Espagne
Platja de Llevant, in Formentera, is a large spot with fine sand on the east coast of the island. The beach is long, wide, and quite natural, with protected dunes and a calmer atmosphere than its neighbor Ses Illetes.
For kitesurfing, it is mainly an interesting spot when the wind comes well from the offshore direction. The place remains more exposed than technical, with space to launch the kite and navigate comfortably when the conditions are clean.
The setting is beautiful, but one must deal with the regulations of the natural park and the crowds in season. It is a spot that requires a bit of organization, but it can be worth it when the wind is right.
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
flatPlatja de Llevant mainly works with a wind from the W to NW sector, which generally arrives side-shore to side-on depending on the launch area and the exact orientation of the flow. With this type of wind, one has a relatively accessible water surface and fairly simple navigation along the beach, especially when the swell remains low.
The spot is located in a large open bay, with a sandy bottom and an easy-to-read shore area. Launching is done directly from the beach, but one must identify the authorized spaces and avoid areas too crowded with swimmers. In season, vehicle access is regulated in the park, so one should allow time to enter and park. The available space is good, but it is not unlimited when the beach is full.
In regular conditions, navigation mainly occurs in the corridor offshore from the shore, with room to send long runs. In light wind, the spot may seem a bit soft, but as soon as the wind exceeds the 20-knot zone, the beach becomes much more interesting for freeriding. One must remain attentive to swimmers, protected areas, and any local restrictions related to the natural park.
The best sessions occur with a steady and clean east wind, around 18 to 25 knots. In this range, the spot becomes pleasant for freeriding with enough power to navigate calmly.
A stable, slightly side-shore flow remains the most comfortable. It is under these conditions that the beach offers the best compromise between safety, space, and quality of navigation.
The water surface is most often flat to slightly choppy, with a cleaner surface when the wind is steady and the sea is not too formed. The orientation of the spot and the sandy beach provide relatively simple navigation for freeriding.
When the wind picks up, a small chop can form offshore, but this is not a wave spot. The best sessions occur when the flow is well established and the sea remains readable. In average conditions, one can enjoy a comfortable water surface to work on edges, transitions, and cruising.
Currents generally remain weak to moderate in this area, but one must stay vigilant on days of strong wind or when there is boating traffic. The spot is quite open, so returning to shore is usually easy, provided one keeps a good margin downwind.
The functioning with the tide is limited compared to Atlantic spots, as the Mediterranean has a low amplitude. The water height varies little, and navigation remains generally possible in most sea states. However, one must watch out for shallow areas near the shore and places frequented by swimmers.
The most versatile size often falls around 9 to 11 m² for an average build in 20 knots. When the wind rises to 22 to 25 knots, a 7 to 9 m² becomes more suitable.
In lighter wind, one may sometimes need to switch to 11 to 12 m², especially if one wants to enjoy a clean session without straining the legs too much. The final choice depends on the level, the rider's weight, and the consistency of the flow.
The spot often benefits from NW and W wind regimes, which are the most interesting directions for kitesurfing here. The wind can be fueled by thermal flows in the beautiful season or by more established episodes related to depressions passing over the Balearics.
Local sites indicate a spot more favorable for several months of the year, with good windows in spring and autumn. When the thermal sets in, it can strengthen an already present flow and make the session cleaner. With around 20 knots, one is often in the right range for comfortable freeride, especially on a medium kite.
Formentera enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and relatively mild winters. The most pleasant kiting period often extends from spring to autumn, when temperatures are comfortable and the wind is more usable.
In summer, the air frequently rises around 28 to 32°C, with a sometimes stronger feeling in the sun. In spring and autumn, one often kites in good conditions with more pleasant temperatures, around 18 to 25°C. In winter, it remains possible to ride, but the water and air are cooler, and one should plan for a shorty or a thicker wetsuit depending on the period.
The depth increases gradually with a sandy bottom. One can usually stand near the shore in a fairly wide area, which facilitates getting into the water and the first runs.
The spot remains generally reassuring for a freerider, but one must keep in mind that the navigable area can vary depending on beach occupancy and the local shape of the shore. The bottom without visible rocks is a real plus for safety and for setting down the kite if needed.
The water is most pleasant between June and October, with temperatures often around 22 to 26°C at the hottest time of the season. This is the most comfortable period for kiting in a light wetsuit or shorty depending on the days.
In spring and autumn, the water often drops to 18 to 21°C. In winter, it can fall to around 15 to 17°C, which requires a warmer wetsuit to stay comfortable on the water.
