need help want to spend a week in europe in august after visting my parents in leeds, north of england, these are the wants-
nice sunny place,
high wind
waves this is a MUST
very easy to get to
not crowded
very high standard
bars and nightlife
decent people
within 3 hour flight of the uk
any ideas out there, im english but havent lived there fir 13 years so i dont really know allot about modern europe
thanks
In August I would say that if your hardcore [ie looking for real down the line pointbreak waves, bringing your own gear , prepared to hire a car then camp or B+B it] then Portugal from Lisbon north is the best bet, with 'el Norte' been the seabreeze that gets generated daily by the Iberian low, much like WA in reverse. Guincho, about an hour from Lisboa, has the strongest and most consistent wind and waves, but is very popular, It can get too windy here [30kts plus is regularly], but by travelling north over the sintra mountains. You can get about 10kts less along the Peniche coasts pristine points, reefs and beaches.
Water is cold so 3/2 steamer advised
Best fly to Lisbon an hire a car nad be aware that break ins at the beach are common.
Best done if you are travelling with at least one kiting companion also ripping in waves
For an easier option I would probably go to Tenerife, where El medano has the best wind stats in Euroope and there is lots of accommodation and kite/board hire [Check out the shinn centre online] The waves are smallish and the wind cross on but it has some quality reef waves for the experienced if the swell jacks and you can do it all within walking distance of the unit.
Or finally consider flying Air Mauritius to UK and stopping in Mauritius [which is not Europe of course ] and spend a week at The Indian Resort from where you can kite 'one eye' and 'Manoa' [lots written previously on the site about Mauritius for the uninitiated] but you would have to have your own gear, can be hard core too and the waves best suit the highly experienced.
hate to say it mate but you are visiting england.
no sun, no nice beaches or people.
im sorry, its just the truth
Hey boyo, thats a bit of a sweeping statement. Cornwall and Wales have some great spots.
I reckon Morrocco would be a good one as well, although I reckon you would need to have a guided tour for that, but my mate has done surfing trips there and reckons its the shizzle.
If you are feeling lazy and have the cash, there are plenty of companies that run kite surfaris in Portugal and Morrocco, so you don't have to stuff around trying to find the best places. They also give you support for doing epic down-winders as well, will accommodate you and some feed you as well. I know its a soft way to travel but the priority is to be out on the water right? Its also quite cool because all the people in the group are keen on the same thing so the social is there as well.
I was on the Dingle peninsula in Ireland for Easter and the beaches are awesome there. Big waves come in off the Atlantic and you can camp right on the beach. Weather isn't as good as Portugal/Spain/Morocco though, BUT Guinness is in plentiful supply and you will be guaranteed of some awesome fun. Irish people rule.
Unfortunately, according to my Kitesurfing guide to Europe August isn't the best time for waves in Portugal or Morrocco as the thermal winds are a bit strong. The waves start to come in cleaner in September.
You could also consider the West coast of France, though I think its a bit pricier, and the wind wouldn't be as consistent.
Sardegna, Alghero, go north to Santa Teresa. Plenty of sick spots. Uncrowded too.
It's as isolated as gets in central Europe.
Waves are good but wave length is close in Maestrale.
You didnt hear this from me.
Stay herehttp://www.borgodicampagna.it/Content.aspx
Honestly for a kite surfing Aussie is is the best place to stay in remote Europe. Renzo speaks english, he is the ex Wipika tester guy.
Very traditional, it will blow you away, Renzo knows the north of the island 2nd best to me...just kidding.
You need to fly Meridiana to the island.
Our seasonal migratory from S. Wales was always to SW france
Biarittz Lacanau Hossegor and further south San Sebastian all beaut beachies.
hello,
Tarifa is probably the best bet. might be a little crowded but windy most of the time in the summer. too windy sometimes too. the scenery is very nice, the food good and not too expensive. there are plenty of camping, rental cars, and gibraltar is not too far.
probably the easiest place to go in terms of flying and renting a car.
the small city is quite nice too at night for parties.
you also have a few different spot to kite and if no wind, going around is nice.
and the flamenco music is on the radio too .....
marc-a.
Waves and no crowds..... in August, you'll do well to find it in Europe mate.
August is holiday season and EVERYONE will be on hols - families with their kids everywhere!
Waves in August are a rareity as they are usually resulting from the atlantic winter storms - you may strike lucky in some of the atlantic islands tough, may be the canaries but they will be hugely crowded!
You could try Cape Verde - think they may be doing direct flights from UK now as well, you had to fly via Portugal before. Less chance of crowds there too as it hasn't caught on much yet.
Good luck!
