feel comfortable in the shipping lane's strong tidal current, you can take the kite school’s boat shuttle over in season. In big swell, wave experts will find a fast reef-break over rocks at low tide up near the bunker. Sufficiently strong Levante is rare, gusty and offshore, so it better suits windsurfing.

Part of the Peligoni Club this beach, if you can call it that, is literally a small slipway launch leading to typical flat water/bump and jump, summertime Greek Meltemi conditions. Although the Peligoni slipway is private there's option to launch either side for sailors that fancy.

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.

Surrounded by steep cliffs, this wide bay is sometimes called “Galicia’s Ho’okipa” – San Xurxo isn’t the Rías Altas’ most popular wave spot for nothing. The waves are always a little smaller than 'Doniños', yet better organised. North-easterly is slightly offshore from the right, allowing clean frontside down-the-line riding. If the wind backs cross-onshore northerly you'll be better off at 'Doniños'. The waves are biggest on the first few days of north-easterly, before progressively dropping off. Low-pressure south-westerlies (cross-off from the left, most often in winter) deliver consistent swell, which stays rideable here while 'Doniños' soon gets gnarly. Both wind directions are a bit gusty inshore, while the waves are best at mid-tide on the drop.

This endless sandy beach in front of the beautiful white village of Conil de la Frontera is also better suited to swimming and surfing in summer, when both the beach-break and lagoon only work irregularly. The wind is more likely to get strong enough in wintertime. The waves are best on an ebb tide and stay a bit smaller than 'El Palmar', but conditions are otherwise very similar. Best wind directions are west to north-westerly (the better the weather, the more northerly Poniente blows) or south-south-easterly as Levante turns on its last day before the start of a westerly. Sadly, the standing-depth kite lagoon in the Rio Salado estuary doesn't contain enough water every year. In summer there’s a little kite zone on the beach – and some lively nightlife in town.

There's beautiful scenery at this 10km beach between Cabo de Gata lighthouse and the Roman archaeological site; the water's often crystal-clear too, even if the currents around the cape do cool it down a bit. Levante blows cross-offshore over 20 knots for freeride sessions on super-flat waters while there's barely a breath at Almería. You can launch anywhere really, but the locals tend to meet near the salt-pans down south.

You’ll need to be out of bed early – and wide awake – to catch classic days at Majanicho in easterly wind. This premium point-break offers endless frontside waverides. Rig and launch on the volcanic rocks, then watch for sea urchins in the water; even purists choose to wear boots here. A strong current means it’s better to stay upwind in the channel when heading out to ensure a safe exit. The current comes in handy after a fall in the waves, pulling strongly downwind out of the impact zone. Most Windsurfers start right in front of the point, kiters prefer to launch downwind in the bay where they find more space. However, the nasty walk over the reef there is even worse. If there are more than a handful of windsurfers out at the peak, kiters with a sense of etiquette ride the waves further upwind. It’s easiest to drive to Majanicho from Lajares – the road to the coast starts at Jürgen Hönscheid's Northshore shop.