The original plan was to travel to La Manga for our family kitesurfing holiday, but rain was forecast during our travel week. Because I am a fair-weather kiter and a party pooper, I said forget it, recoup some of the deposits, and head to Faro instead.
The flights were cheap and the rest of family was driving from Spain and loving the Faro forecast too. We have hired a big house near Olaho, which was very affordable and so was the car hire.
Alvor Lagoon
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A good kiting spot is either a long walk with equipment or a boat ride with a local kite school for 10 EUR, which I think is reasonable, but we walked because we wanted to be free time wise.
We have walked from the Alvor car park along the eastern coast of the river estuary for about 20 minutes. In my view, this is the best spot as you are getting an onshore wind.
The tides there must be taken into consideration. This is because at low tide there is no water to kite and at high tide there is limited space to launch and land. If you are an inexperienced kiter, get a boat with the local kite school (Alvor Kite Centre), which will bring you to the appropriate spot at the right time and assist with your launch and landing.
Alvor is a gorgeous lagoon, perfect for learning, long upwind sessions and practicing tricks. You just need to time it well or you end up waiting for the water like we did (photo on the right)
Just be aware that this is an afternoon & tide dependent spot. The local trade wind (Nortada) usually doesn't arrive until the afternoon. At the same time you need some water to kite - mid to high is ok. At low tide you either have to wait or face a rather long walk.
There are other places to kite near Faro. We have tried the Fuzeta beach, which whilst picturesque, didn't have quite enough wind on the day to allow us to stay upwind. This is also a tide dependent spot. We were there in a light easterly wind and tide going out which was pushing us downwind, but we had a go and enjoyed it.
photo Fuzeta beach
Would I recommend Alvor to:
- Committed "donkey walkers" who don't mind carrying their equipment to get to the sweet spot - it really can be a top session.
- Beginners - who can get a boat with the local school. You will be in a fantastic shallow area, perfect for practicing your water starts.
Algarve is a great place and there is plenty to do on non windy days. Walk the scenic coastal paths, enjoy stunning beaches and have fun in the waves, hire a kayak or try surfing. There are also plenty of quality restaurants, my favourite being mariasbeachalgarve.com
Check out some photos from our trip and feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions.
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