Riders Beach, Alaçati

Consistent wind, warm water and a 500m standing-depth area make Alaçati a perfect freestyle and freeride venue, with ideal learning conditions for beginners too. All summer long, Meltemi (or 'Poyraz', as the locals call it) consistently blows Force 5 to 7 all afternoon over unruffled waters. If it goes north-easterly (Gerence, mostly mornings) it can sometimes get even stronger. Spring and autumn still boast an even chance of wind, when it more often blows southerly (Lodos) which even delivers a few waves into the bay. Ideal for a bit of variety and some jumps, but real wave-heads won’t get their fill here – the waves are too soft and such days far too rare. Several centres supply wind-junkies with kit, windsurfers launch south of the marina or opposite at 'Riders Beach'. The two kite spots are also visible on the far bank, although they're a good 20-minute drive around the bay.