Cova De Vapor / Lisboa / Portugal

Cova de Vapor (Steamer's Cove) is a small fishing village that is located at the mouth of the estuary where the River Tagus meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is best suited to kitesurfers of intermediate to expert level since there are a few potential hazards here. The season is pretty much all year round at this spot.

The beach is of medium size and although it is sandy does look a bit dirty. There is however a good clean sandy area from which to launch and land a kite. There are never many people around and you can have the spot pretty much to yourself. You can find it by heading to Trafaria, follow across all of the roundabouts untilv at the last one you turn right, and then take the first left. At the end of the dirt track, between some wooden houses, is the spot.

The winds usually blow harder here than other spots lon the shore and come from a mixture of directions, although South is best. The summer winds are more surfable from June through to August as the winter winds can be quite unstable and gusty. The summer winds are fairly constant. The water quality is quite dirty and there are small waves which usually come in from the left. Be careful to avoid the bridge when the wind is blowing strongly. During the winter months you will need to wear a wetsuit but for the rest of the year a pair of shorts should be sufficient.

There is parking here and that's about all. For supplies and accommodation you are best to head into Costa de Caparica.

Be careful not to get blown into the bridge when the winds are strong.