Portugal
Praia das Milicias, on the island of São Miguel in Ponta Delgada, is a large black sand beach that is very popular with locals. It is a spot appreciated for its easy access, pleasant setting, and regular use for kitesurfing when conditions align.
The spot mainly works with a well-established wind and a not too choppy sea. There is a simple and direct atmosphere, with a convenient launch area and an overall environment suitable for a freeride session when the water remains clean.
Les données de vent affichées ici proviennent d’ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) sur 4 ans, retraitées pour refléter des conditions réalistes.
👉 Le vent moyen a été calibré pour éviter la sous-estimation habituelle des modèles.
👉 Les rafales ont été corrigées par un ratio médian afin d’éviter des valeurs extrêmes irréalistes.
👉 Chaque jour est résumé par le vent médian (P50) observé pendant les heures utiles (8h–20h), puis classé dans des plages de vent.
👉 Le mode pondéré mélange vent moyen et rafales pour refléter au mieux le vent ressenti.
wave
chopPraia das Milicias most often works with a wind from southwest to southeast, which generally results in a side-on to side-shore wind depending on the exact orientation of the flow. According to available feedback, it is a spot considered quite safe for kiting, especially when the sea remains consistent and the wind is well-set.
The water surface can be flat to slightly choppy depending on the swell and wind intensity. During swell periods, small waves can form at the edge and make launching more technical. At low tide, the edge area becomes more compact, and it is important to keep space for launching and landing the kite properly. At high tide, the beach remains more comfortable for launching, with more margin in the area close to the shore.
Navigation mainly occurs in the sandy strip in front of the beach, with a launch area to keep clear. The spot is more suitable for riders who know how to manage a clean launch and anticipate water surface variations related to the swell. When the sea picks up, the spot takes on a more playful character, with more relief and less readability near the shore.
The best sessions occur with a well-established and fairly consistent wind from southwest to southeast. A flow around 18 to 22 knots is often comfortable for freeride with enough margin to maintain control.
The spot is more enjoyable when the sea remains clean, with stable wind and few gusts. In these conditions, Praia das Milicias becomes a spot that is easy to read, pleasant to ride, and quite accessible for chaining runs without unnecessary stress.
The water surface is often mixed, with a mostly flat base when the sea is clean, then choppy and sometimes small waves as the swell comes in. Sources describe a spot that can shift from a relatively smooth water surface to something more lively depending on the day.
When the wind is well-oriented and the sea is calm, the session is well-suited for freeride. When the swell rises, the spot becomes more interesting for riding in a livelier environment, but it requires more skill in transitions and control of the kite at the edge.
The current is generally moderate, but it can strengthen with the swell and near swirling areas. It is important to stay attentive when returning to the beach, especially if the wind is a bit irregular or if the sea is formed.
The tides mainly affect the comfort of launching and the width of the navigable area. At high tide, access is easier. At low tide, the beach offers more space, but entering and exiting the water requires more attention. The spot remains navigable, but one must consider the local dynamics before going far downwind.
In practice, the most suitable sizes are usually between 7 and 10 m² for an average build when the wind blows in the right range. In lighter winds, an 11 m² can be useful, while stronger days may require a 7 m², or even smaller for lighter builds.
With the wind forecasted at 23.7 knots, a 7 to 9 m² will often be the best choice for most riders, depending on weight and type of board. To kite comfortably, it is better to plan for a slightly smaller kite if the flow increases in gusts.
The wind regime is quite variable in the Azores, but the most interesting windows for Praia das Milicias often come with winds from southwest, south, and southeast. Specialized sources also indicate that the most favorable months generally range from May to October, although some riders also find good windows in spring.
On-site, the wind typically ranges from 15 to 22 knots during the best windows, with stronger days possible. The spot can be usable with an established breeze, but it becomes really interesting when the flow is stable enough to maintain clean and regular navigation. The wind score can remain average despite a decent speed, as the quality depends heavily on the orientation and stability of the flow.
The climate of São Miguel is oceanic, with fairly mild temperatures year-round. Summer days are generally pleasant, while winter is cooler but rarely extreme.
The best time for kitesurfing is generally between May and October, with conditions often more consistent in spring and summer. The waters remain cool throughout the year, and a full wetsuit is almost always necessary. The weather can change quickly in the Azores, with sun, wind, and cloudy spells all in the same day.
The depth is generally gradual from the shore, with a mostly sandy bottom in the useful area of the beach. One can often stand near the shore, which facilitates launching and retrieving the kite.
The bathymetry becomes more irregular as one moves away, especially if the swell is present. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that the most comfortable navigation area remains close to the shore, in a setting where reading the sea is important.
The water remains cool year-round in São Miguel. In summer, it simply becomes more bearable, but it doesn't really warm up like in tropical destinations.
One generally kites in a full wetsuit in spring, summer, and fall, often with thicknesses of 3/2 or 4/3 depending on individual sensitivity. In winter, a warmer wetsuit may be useful, especially for longer sessions.
