Europe

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!

Guincho is undoubtedly one of Europe’s hottest summer wave spots, attracting various international contests. The thermally reinforced Nortada allows regular sessions from May to August. Gusty winds swing between west-north-west and north-westerly (cross-on to cross-shore from the right) and gradually increase through the day, often reaching Force 7 by afternoon. Hence small sails and kites are a must. The warmer the day, the more the wind tends to cross-off north-north-east, which is always gusty. If it gets too hot, it can even turn north-east to easterly (offshore) and completely die off. A few minutes before that happens it blows noticeably warmer on the water, at which point it's time to get in quick or you'll have to swim home. With any luck, the all-important swell will join in to hide a few masts out back. The chances of big swell are higher in spring and autumn than summer, although the odds of wind drop to an even 50/50. The swell is huge in winter, but wind is rare and it rains a lot. Big swell means extremely challenging conditions – gusty winds, strong currents and a shorebreak (especially at high tide) mean it’s the preserve of experienced sailors. Two launches sit either side of rocks that divide the beach. Most stay north for cleaner waves and more constant wind – also a good call if you’re worried about the current dragging you onto the steep cliffs down south. The southern side is popular with wave newcomers, as the beach shelves more gently to leave a little more standing-depth water. Parking is free down south near 'Hotel Muchaxo’ – to the north, it costs a couple of Euros at 'Bar de Guincho’. Either way you'll have to carry your kit a fair distance to the water. Of course if there's no wind, surfing and SUP are excellent on the Atlantic swell, especially by Hotel Muchaxo.

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.

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'.

The shallow 'Lagoa de Óbidos' is Portugal’s biggest lagoon – ideal for kiting and light-wind freeride windsurfing. Long fins can easily catch on the sandbars at low tide though, and there are strong currents at the mouth of the estuary. Almost all wind directions work on the lagoon, even gusty easterlies are reinforced by nearby mountains. Most riders launch near 'Foz do Arelho' – or in summer when kiting is prohibited in the estuary and northern part of the lagoon, try the windsurfing school ('Este') or Praia do Bom Sucesso ('Sul') on the far bank.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Autumn can deliver great days here in south-easterly winds. The rocks make the waves run fairly clean into the beautiful bay. On the whole, a nice place – and even if the wind is too easterly, you can relocate to the neighbouring bay of 'Damnoni'.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

North-west of the freshwater lake Limni Korission is the island's most popular kite spot – although it's never that busy. At most 30 kites share the skies above a 20m wide sandy beach. Happily, swimmers rarely come here as the beach is off the beaten track and the last mile down the dirt track is bumpy. Like neighbouring 'Issos', the summer wind usually stays manageable here; the most popular kites are 12-14m. There's a kite hire centre on site, right next door to a beach bar for those glorious sunsets.

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.

This is the Upper Adriatic’s best break, and the local standard is suitably high! It works in strong Bora with 1-2.5m waves (over 3m is possible on the outer sandbar). But the finest waves come with south-easterlies; even though the wind usually only blows 20 knots, it can generate decent swell across the full fetch of the Adriatic. Conditions are best when the wind backs north-easterly within a few hours. Due northerly wind without SE swell guarantees flat water. Conditions stay relaxed in summer thermals too, which can blow easterly up to 15 knots. Sottomarina is on the northernmost tip of Chioggia at the end of Via San Felice. At the northern end of this wide sandy beach, a huge walkable jetty extends over 300m into the Adriatic. Rig in the protection of a sand-dune between 'Al Porto’ and 'Tropical’ campsites.

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.

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.

La Rochelle’s city beach beside the marina is the only place around that works throughout the tide. Low water does mean sailing in the shipping lane though – so stay alert, as there are hundreds of hobby captains. Launch from the little pebble beach to the right. Although the wind window is broad, sailing options are limited to formula, freeride or slalom.

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.

Similar to 'Forte dei Marmi', this wide, sandy beach stretches from Lido di Camaiore to Viareggio. It offers loads of room outside of high season, whereas parasols rule in midsummer when kiting is banned. In south to south-westerly winds, there’s a decent beach-break over the sandbars. The area downwind of the jetty is particularly good when it’s howling.

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.

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.

The beauty of this place is its rugged, unspoilt setting; if you visit, make sure it stays that way! The break gets waves early, although cross to cross-off south-westerly conditions are rare. Mistral is usually cross-on, and not very clean – it can get big though. The best waves break over a few rocky ridges mid-way along this wide, sandy beach. Parking is usually 800m above the launch, but you might get a bit closer out of season by trying to drive down the boardwalk to the beach. Just don’t get too cocky without four-wheel-drive!

North of town, conditions are almost identical to 'Årgab', the facilities are just as comfortable, yet the standing-depth area's even bigger. Both spots are traditionally windsurfing territory, although responsible kiters are welcome.

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.

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 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.

This spot with its distinctive rock is the place to be in south-westerly winds, most often from autumn to spring. The beach drops off slowly to offer a large standing-depth area. In stronger winter winds, nice waves sometimes break out front. Kiters need some experience, as the steep cliffs and narrow sandy beach in town don't allow much margin for error.

The only viable spot in the west of Paros is one of Greece’s best and most popular kite beaches. The 1300m wide strait between the island and neighbouring Antiparos offers perfectly flat water, constant wind and a whole lot of safety. The only downside is that, like all over Paros, it gets very busy in high season.

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.

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’.

A white, fine sandy beach, turquoise water and views of Lanzarote and Los Lobos – Flag’s a real beauty! North-easterly Passat blows cross-shore, but often not until afternoon. Although primarily a freeride spot, S and N swell can wrap in year-round bringing sweet waves that don’t break quite as steep or hollow as elsewhere on the North Shore. Not a big deal, but just in case: remember where the rocks expose at low tide. Kitesurfers stay further left, windsurfers to the right. Parking’s on the road, then it’s 150m walk to the water. Snacks are available beside Flag Beach Windsurf & Kitesurf Centre – but just like along the whole North Shore, you’ll search for toilets in vain.

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.

It’s not just the shorebreak that gets underestimated here – in south-easterly Scirocco, Genoa might be the region’s most radical break. The most popular city spots are at 'Centro Surf Club’ (for both kiters und windsurfers) and 'Sturla Beach' (kiters only) further east near the football stadium.

Probably the Veluwemeer's most popular venue, for obvious reasons: perfect flat-water conditions, a huge 1.5km x 5km expanse of in-depth water, and a generous 180° wind range. Strand Horst is especially good on cold days when you needn’t dread a rinsing in the shallows. Even the paid parking won’t spoil the fun, as you can pull up right next to the water. Windsurfers use the northern stretch of beach, the official kite zone is a little further south. Its one flaw thrives in warmer months, when a weed fin is wise for windsurfing. There are full facilities ashore – and for homeward-bound empty stomachs, that familiar yellow 'M' is lit up behind the reeds and trees.

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.

Discovered in the late ’70s, this place on the northern tip of Costa Smeralda soon became one of Europe’s most popular freeride venues. Two large bays are divided by a narrow sandspit – onshore winds and chop on one side, mirror-flat water on the other . and the spit doesn’t interfere with the wind either. The Strait of Bonifacio forms a perfect wind-tunnel with amazing wind stats. All westerly and easterlies get strengthened, and Porto Pollo offers a suitable launch for every direction. 'Porto Liscia' is another option in the west of the bigger bay, accessible via the SS133.

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.

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.