Es Barcares / Mallorca / Spain

Situated in an inlet carved out by the Mediterranean Sea on the Northern coast of the island of Mallorca lies the beach at Es Barcares. This is a great spot for kite surfers and wind surfers of intermediate and expert abilities. Beginners are not advised to surf here because of the strong tidal currents that can occur. There are defined zones here during the summer season April to September, so you will need to keep within these areas. The best time for surfing is from May through to September when you can pick up some pretty good thermals. Kiters must use a kite lash as there is a small street immediately behind the beach.

The beach here at Es Barcares is around 2 kms long so during the autumn and winter months you will have no problems picking your spot. It is sandy with no hazards except for the road that runs adjacent to the beach. To find it you need to drive out of Alcudia and head towards Pollensa Signs for the beach are just before. Follow the road down to a parking area.

From May to October the wind direction is south south easterly, however, November through to April it comes at you from a north northwesterly direction which is the best direction to surf here. The winds are thermal and can reach 10-20 knots with gusts during the summer months. When the winter comes, a northerly wind called the Tramontana kicks in, and then you get gusts of 20-30 knots. The water is flat to choppy and is shallow for about the first 100 meters. There are generally no waves to be found here, even in the stronger winds. The water temperature remains a pleasant 15 degrees even in winter and gets up to around 26 degrees in the summer so you will need to suit up, or down accordingly.

At the beach you will find ample parking and the odd beachside Chiringuito scattered along it's length where you can get a drink or tapas. For some serious nightlife head back into Alcudia.

Try to respect your zones and watch out for stray swimmers in the water. For kite surfers a kite lash is a must on this spot.