Esposende Lagoa

It's almost exclusively kiting in the knee-deep Rio Cávado estuary – despite the constant Nortada (and in contrast to 'Viana') even in summer there's always enough space on the water. That's because the only way in to the nature reserve is by boat: the kite school offers season tickets for transfer from the port in Esposende. They've installed kickers and sliders in the lagoon for wake-style, and even come to the rescue if wind or current overwhelms anyone. The ocean side sometimes sees a few waves: just walk over the dunes. Look out for strong currents and boat traffic in the rivermouth. Since the Nortada doesn't usually start working until noon, you can party hard in the downtown bars and clubs all night in summer.