Ares
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat
- Spot Type
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Ares is a niche winter-focused wind-sports spot in the Ría de Ares area, best when southerly fronts bring S to SW winds. Providers consistently describe the working wind direction as S, SSW, and SW, with the strongest months in winter (January, February, March, and again October through December). On the water, the spot is characterized as clean and generally flat to choppy, with a medium-sized sandy launch/beach environment. The Gemini data also describes the riding area as being inside a protected ria, while the Kiteforum baseline summarizes flat/chop conditions. Water temperature is consistently reported as staying cold, around 13–18°C, and a wetsuit is always needed. From a safety perspective, note that local conditions include moored boats and the presence of a promenade wall—particularly relevant around high tide. There are also seasonal access restrictions for kitesurfing from June to September to protect swimmers, so planning around these periods is important. For on-water planning, the best kitesurfing window is linked to southerlies (with southerlies working as the correct direction and northerlies described as offshore and gusty). The beach can narrow at high tide, so checking tide timing before launching is specifically recommended.
- Winter south-southerly wind window (October through March)
- Flat-to-choppy riding conditions in a sheltered ria
- Cold water year-round (about 13–18°C)
- Southerly wind direction (S/SSW/SW) with a clear best-season window (October through March)
- Clean water and generally flat-to-choppy conditions inside the protected ria
- Multiple wind-sports options (kitesurfing, freeride windsurfing, wingfoiling)
- Wind reliability reported as low
- Kitesurfing has seasonal restrictions in summer
- Hazards include moored boats and a promenade wall at high tide
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SSW, SW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Providers describe the spot as working with frontal southerly winds.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Wave conditions described as flat / no surf-like wave focus.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Described as flat to chop; also characterized as flat-to-choppy inside the protected ria.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach along the town promenade; accessible beach area suggested for kite setup.
Through the year
Quiet in winter; busy with tourists and swimmers in summer.
October to March
By sport
What to expect for each.
A specialized southerly-wind spot that provides flat to choppy water inside the protected ria; described as cross-onshore for S/SSW/SW winds.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Good freeride conditions in winter southerlies; the water is relatively flat compared to open-ocean spots nearby.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Suitable for wingfoiling in SW winds due to depth and flat water, though described as less frequented than other regional options.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Minimum depth reported as 2 m.
- Min Depth
- 2m
- Wing Sizes
- 5–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Ares in the full forecast view.
Ares wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–12 ktsGusts 23 kts
- Direction
- SSW203°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2512 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–2.7 m11s period
- Temperature
- 12–21 °C
Over the next 7 days, Ares is forecast for daytime winds of 2–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 23 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.7–2.7 m with a period of about 11s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- moored boats
- promenade wall
- boats moored in the bay
- promenade wall at high tide
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- General emergency number is 112.
Rules of the spot
During summer months (June to September), kitesurfing is typically restricted or prohibited to protect swimmers.
- seasonal-access-restrictions
- Only works with southerly winds; northerly winds are offshore and gusty.
- Check the tide as the beach gets narrow at high tide.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Ferrol
- Nearest Town
- Ares
- Nearest Airport
- A Coruña Airport (LCG)
- Parking
- Parking is available along the Paseo Maritimo and in public lots within the town.
- Public Transport
- Local bus services connect Ares, Pontedeume, and Ferrol (car recommended for gear transport).
- Access
- From A Coruna toward Ferrol, then follow signs for Ares.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish, Galician
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation options include local apartments, campsites, and small hotels in Ares and nearby Pontedeume.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous restaurants and cafes along the beach promenade.
- Equipment Rental:
- Windurfing and wingfoiling equipment can be rented via local clubs and seasonal schools along the Ares seafront.
- Gear Storage
- Storage is primarily available for members of local nautical clubs or students of the schools.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs can be handled by local schools; major repairs typically require a trip to specialized shops in Ferrol or A Coruña.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Ares is tied to the Ferrol inlet and Ría de Ares, mixing relaxed seaside tourism with nearby historic and natural points of interest.
A scenic coastal walkway lined with traditional Galician houses featuring glass balconies.
Panoramic viewpoint over the Ferrol inlet and surrounding coastline.
Archaeological and historical interest site listed among local highlights.
Historic monastery offering panoramic views over the Rías of Ferrol and Ares.
A 16th-century military fortress located at the entrance of the Ferrol estuary.
One of the best-preserved Atlantic coastal forests in Europe, ideal for hiking and kayaking.
Outdoor activity options are mentioned for the Ares area.
Regional travel sources reference water-sports activity around Ares.
Traditional eateries specializing in Galician-style octopus and fresh local seafood.
Local harbor dining is noted as part of the town’s appeal, with seafood a prominent cuisine.
A wide, calm beach with fine sand, perfect for families and children.
Calm-water beaches and a walkable waterfront support low-intensity family outings.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Ares?
The best overall months at Ares are January, February, March, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Ares?
Ares works with S, SSW, SW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Ares?
Recommended equipment sizes at Ares: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Ares suitable for?
Ares suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.