La Patacona / Valencia / Spain

Situated on Spain's east coast a stone's throw away from Valencia, lies the beach at La Patacona. It is a great spot for wind and kite surfers alike of all levels and abilities. This is a very popular beach that gets rammed with tourists during the height of the summer, therefore there may well be heavy restrictions imposed regarding when and where you can surf during this busy time. There is no particular season but it might be advisable to avoid the crowds and go from October through to April.

La Patacona is one of the best spots in the area and its long, sprawling white sandy beach makes it a mecca for tourists and surfers alike. To find it you simply head to the harbor in Valencia and the beach is located to the north.

The main wind direction is predominantly east northeasterly however it can be pretty changeable, there is an old saying here “if you don't like the wind direction, wait a while” you just never know what you are going to get. The wind speed hovers around 8 knots but is a little more stronger during the winter months. The water quality is crystal clear and is generally choppy, however when the wind is strong enough and in the right direction it is possible to catch some small waves of around 1 meter in height. The water temperature remains warm even during the winter, so it is possible to get away with a normal wetsuit this time of year, through spring and summer a shorty and shorts respectively will suffice.

There is parking near the harbor and there are also eating places dotted along the beach. For everything else, including fabulous nightlife, simply head back into Valencia city.

It's pretty safe here and there is nothing too much to worry about. Just keep an eye out for the swimmers and bathers during the busy summer period.