Spot Guide
Ria de Alvor, Algarve · Portugal
- Sports
- Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Wingfoiling, SUP
- Water
- Flat water, Chop
- Level
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, Advanced
- Wind directions
- N, S, SSW, NW, NNW
- Flat water: N, NW, NNW
- Chop: S, SSW
Spot description
The northwest-side launch leads into a shallow lagoon. Some sandbanks dry out at low tide. Rising water provides more depth for windsurfing fins. North-northwest usually meets calm water but can be gusty at the edges. Oyster beds and the deeper tidal channel limit usable space.
More spot information
The north to northwest Nortada reaches the lagoon most reliably and keeps water smooth. At the side edges wind can be gusty; strong south wind builds light chop.
Sheltered standing-depth lagoon without Atlantic swell. Increasing water level makes more area rideable; strong south wind can create about half a metre of chop.
The lagoon lies between Lagos and Alvor. Drive to the northwest-side car park and walk to the marked launch between oyster beds. At low water the usable sandbank lies farther out; access is easier from mid tide.
Water level determines usable space: low tide makes it too shallow, sometimes requiring an extra walk. Oyster beds and the deeper tidal channel limit the area. In north-northwest stay in the middle of the lagoon, as edges can be gustier.