Praia do Amado
Portugal · Faro
Praia do Amado, in Carrapateira in the Algarve, is a well-known beach spot on the west coast of Portugal. It is a favorite place for riders due to its easy access, wild setting, and often consistent conditions when the wind comes in well from the NW.
The spot mainly works for an intermediate level and above, with a water surface that is often lively and waves present for a good part of the year. The area is very busy in season, but it remains a must-visit for kitesurfing in the Carrapateira area.
Praia do Amado is a beach spot exposed to the Atlantic swell. When the wind is oriented NW, it usually arrives side-shore to side-on depending on the exact axis of the beach, allowing for clean sailing with a real safety margin. The spot also accepts a W wind, but with more energy in the water surface and a more oceanic character. However, a wind that is too northern can become more delicate depending on gusts and the angle on the beach.
The water surface is generally wavy, with conditions that remain more rideable when the swell is well organized. At low tide, you can find a wider launch area on the sand, but the waves sometimes break faster and the shorebreak can become more present. At high tide, the usable space decreases and the beach break takes up more room, which requires more skill at launch and landing.
Launching is done from the large beach, with a preparation area to keep clear and without inflated kites too close to the water. The spot is interesting for working on surfing and transitions in small to medium wave conditions, but it can become physical when the swell rises. To sail calmly, it is better to stay in the active beach break zone and avoid drifting too far when the return current strengthens.
