Figueirinha
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
East wind is the key working direction, with typical session speeds often in the 15–25 knots range when conditions align. Thermal effects are reported to improve conditions during the warmer months—typically building in the morning to early afternoon and often strengthening into the afternoon when Levante cycles are present. For riders, the main challenge is not wind alone but water dynamics: currents are described as strong due to proximity to the Sado River estuary mouth, and maritime traffic plus rocks at the ends of the beach increase the need for careful launch positioning and route planning. During the official bathing season, there are strict regulations and kitesurfing may be prohibited or restricted to specific hours/zones in mid-summer. For kite choice and progression, the spot is described as intermediate-friendly, with frequent kite sizes around 9–12 m². Wingfoiling is also highlighted as a strong option due to deep water close to shore and clean Levante flow, while windsurfing can work for freeride/slalom when Levante winds are strong—though launch conditions can get tricky when crowded.
- Works best with East wind (E/Levante) and can be accelerated by local topography
- Suitable for kitesurfing and wingfoiling during the warm season
- Strong tidal currents near the Sado estuary mouth
- East (Levante) wind direction is a working match for reliable warm-season sessions
- Flat to choppy water profile supports a range of kite styles and wingfoiling
- Sandy medium-size beach with clean water
- Currents and nearby maritime traffic (ships/boat channels) are listed hazards
- Rocks at beach ends can complicate launch/handling
- Parking/access can be difficult in summer and bathing-season rules can restrict use
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — East (Levante) thermal acceleration; afternoon lift when Levante cycles are present.
- Reliability
- Moderate; depends on Levante cycles.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Flat to small; can become choppy.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Often described as flat to choppy.
- Launch
- Medium — Medium sandy beach area; can become narrow at high tide.
Through the year
Extremely crowded in July and August; quiet in winter and on weekdays in the shoulder season.
November to February
By sport
What to expect for each.
East-wind spot producing flat to choppy conditions suitable for freestyle/freeride (and foil). Currents require good upwind ability.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Can be good for freeride and slalom during Levante winds, but the launch can be tricky when crowded.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Highly suitable for wingfoiling thanks to deep water close to shore and clean Levante winds.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 2 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Figueirinha in the full forecast view.
Figueirinha wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–10 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- NNW345°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2410 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–0.3 m5s period
- Temperature
- 9–24 °C
Over the next 7 days, Figueirinha is forecast for daytime winds of 2–10 kts, peaking around 10 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. Waves run 0.1–0.3 m with a period of about 5s. 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
- Currents
- Ships
- Rocks
- Heavy boat traffic
- Summer crowds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is in Setúbal.
Rules of the spot
Strict regulations apply during the official bathing season; kitesurfing is generally prohibited or restricted to specific hours/zones from mid-June to mid-September.
- Bathing season restrictions
- Natural Park regulations
- Summer access/parking constraints can affect arrival planning
- Keep a safe distance from the Troia ferry lanes.
- Watch the tide; the current can be very strong during mid-tide.
- Keep extra awareness around the nearby shipping channel and maritime traffic.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Setúbal
- Nearest Town
- Setúbal
- Parking
- Limited parking; in summer the road from Setúbal is often closed to private cars and a shuttle bus operates.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via road links via Setúbal; shuttle service and public transport are used during summer access restrictions.
- Access
- Access is reported via Setúbal and the riverside road toward Arrábida, or from Sesimbra along the riverside road toward Setúbal.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various hotels and guesthouses in Setúbal and campsites in the Arrábida area.
- Food & Drink
- There is a beach bar and restaurant directly on the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- No dedicated rental shops directly on the beach; equipment is brought from Setúbal.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Setúbal Peninsula area combines Arrábida Natural Park scenery with extensive sandy coastlines across the Sado estuary, plus nearby Roman and historic sites.
A protected area featuring dramatic limestone cliffs, Mediterranean vegetation, and secluded turquoise beaches.
Extensive sandy shoreline and resort area on the south side of the Sado estuary.
One of the largest industrial fish-salting complexes in the Roman Empire.
Historic hilltop castle in the wider Setúbal Peninsula area.
Archaeological remains associated with the old Roman port city near Tróia.
Boat tours to observe the resident colony of bottlenose dolphins in the Sado Estuary.
Common regional water transport and sightseeing activity.
Known for fresh grilled fish and the local specialty, 'choco frito' (fried cuttlefish).
The broader region is known for seafood and local wines.
A coastal park with playgrounds and views of the estuary and Troia.
Wide sandy beaches and protected natural landscapes make the area family-friendly.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Figueirinha?
The best overall months at Figueirinha are May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Figueirinha?
Figueirinha works with E winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Figueirinha?
Recommended equipment sizes at Figueirinha: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Figueirinha suitable for?
Figueirinha suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.