Kitesurfing in Barra do Cunhau

Beginners can go out on the flat water lagoon or on the right end of the beach where the waves are smaller and you can stand up a way out. The left side has much bigger waves, the best bit is that you can surf all over. Locals say the best time of year is between July and January—water temperature is about 26 degrees, but it’s pretty sunny all year round (I’ve been out of season as well). The best wind is between August and November, between 15 and 25 knots. There’s a newish hotel which has kite hire if you don’t have your own kit or if you want to learn. Living costs are reasonable compared to the US or Europe, you can live comfortably on about 25-35 dollars US a day depending on how much you want to eat and drink—beers are about a dollar a throw—for a big one. There’s not a big party scene, it’s more for serious kiters, but if you want a bit of action you can go to Pipa.