Camocim And Maceio
North Portugal windsurfing holidays, with the Portugal experts.
West Portugal offers a fantastic option for families, just a few hours from the UK and most major European cities.
The North Portugal season at a glance
The months we'd pick for windsurfing in North Portugal are highlighted below, from our own time sailing here.
Why you'll love windsurfing in North Portugal!
North Portugal Overview
West Portugal offers a fantastic option for families, just a few hours from the UK and most major European cities. With fantastic conditions for a range of abilities, amazing luxury accommodation, beautiful landscapes, rich historical sites and a range of other activities for everyone to enjoy, West Portugal has it all.
The area is home to the Lima River that gives the area a rich natural beauty with green countryside and a rugged coastline. Head north from Porto and discover impressive scenery and excellent conditions and fantastic wind - catering towards a wide range of skill levels. The best spot in the region is the area of Cabedelo where the quiet waters of the Lima River meet the more challenging Atlantic waters and the harbour of Viana do Castelo provides the perfect windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions.
Windsurfing In North Portugal
Adults and children alike will love the windsurfing in this magnificent region of Portugal. Experienced windsurfers can hire equipment and take advantage of the various spots and conditions along the coastline, while those looking to learn to windsurf will enjoy the quieter waters around where the Lima river joins the ocean. Here large breakwaters protect the entrance to the port of Viana do Castelo, providing flat water, while good waves can be found further down the bay. With side shore reliable winds in the summer months between May and September and a range of conditions, from flatwater to great wave spots, this really is a windsurfer's paradise.
The Wind In North Portugal
This area of Portugal is said to provide the most consistent wind in the whole country. Thermal by nature, the wind is prevalent throughout the summer months, building throughout the day, although it is not uncommon to have great wind from after breakfast right through until sunset! The thermal winds are accompanied by clear skies and warm temperatures - making this watersports haven!
The wind blows side shore and the natural horseshoe shape at the area of Viana do Castelo means you can't really get yourself into trouble. That said lifeguards are on duty and during the summer months a rescue boat is available, free of charge, in case you need help.
Things To Do
Great for families and non-sporting partners this region of Portugal offers a relaxing atmosphere where you can truly kick off your shoes and get back to nature. The beaches call for lazy days spent tanning, swimming and chilling with a good book or, if you do want to get out and get active, this area of Portugal provides visitors with many activities to enjoy both on and off the water, from SUPing adventures, to fishing excursions, surfing, sailing, trail running, hiking and mountain biking - you can do it all! The area is also rich in history with amazing architecture, with port cities and fishing villages just waiting to be explored. The local Douro valley area also makes fantastic wines, while a number of great restaurants and taverns serve delicious cuisine to cater for all tastes.
Speak to a Portugal expert
We've sailed here and know the hotels we sell in Portugal first hand. Give us your dates and level and we'll say whether North Portugal is the right choice.
Skill level match
How North Portugal works for windsurfers at each level.
Learn To Windsurf 80%
Improver with lessons 80%
Independent with rental 100%
Waves 70%
North Portugal in pictures
Windsurf, plus everything else you'd hate to miss
Tours that pair North Portugal with other places worth seeing. Each one is planned around your dates and budget.
Wine and wind in West Portugal
From £2,100 ppCombine the thrill and excitement of windsurfing or kitesurfing in the north of Potugal with days spent exploring and enjoying the culture and cuisine of this wonderful region. Arrive in the historical town of Porto where you will spend two nights taking in the sights and sounds of typical Portugese culture. Then embark on a cruise up the River Douro to discover its 210 navigable kilometres and what many consider to be the most beautiful river in Europe! You can also enjoy the oldest demarcated wine region in the world or tailor make this cruise section of your tour to really get the most of your Douro experience! The last week of your tour will be spent at the beautiful FeelViana hotel on Cabedelo Beach. This dedicated sports hotel offers boutique luxury right on a beautiful beach whose conditions are perfect for wind sports. With reliable wind, conditions for all levels and a fantastic centre on site this is the perfect place to get on the water, away from the crowds.
Discover this tour →Speak to an expert and we'll build the perfect itinerary around you
Speak to an expert →Recommended hotels in North Portugal
We've stayed in these and checked how they work for a windsurf trip. They're the ones we'd pick in North Portugal.
Live price check
From £110/night · bed & breakfast
Hotel FeelViana
- Situated just steps away from Cabedelo Beach
- Fantastic in-house watersport centre (wingfoil, surf, windsurf, kitesurf, SUP)
- Incredibly comfortable rooms set in the surrounding pine forests
From £52/night · room only
Hotel Rali
- Simple, clean, friendly and affordable
- 10 minutes drive or taxi to the watersports centre
- A short stroll into Viana town centre
From £66/night · bed & breakfast
Flor de Sal
- A four star hotel located directly on the ocean
- Features a stunning restaurant and bar overlooking the sea
- On site health centre with heated pool, sauna, turkish bath, spa and gym
From £68/night · bed & breakfast
Fabrica do Chocolate
- A chocolate themed hotel located in an old chocolate factory
- Enjoy individually decorated rooms, a chocolate themed restaurant and a museum on site
- A unique getaway for anyone that loves chocolate
From £50/night · room only
Casa Melo Alvim
- Charming hotel in a restored mansion with over 500 years of history
- Quaint rooms within the city
- Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and breakfast in your room
From £85/night · bed & breakfast
Pousada Viana do Castelo
- Stunning views over Viana Do Castelo
- Incredibly luxurious rooms with amazing views
- A great restaurant that prepares delicious local cuisine
What our clients say
From clients who booked North Portugal with us.
We've used Planet Windsurf a couple of times. We usually need a balance of watersports, cultural and other activities to keep everyone happy.
Initially Planet Windsurf helped us with a family holiday at FeelViana (Costelo do Viana) in Portugal. We had a great time and the organisation was smooth.…Read more
There's lots to do there and the watersports and other activities are excellent.
Now we're booking for Rhodes and have received fantastic personalised advice on accommodation, options for kit hire and other activities for a balanced holiday on and off the water. All delivered by Matt who has been quick to respond and has really listened to what we're looking for. Can't wait to get there...
Planet Travel Holidays is rated 5.0 on Google from 195 reviews. More reviews · All reviews on Google
We lose sleep so you don’t.
We take every booking personally. This is what that means once your windsurf holiday is booked.
Your money is held in trust
Everything you pay goes into a trust account, separate from our business, and stays there until after your holiday. If we ever stopped trading, it would come back to you.
Booked and checked before you fly
Flights, transfers, the room you chose, your board and sail hire or lessons. All of it is confirmed before you leave home, and the transfer company's drivers turn up and speak English.
A phone call before you go
Documents, visas, whether to take your own board or hire one. If something is on your mind, ask. You'll be talking to the person who booked your trip.
WhatsApp, day and night
Late transfer, wrong room, hire kit that isn't what you asked for. Message or call one number at any hour, and the person who answers knows your holiday.
Talk to a windsurfer who knows the spots.
Tell us when you can go, what you sail and whether you're after flat water or waves. You'll get a shortlist of spots and hotels back, usually within one working day.
Book your free consultation
Mon–Thu 9am–6pm, Fri–Sat 9am–5pm
