Lo Pollo / Murcia / Spain

Lo Pollo is situated on the Mar Menor lake, which at 170 sq kms is the largest salt water lake in Europe. It is a popular spot for wind surfers and kite surfers of all levels and abilities. There is no particular season here, but April to October are good months. However if you want to avoid the crowds, try to go during the week. Here is limited parking but it is free.

There is a medium to large sandy beach here that has lots of space. If you come out of season, you may well be able to pick your spot. To find it you travel east on the A312 from Cartagena towards Los Nietos, when you get here you will see signs for Lo Pollo, here you can park.

From March through to October the wind direction is predominantly east north east, however from November to February the wind changes direction, and you get westerly breezes, or variations thereof. The wind speed averages a steady 8 knots and is fairly consistent throughout the year. It can get fairly gusty during the winter months and during the summer the wind is more thermal. The water quality is crystal clear and remains flat to choppy. There is a large shallow area for the first 150 meters, so this is great for beginners. The water temperature rarely drops below 18 degrees even in the winter, so a normal wetsuit is okay even for this time of year.

There is limited parking here, but that's about it. If you need supplies, shops, bars and restaurants etc then you need to head into Cartagena which is the next largest town, there is also some nightlife here.

There isn't too much to worry about at this spot. Just keep an eye out for other wind and kite surfers within your vicinity.