Cabedelo Beach

The premier water sports destination in Portugal

Cabedelo Beach boasts extraordinary natural features that make it the perfect spot for riders of all levels. Located in Viana do Castelo, Northern Portugal, this beach offers two main spots within a 500-meter stretch of sand, each providing unique conditions for kitesurfing, wing foiling, windsurfing and foiling.

Northern End of Cabedelo Beach: The main spot is situated at the northern end of Cabedelo Beach, just below of our Duotone Pro Center. It is sheltered by a large sea wall that spans the river mouth, protecting the town from the harsh Atlantic waves. This creates an area of glassy flat water, ideal for foiling and beginner lessons, as the wind blows over the wall. The spot is known for some of the best foiling conditions in Europe.

Rodanho Beach: About 500 meters further south is Rodanho Beach, where the prevailing winds are more onshore, and the area tends to pick up more swell. The waves break on a sandy bottom, and finding the best sandbank may require some exploration. This spot is perfect for wave riders looking for consistent swell and challenging conditions.

MAIN SPOT
MAIN SPOT
MAIN SPOT
HARBOUR
HARBOUR
HARBOUR
RODANHO BEACH
RODANHO BEACH
RODANHO BEACH

SPOT FEATURES

Flat Water & Waves

The sea wall at the northern end provides excellent flat water conditions, ideal for freestyle, learning and foiling, while the southern end of the beach offers consistent waves, perfect for advanced riders.

Spacious Beach

The beach is wide, providing ample space for setup and launching. During high tide, the beach narrows, but it widens significantly at low tide.

Safety & Accessibility

The crescent-shaped bay ensures that you always have land downwind, offering a sense of safety as drifting is almost impossible. The beach is easily accessible via wooden walkways or sandy paths from the parking and camping areas.

Hazards

The main hazard is a small patch of rocks between the main spot and Rodanho. Most are visible at low tide, but keep your eyes peeled as the tide pushes up the beach.

WIND FORECAST

CABEDELO BEACH IN PORTUGAL

Main Wind Season: April - September

The summer months are the best time to visit Viana for wind. The thermal winds are accelerated by the temperature difference between the hot land and the cold sea. From late March to October, you can expect to benefit from this summer breeze effect. During the main wind season from April to September, Viana do Castelo experiences many days with strong winds, some light wind days, and occasional no-wind days. The wind typically starts around noon and continues until sunset, blowing at speeds between 16 and 35 knots.

Tip: Always check the forecast for the coming days and add 5 to 10 knots if a north wind is predicted.

 

 

Summer Wind Conditions: During the summer months, the wind predominantly comes from the north/northwest. The wind comes in over the sea, making it very steady and reliable. Mornings usually have lighter winds, ideal for beginner lessons. Around noon, the wind may briefly drop, then shift to the north/northwest and quickly pick up strength, lasting until sunset. The northwest wind blows side/side-on-shore.

Winter Wind Conditions: From November to March, the wind often shifts to the south/southwest, blowing side/side-on-shore from the left. The south-southwest wind can reach up to 40 knots. Winter riding is for the more adventurous, with large swells and Atlantic storms rolling in from the west. For those unafraid of cold ocean and air temperatures around 10°C, this can be a time for world-class wave riding.

Transition Months: In October, April, and May, the northwest wind is more prevalent, though it can still occasionally shift to the south or southwest. These months offer a mix of summer-like and winter-like conditions, providing a varied and exciting experience for watersports enthusiasts.

WETSUIT RECOMMENDATIONS

Summer

Air Temperature: 23-28°C
Water Temperature: 16-18°C
Wetsuit Recommendation: 4/3 mm wetsuit for the cooler morning hours and a 3/2 mm wetsuit for the rest of the day

SPRING/FALL

Air Temperature: 10-24°C
Water Temperature: 14-18°C
Wetsuit Recommendation: 4/3 mm wetsuit

winter

Air Temperature: 10-15°C
Water Temperature: 14°C
Wetsuit Recommendation: 5/3mm wetsuit along with boots and gloves

SPOT CHARACTERISTICS

FOR KITEBOARDING

Beginner FRIENDLY?
INTERMEDIATE WILL YOU PROGRESS HERE?
EXPERT DEMANDING ENOUGH?
KIDS & YOUNGSTERS READY TO START?
FLAT WATER FOR RACERS AND FREERIDERS?
FREESTYLE / BUMP & JUMP FLAT AND CHOPPY
WAVES MEDIUM TO HIGH WAVES
KITEFOIL DEEP ENOUGH?

SPOT CHARACTERISTICS

FOR WINDSURFING

Beginner FRIENDLY?
INTERMEDIATE WILL YOU PROGRESS HERE?
EXPERT DEMANDING ENOUGH?
KIDS & YOUNGSTERS READY TO START?
FLAT WATER FOR RACERS AND FREERIDERS?
FREESTYLE / BUMP & JUMP FLAT AND CHOPPY
WAVES MEDIUM TO HIGH WAVES
WINDFOIL DEEP ENOUGH?

PRO RIDERS CHOICE

WHAT OUR PRO RIDERS THINK ABOUT VIANA DO CASTELO

Craig Cunningham
“The new DPC at Viana do Castelo is the ideal setup! Always a good chance it’s windy and if not the area offers a variety of conditions for the Watersports enthusiast! Fun for the whole family and top quality service, guaranteed!”
Craig Cunningham
“DPC Viana is on my top list of desired locations, the spot is insane with great consistent winds and all kinds of water conditions within reach. Perfect for kite, windsurf or wing foil.”
Jaime Herraiz
Jaime Herraiz