Spain
The beach of Carnota stretches for several kilometers along the wild coast of Galicia, with a vast bay open to the Atlantic and a backdrop of lush hills. The sand is light and fine, creating a rare sense of space even in peak season.
The spot is located on the western part of the shore, facing the ocean, away from the village. The atmosphere is calm and natural, with very few buildings and a moderate number of kitesurfers. People come here mainly to enjoy a preserved setting and consistent wind when weather systems or thermals set in.
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.
chop
waveThe beach of Carnota generally faces the open Atlantic, with a bay orientation of northwest/southeast, which gives a side-shore to side-on wind when it comes from W to NW. These directions are the most comfortable for kiting, with a navigable water surface across the entire width of the bay. With wind from N or NE, the wind arrives more gusty and slightly side-off in certain sections, which requires a good level and a sense of drift. Winds from the S to SE sector are often less consistent and less interesting for kiting at this spot.
The water surface is mostly a mix of chop and small waves, with smoother areas between swell trains. Carnota is described as a spot of flat, chop, and small waves according to some spot guides, especially at high tide where the swell is somewhat dampened near the shore. At low tide, the beach reveals a large area, the shorebreak can become more pronounced, and the bar a bit more technical to cross on days of stronger swell. Beautiful days of west or northwest swell offer true moderate-sized waves, interesting for surfkite and strapless, but one must be comfortable in the waves.
Launching is done directly from the sand, with plenty of space to rig and launch the kite. The beach is wide, allowing for a clear area away from the few bathers, especially by slightly moving north or south of the main parking area. Launching is relatively simple with side or side-on wind, provided one positions far from potential obstacles (vehicles, fences, dunes). However, one must remain vigilant during high tide or strong swell, as the usable width of the beach can reduce at high tide.
To the north of Carnota, a vast lagoon forms behind the dune cordon, but kiting is prohibited for bird protection, and certain parts of the beach are also regulated. It is important to stay in the open ocean area and respect signage as well as any local restrictions. The main navigation area is therefore located in the bay, staying well offshore from any bathers and surfers, and keeping a good safety margin from the rocky ends of the bay.
Conditions can change rapidly in Galicia. Atlantic disturbances sometimes bring strong wind, rain, and significant swell, making the water surface more chaotic with cross chop and irregular wave sets. Conversely, during summer thermal periods, the wind is more consistent, generally moderate, and the water surface remains manageable for most riders. It is recommended to check wind, swell, and tide forecasts before going out, as wave size and wind quality greatly impact navigation comfort.
The ideal conditions at Carnota occur with an established wind from W to NW, side to side-on relative to the beach, between 18 and 25 knots. Within this wind range, the water surface remains manageable, with a nice mix of chop and waves without becoming too chaotic. Summer sessions with reinforced thermals in these directions often provide the best navigations, with more consistent wind and a pleasant atmosphere on the beach.
The water surface of Carnota is dominated by Atlantic swell, with sea state varying greatly depending on swell size and wind strength. With low swell and moderate wind, there is a regular chop with small waves breaking near the shore, providing a versatile playground for freeride, jumps, and some runs on small ramps.
On days with more pronounced swell, the waves can become more consistent, sometimes powerful during the larger autumn and winter depressions. The shorebreak can then be physical at launch, and the water surface becomes more technical, with irregular sets and foam to navigate through. At high tide, the swell breaks closer to the beach with more direct waves, while at lower tide, sandbanks shift the breaking zone and spread out the sets a bit.
Overall, Carnota remains a spot of chop and waves, rarely completely flat, although one can find relatively smooth areas between sets or in certain tide and wind configurations. The spot is well-suited for riders who enjoy lively water surfaces, with some relief and the possibility to play with the waves.
The currents in Carnota are mainly related to tidal movement and swell. On the large open beach, the current is generally moderate, but it can strengthen during high coefficients or in the presence of sustained swell. In certain areas at the end of the bay or near rocky outcrops, lateral current veins can form and increase drift.
The wide bay configuration limits violent rip currents compared to other more enclosed beaches, but return currents can still appear during rising or falling tides, especially when the swell is larger. It is advisable to keep a good visual reference on the beach and anticipate drift downwind or offshore, particularly for less experienced riders.
For an average build around 75 to 80 kg, the most commonly used kite sizes at Carnota generally range between 8 m² and 11 m². On days of moderate thermal, a kite of 10 or 11 m² will often be suitable, while during depressions or stronger gusts, it is common to go down to kites of 7 to 9 m². Lighter builds may navigate more between 7 and 9 m², and heavier riders will likely opt for 9 to 12 m² depending on the period.
The wind regime in Galicia is a mix of Atlantic synoptic winds and summer thermals. In summer, thermal breezes often strengthen in the afternoon, especially with clear skies and a marked land/sea thermal contrast, which regularly provides navigable days even when forecasts are modest. These thermals frequently blow from the NW to W, well-oriented for Carnota.
For the rest of the year, the wind is mainly linked to Atlantic depressions, with sometimes very strong gusts accompanied by significant swell. The dominant directions remain westerly and northwesterly flows, but Galicia's rugged coast allows for many orientations depending on the spots. At Carnota, days when the wind is well established between W and NW are preferred, generally between 15 and 30 knots depending on weather conditions.
The climate in Carnota is typically oceanic, with mild winters and temperate summers. In summer, air temperatures often hover around 20 to 25 °C, with pleasant days but rarely scorching heat. Spring and autumn offer cooler temperatures, between 15 and 20 °C, but remain quite navigable as long as one is well equipped.
Winter is wetter and windier, with temperatures often dropping between 10 and 15 °C during the day. Atlantic disturbances regularly bring rain and large swells, making this period more suitable for experienced riders. The best time for a kitesurfing stay in Galicia is generally from late spring to early autumn, with a good compromise between temperatures, wind, and attendance.
The depth increases gradually on the beach of Carnota, with a sandy bottom almost everywhere in the main navigation area. One can stand quite far from the shore at medium tide, which is reassuring for launching and retrieving equipment.
At low tide, the beach reveals a large shallow area, while at high tide, the depth increases more quickly but remains consistent. There are no reefs or rocky plateaus just offshore in the central area, but caution is needed towards the ends where rocks may emerge.
The water temperature in Galicia remains cool year-round. At the warmest point of summer, the water generally hovers around 18 to 20 °C, making a 3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit still highly recommended for long sessions. In spring and autumn, the temperature typically drops between 14 and 17 °C, necessitating a 4/3 or 5/4 wetsuit, possibly with a hood and booties for the more sensitive.
In winter, the water can drop to around 12 to 14 °C, with a colder feel due to wind and rain. A full wetsuit 5/4 or 5/4/3, booties, and sometimes a hood are recommended to comfortably enjoy the spot. One should not underestimate the chill of the ocean even on beautiful sunny days.
