Barra / Aviero / Portugal

Situated on Portugal's north western coast, south of the city of Porto lies the beach at Barra. This is a great spot for surfers and kite surfers of all levels and abilities. There may well be surfing zones set up during the summer months so it might be advisable to check before you set off. The best time of the year to surf here is between May and September.

Barra has a lovely long, soft white sandy beach, so there is plenty of space to practice. To get here you need to take the A1 southbound out of Porto until you see signs for Barra and the beach. When you arrive, there is plenty of parking.

The main wind directions here are from the north, northeast and north northeast. During the winter months these winds can become very strong, although not consistent. Occasionally you will get a south westerly and this brings with it some nice thermals during the summer months. The water quality is clean and conditions are small to medium sized waves most of the time. The water temperature remains somewhere between 12-20 degrees most of the time, so you might want to suit up or suit down accordingly.

The facilities here are pretty good. As well as ample parking, you have shower and toilet facilities, a good selection of food places, shops and a fully manned rescue center. For some good nightlife either head into the town of Aviero, or take a short drive back to Porto.

It is a pretty safe spot here. Just be mindful of other surfers and watch out for swimmers and bathers in the water during the busy summer months.