Obidos: kite spot summary
An hour north of Lisbon by car, the Obidos region offers two spots with very different conditions: flat water and waves. The area is ideal for kitesurfing, but also for family outings, couples, surfing, and exploring Lisbon. The Obidos lagoon is the largest lagoon in Portugal and is perfect for kitesurfing all year round, although the best season is usually from May to the end of August. All wind directions allow for navigation, even east winds are reinforced by the nearby mountains. The spot offers calm waters and consistent wind. There are two main spots in the area.
If you want more information, you can also read about my last kitesurfing trip in the Obidos region. 🙂
“THE ESTUARY”
This is the most famous kitesurfing spot in the Obidos region. It is possible to launch your kite from two different locations: Bom Successo beach (the easiest spot due to its large sandy area) and Foz de Arelho beach. The spot offers a vast expanse of shallow water (between 1m and 2m deep almost everywhere). Just walk over the dune to go kite on the ocean side and have fun in the waves, it’s magical!
Please note that these spots (lagoon side) are open for kitesurfing from September 15th to June 15th (so not in summer). It is forbidden to kitesurf on the left side of the imaginary line (see map) from Foz de Arelho campsite to the restaurant on Bom Sucesso beach.
“LAGOON INTERIOR”
This place is open for kitesurfing all year round and the interior of the lagoon offers very good conditions throughout the summer, especially thanks to the “Nortada” which strengthens as it passes the venturi created by the hill of Foz do Arelho just opposite. Less space to launch your kite, but you can stand for several hundred meters so no problem. The shallow waters make this place the most suitable for beginners to progress. You will find the spot at the end of a short sandy road accessible with any vehicle.
DANGERS
Be careful of the strong current at the mouth of the lagoon at low tide – it is forbidden to navigate there! Also, watch out for fishermen collecting clams in the lagoon. Finally, it is forbidden to navigate in the northern part of the lagoon (near the mouth – see website) between June 15th and September 15th (you navigate a little further inside so no problem).
RECOMMENDED QUIVER
Twintip for flat water and surf for those who love waves – a large kite for summer days with low thermal and another slightly smaller size for “Nortada” days.
LIVING CONDITIONS ON SITE
It varies depending on the accommodation and restaurants chosen but it remains relatively cheap compared to other spots in Europe. For example: Between 10 and 15 euros for a fresh fish dish // Between 9 and 20 euros for a bottle of wine at the restaurant.
Tip: Go shopping at the Caldas da Rainha market, quality local products at a good price.
Spot kitesurfing features at Obidos
Best season
From May to September
Water conditions
Flat, waves
Wind type
On - off - side on - side off
Beginner access
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Level required
Beginner - Intermediate - Advanced
What is the best period to go kitesurfing toObidos?
| MONTH | JAN | FEB | MARCH | APRIL | MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUG | SEPT | OCT | NOV | DEC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| When to go |  |
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| Wind* | 51 | 55 | 55 | 56 | 64 | 63 | 68 | 64 | 51 | 42 | 52 | 50 |
| Air** | 14 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 19 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 16 | 15 |
| Water** | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 17 | 15 |
The Obidos lagoon spot works a lot under the thermal wind regime. This wind that picks up on sunny afternoons when it’s hot is not taken into account in the statistics, which are therefore underestimated. Thus, the number of kiteable days on the Obidos lagoon is more around 80-85% in summer. Furthermore, when the wind comes from the sea (which is also the case for thermals), the geography of the Obidos spot causes an acceleration inside the lagoon. There is a spot where the wind is 2-3 knots stronger than at ocean level. Choosing kiteboarding in Obidos means immersing yourself in the surf atmosphere, right in the middle of a very pleasant region. The region exudes a surf atmosphere, with many surf houses or kite houses to stay in a laid-back atmosphere. While the wind is present all year round in this region, it is best to come kiteboarding in Obidos during the period from May to August. During this season, the climate will be warmer and drier, and the wind statistics will be in your favor. Just as we find the Tramontane and the Mistral in the south of France, Portugal also has its own wind: the Nortada. Less strong than the winds in the south of France, it still delights the biggest kitesurf fans. If you are not lucky and the wind is slow to show up, don’t panic. You will be able to enjoy the other resources that the Obidos region has to offer. Various walks or surfing, the choice is multiple. The only downside, for kiteboarding or surfing, is that it will never be without your wetsuit.
Best kitesurfing offers at Obidos
Currently working on new kitetrip offers