Praia Grande

Praia Grande is a lagoon system located on Portugal's southern coast facing south toward open water. The spot features a large shallow lagoon separated from the ocean by a sand barrier, with connected waterways and islands visible throughout. This protected lagoon environment creates a contained body of water with relatively small fetch distances. The spot is characterized by light swell (0.56m average) and low wind reliability (4.9%), suggesting it functions as a downwind/drift spot requiring consistent wind to generate usable conditions. Best wind conditions arrive from the east or west (side-shore relative to the south-facing lagoon mouth), though overall wind availability is limited. The shallow, obstacle-filled lagoon environment makes this primarily a beginner-friendly spot when wind conditions align. Kiters should expect variable depths, tidal influences affecting water level and current patterns, and potential shallow-water landings. The low average wind speed (6.6 knots) requires lighter wind to generate riding conditions. This spot suits learning and light-wind sessions with manageable consequences due to shallow water, but consistency throughout the year is questionable given the 4.9% wind reliability metric.