Santa Cristina

Santa Cristina is a protected bay located in Galicia, northwestern Spain, formed between two headlands with significant residential development on surrounding hills. The spot features a sandy bottom with extensive shallow banks exposed at low tide, creating a lagoon-like environment with variable water depth. A crescent-shaped beach with rocky areas occupies the bay's center and right side. The bay's northeast-southwest orientation provides natural protection from Atlantic swells while capturing consistent Atlantic winds. Side-shore conditions occur with northwest and southeast winds. Light wind conditions (5.4 knots average) indicate this is a marginal spot requiring specific weather windows. The shallow, enclosed nature makes it suitable for beginner to early intermediate kiters seeking protected conditions and minimal wave interference. Key considerations include timing with tidal cycles to ensure adequate water depth, avoiding rocky outcrops on the right side, and awareness of potential small-craft activity in the bay. Wave generation is minimal due to bay protection, making this wind-dependent rather than swell-dependent.