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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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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?

“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.

Ostende is a real metropolis by Belgian standards. Not just party-central, it also offers some of the country’s finest dining – as long as you’re ready to open your wallet! There are three options for windsports: the kite scene meet by 'Outside' surf-club, which has its risks with all the groynes. A little way south is a launch by the boardwalk named 'Webcam' after a student mounted one here. As the city's main road passes nearby it's often used by the after-work crowd, just be careful where you park as there are wardens! The third launch is a little way west at 'Roze Villa', which even works with slightly cross-offshore winds which blow over low-lying land west of Mariakerke.

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

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 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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

If it’s simplicity you’re after, drive to Scharbeutz and set-up along the road that follows the coast. Although the sand’s finer, conditions are similar to 'Timmendorfer' with waves only in strong north-easterly winds (with hefty currents too).

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.

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’.

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.

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’.

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 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.

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.

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.

Only rarely does anyone come here to ride the ocean side in the waves, as kiting and windsurfing is prohibited in the protected nature reserve of the lagoon. Conditions are similar to 'Comporta' and 'Carvalhal' further north. If you have the choice, head to 'Sines' for a more reliable Nortada.

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!

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.

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.

A good spot for rare south-south-easterlies. Also works in westerly winds, although it's always choppy. The proximity to Rotterdam attracts lots of beachgoers in summer, the official kite zone is beyond the two beach pavilions.

Sidi Abdellah is a great summertime hide-away as it blows 2 Forces less than Moulay. With cross-onshore wind, the waves even get a bit bigger – but no cleaner. The rocky backdrop doesn’t really endear it to kiters. Below the little fishing village of Bibah a small, partially standing-depth lagoon opens up behind a few rocks, offering freestyle conditions. To the left of the lagoon there’s access to open ocean. Until the early ’90s, Moulay Bouzerktoun was a blank spot on the map. No electricity or water, but loads of wind and perfect waves ridden by just a few adventurers. These days it’s one of the most renowned summer spots for European waveriders, sporting two waves over the reef plate. One breaks at the foot of the cliffs, the other further south at the actual 'beach’, which also serves as base-camp for campervans. The waves are best on a push tide, but don’t be too eager as towards low water there’s precious little depth and waist-deep holes in the reef lurking at the launch. Typical of this region, in high summer the waves generally stay small and are often pretty choppy due to the strong wind. Despite all this, Moulay is often completely packed with around 100 people. It’s better out of season when the swell regularly reaches mast-high. The sandy bay of Essaouira is mostly hosts easy freeride conditions. Near Fort Portugais in the south there’s a modest beach-break, but it rarely exceeds head-high – a great bolt-hole when the rest of the area’s too hardcore. The only drawback being that the prevailing northerly’s very gusty. But the local infrastructure makes up for this with kite and windsurf outfits offering kit and lessons, there are also beach cafés, camel rides. With swell on a flood tide, Taguinza has the area’s cleanest wave. It’s also where the wind starts first, and it blows up to 10 knots stronger than Moulay or Sidi Kaouki in the afternoon. The wind blows cross-off with ideal conditions for riding waves and boosting aerials, even if it is always a bit gusty. Sidi Kaouki also does Morocco proud with its 5km of sandy beach, powerful beach-break, and a reef-break in front of Hotel Marabout. It works best in smaller swell as bigger waves often close-out, especially at low tide – packing a spare mast isn’t a bad idea at high either. Kaouki is also a beautiful place to camp in the dunes. L'Oued is a reef-break in front of the rivermouth on the southern end of the beach. Even though it already works well in small swell, mistakes can be costly as both wind and current sweep straight towards the rocks. Reaching the bay behind the cliffs either demands a 4x4, or a downwinder – either way access to Secret Bay is awkward. That’s why this place keeps its name, even though its location’s well-known. The view from the rocky plateau nicely sums the place up: long sandy beach, turquoise water and sideshore winds. The paved road leads to Iftane in just a few minutes. Apart from a few fishing boats, most of the time you’ll have the place to yourself. The wind blows cross-on and a bit weaker than at Kaouki, but especially kiters should keep their distance from the rocks.

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.

Punta Ala and 'Giannella' are the only Tuscan spots that work in north-easterly Tramontana, although the wind is gusty and the water choppy. Narrow for kiting, but possible – although only out of season.

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.

This long beach north of La Cinta is the epicentre of the Sardinian kite scene during the San Teodoro Evento in September. It’s best in south-easterly Scirocco, which can even pack a punch in summer. It's often a freeride spot, although strong Scirocco can deliver decent cross-on waves. Even when there’s not much wind in Olbia, Cape Town style cloud over 'Isola della Tavolara’ means San Teodoro might be worth a look. There’s an official kite zone in the middle of the bay, some 1.5km from the car-park!