Nestled just across the river Lima from the vibrant city of Viana do Castelo lies Praia do Cabedelo, a stunning beach with white sands, lush dunes, and pine forests. This hidden gem is quickly gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s top kitesurfing destinations, with some of the most consistent winds on the entire Portuguese coast. But even if you’re not a kitesurfer, there’s still plenty to enjoy at Cabedelo. The beach offers free parking, showers, and toilets, and is patrolled by lifeguards during the season. The tranquil waters are perfect for yoga, surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding in the morning, and the thermic winds that arrive after lunch make it the perfect spot for kitesurfing. The peak season for kitesurfing is May to September, but the winds here are strong enough to ride all year round. If you’re looking for waves, just head a little further out into the ocean and you’ll find some impressive swells. And when you’re hungry, be sure to check out the delicious restaurants on the beach, serving up classic Portuguese fare with a stunning ocean view. Take the ferry from the town center for a scenic ride to the beach, or drive and enjoy the free parking. Just be sure to watch out for the rocks on the left side of the beach and wear a wetsuit to protect against the cold water. With so much to offer, Praia do Cabedelo is a must-visit destination for beach-goers of all kinds.
Parking, showers, and lifeguards
Praia do Cabedelo has quite some really nice things: The parking (300-meter walk) is free. The beach has changing rooms, showers, and toilets. (next to the parking) During the season, this beach line is also supervised by lifeguards with boats. They know how to deal with kitesurfers so no worries, they will always help you, or come by with their boat to check on you. And yes, this service is also free.
Watersports at Praia do Cabedelo
Praia do Cabedelo has the perfect conditions for all kinds of watersports. In the morning, there is usually no wind. So that’s a perfect moment for yoga at Duotone Pro Center or surf or sup session. After lunch, the thermic wind will arrive. At Duotone Pro Center you can also rent all your essential gear.
The wind conditions at Praia do Cabedelo
The peak season for kitesurfing at Cabedelo is between May and September, but it really is possible to kite here all year round. It’s windy every day in summer, with speeds of up to 35 knots. The dominant wind is from the NW, and the main direction is side-onshore, which is also the best. This type of wind is called Nortada, and its literal translation is “Strong North Wind.” Cabedelo beach is a half-moon-shaped bay so no worries: when you are in trouble you will wash ashore in minutes. Praia do Cabedelo has more wind than Esposende, and it’s less crowded. The best wind to kitesurf here is coming from NW. This wind is mostly thermal. Check the forecast and add 10 knots in spring and summer for the thermal wind.
Tip: Check out the real-time weather forecast at vianalocals. They have a very accurate wind meter and some webcams on the beach.
What are the wave conditions at Praia do Cabedelo?
Cabedelo is a wide beach that is sheltered from the waves by two large breakwaters. Therefore, the water is butter flat in the harbor. If you’re looking to score some cool waves, all you need to do is head further out into the ocean. After 2km the water stop of the wave breaker ends and Atlantic waves roll in. In Portugal, strong swells come with the package. The waves are smaller in summer, which is a great time to go if you are a beginner and get more powerful in autumn.
Are there some rules on the beach?
There are not a lot of rules. When the beach is crowded, the lifeguards sometimes create a launch area for the kiters. And an area for swimmers. You can recognize the area with the yellow flags. Don’t worry, if you don’t see it, they will let you know with a whistle. But furthermore, you can kite everywhere, even where the boats are or all the way to the other beach: Praia Rodanho. Normally the wind is stronger here and there are more waves. It is also less crowded than Praia do Cabedelo.
Important warnings at Praia do Cabedelo
1 km from the beach start, on your left, there are a few rocks on the beach and in the water. Don’t say hello to them. The beach has more than enough space to set up your gear, and there are no things in the water to look out for. The water is very cold. So please wear a wetsuit of at least 3/4. Water shoes are not necessary.
Take a ferry to the beach
Don’t have a car? Or in for a nice boat trip? Take for one euro the ferry from the pier south of the town center to the beach. It’s a very short but nice trip.
Restaurants at the beach
Portugal is famous for its food. So you are in for a treat! Here are some tips: My personal favorite is Duotone Pro Center. The lunch here is absolutely amazing. The staff is helpful and kind, and you can sit upstairs where you have the best view over the beach, and you can even see the city from here. In the summer they will open the terrace at the beachside, where you can drink beer and cool down with some ice creams.
Aquário Bar is one of my favorites for the evening. They just had a significant restyling, so it looks very nice. The food is amazing. You can find Aquário Bar next to the parking area.
FeelViana Beach Bar is located on the Beach. It has a great view over the Atlantic Ocean. Perfect for drinks, snacks, light meals, and ice creams after a session.
