Virtually nothing can match the experience of freedom you’ll feel when you harness the wind’s power and skim across beautifully glittering water before being lifted into the air as you kitesurf. Flat water, waves, dreamy beaches, warm climates, perfect wind conditions and, of course, picturesque settings all come together to form the ideal kitesurfing destination, and here we look at some of the very best places in the world to go kitesurfing. Whether you’re a complete novice who is learning to kitesurf for the first time, or an experienced pro, you’ll find a spot on this list that’s perfect for you.
Spain – Tarifa
Arguably, Tarifa is Europe’s top kitesurfing destination, and it’s for good reason. On Spain’s southernmost tip, this resort is perfect for both advanced and novice kitesurfers thanks to its warm water and consistent winds. Then afterwards, you can enjoy the delicious Mediterranean food and the vibrant nightlife. Tarifa is the wind capital of Europe, with the Levante – a strong and warm wind that comes from the Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar – ensuring ideal kitesurfing conditions and breaking waves.
Sri Lanka – Kalpitiya
On Sri Lanka’s north west coastline, two hours to the north of the capital Colombo, Kalpitiya may not be a popular tourist resort, but its warm, tropical water and reliable winds make it a hotspot for kitesurfers. A narrow, long sandbar separates Kalpitiya’s lagoon from the Indian Ocean, making it the best place to give kitesurfing a try for the very first time. The lagoon is shallow and has flat water, while also being long and wide enough to accommodate beginner riders. Once you’re ready to take things further, head into the ocean itself to benefit from the breaking waves, clear water and cross onshore reliable winds. If you’ve always wanted to surf with dolphins, Kalpitiya is the place to do it, with large pods often coming into the shore.
Morocco – Essaouira
Every surfer has Morocco on their bucket list, and now kitesurfers have recognised that they can enjoy world-class winds and waves here too. Essaouira is on Central Morocco’s Atlantic coastline and is one of the world’s top kitesurfing spots. The town itself has a fantastic infrastructure but without losing any of its traditional and authentic charm. Meanwhile, its bay is protected from the strongest winds thanks to Mogador island. There is an enormous sandy beach and the waves are long and gentle, making them ideal of beginners,
The Philippines – Boracay
Boracay’s white sandy shores are hard to beat, but with its flat water and reliable winds as well as its fantastic tropical climate, it’s also a great place for novice kitesurfers. Boracay Island’s main kiting spot is Bulabog Beach, which has a stunning lagoon that is protected by the reef, ensuring steady onshore winds and calm waters.
Dominican Republic – Cabarete
The Dominican Republic is an exceptionally geographically diverse island, and its north shore boasts windy conditions all year round. The windiest and longest beach that the island has to offer is Cabaret, and here, there are plenty of opportunities for kitesurfing on two different beaches. Beginners should head to Cabarete Kite Beach where there’s plenty of space, while the reef offshore is perfect for more advanced riders thanks to the larger swell and breaking waves.
Tanzania – Zanzibar
If you thought Zanzibar was only good for safari holidays, it’s time to think again! This beautiful African island has crystal clear waters which are perfect for kitesurfing, especially on the island’s south east coastline thanks to the coral reef which runs the entire coastline’s length. Paje is a world-class spot for kitesurfers with flat water lagoons and consistent side onshore winds. It’s also not very touristy, so its palm-fringed sandy beaches are virtually untouched.
Vietnam -Mui Ne
Take a four hour drive to the north of Ho Chi Minh City and you’ll reach the palm fringed sandy beaches of Mui Ne. This kitesurfing spot is one of the best in Asia and the long beach ensures plenty of space for everybody. Around 230 days a year, Mui Ne benefits from winds of 12 knots or more. This makes morning kitesurfing ideal for beginners, while more experienced riders can head out in the afternoons.
Brazil – Cumbuco
The Fortaleza region of Brazil is one of the world’s best kitesurfing destinations, and Cumbuco is the Brazilian kiting capital thanks to its year-round sun and cross-shore winds. The flat water lagoon is shallow making it perfect for novices but experienced kiters will love heading further offshore into the breaking waves. Cumbuco’s best kitesurfing spot is Cauipe Lagoon. Beginners are welcome in the south part of the lagoon, but in the north, pros come to challenge themselves.
Spain – Fuerteventura
The name “Fuerteventura” actually means “strong winds”, so it isn’t surprising that this Canary Island is a kitesurfing hotspot. Sotavento, on the island’s south east coastline is a great beach for novices, offering both choppy and flat water so it’s also good for advanced riders. Meanwhile, Flag Beach in Corralejo is good for beginners due to the gentle winds and flat water as well as the sandy bottom of the protected bay which ensures a simple entry and launch.
Mexico – La Ventana
Just half an hour to the south of La Paz, La Ventana is sometimes called Mexico’s Tarifa. This small, coastal town has excellent winds and turquoise, warm waters. The beach is wide and never crowded, while its easy launch and side onshore winds make it great for beginners and experienced riders alike.
Start Kitesurfing At The World’s Best Destinations
Whether you’re a complete newcomer to the sport of kitesurfing or whether you’re already converted to this fun activity, these spots are some of the very best around the world to enjoy your favourite pastime. Whether you want to head to Asia, Europe or the Americas, you’ll find the ideal location in this list for you so you can hit the water, enjoy glorious weather and have a lot of fun doing what you love best.
