Live wind
Water & wetsuit
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About this spot
Cabedelo beach at Viana do Castelo sits at the mouth of the Lima river in northern Portugal. A long harbour breakwater creates a sheltered area with flatter water on its lee side, while further out the Atlantic delivers clean, powerful waves — one of the best wave spots in the country and a regular stop for national and international competitions.
In summer the Nortada blows reliably from the north to north-west, thermally strengthened in the afternoon — typically 15–25 knots, side-onshore at Cabedelo. The beach faces west to north-west; south-westerly fronts also work in winter but bring bigger, messier surf. Easterly winds are offshore from the land and not rideable. The water is cold year-round (upwelling), the waves can be powerful, and there are rocks near the breakwater and the estuary mouth — respect the currents near the river.
There are kite schools and a kite centre at Cabedelo, parking by the beach, and the beautiful town of Viana do Castelo right across the river. Suited to intermediate and expert riders; the sheltered area behind the breakwater is the friendlier option.
3-day forecast
Speed / gusts in knots. Colour = rideability for this spot. Bottom row = recommended kite size for your weight — not recommended outside this spot's 14–32 kn range.
Conditions
- Water
- waves, choppy, flat
- Depth
- Shelves to deep; flatter water behind the breakwater
- Seabed
- sand, rocks near the breakwater
- Skill
- intermediate, expert
- Beginners
- Not for beginners — intermediate and up
- Wind range
- 14 kn – 32 kn
Access & parking
Cabedelo beach, south of the Lima river mouth at Viana do Castelo (A28).
Parking: Parking at Cabedelo beach.
Amenities
- Kite centre & schools
- Town across the river
- Competition venue
Needs local verification: Details compiled from general sources and not yet confirmed by local riders — check launch, parking and current rules on site. No spot-specific webcam verified; links go to Windy's nearby cams and wind map.
Local hazards
- Powerful Atlantic waves
- Currents near the river mouth
- Rocks near the breakwater
- Cold water year-round
- Easterly winds are offshore