Valdecanas (Peraleda de la Mata)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Valdecanas is an inland freshwater reservoir kitesurfing spot near Peraleda de la Mata. Conditions are typically shallow and clean, with water ranging from flatter sections to chop depending on wind strength and the reservoir state. Beach/shore composition is described as mixed, and there is reported to be deep water further toward the center of the reservoir, while near-shore depth is generally shallow. Wind is most often experienced from W, WNW, and NW, matching the common Poniente pattern. Several sources emphasize that the spot’s best performance is strongly tied to weather systems—particularly frontal setups—so reliability can vary day to day. For thermal influence, the broader regional pattern suggests the effect is more noticeable in summer and tends to build later in the day, but the spot is also described as being mostly dependent on frontal systems crossing the peninsula. The main practical consideration is that the reservoir water level is everything: launch areas and hazards shift as the lake rises or drops. Submerged trees, stumps, and rocks are reported as common when water levels are low, which increases risk in shallower takeoff/landing zones. Because gusts are reported and the wind can be turbulent near shore due to surrounding terrain, riders should plan for equipment control and safe spacing. Best seasons are reported across sources as spring through early winter, with commonly mentioned peak months including March/April/May and September/October/November; another view emphasizes April through September as the most consistently usable window. Overall, it’s described as a popular local inland option, typically quieter than major coastal hubs, with more activity from locals on windy weekends.
- W to NW (Poniente) wind alignment
- Shallow flat-to-chop water for progression
- Launch conditions change with reservoir water level
- Submerged obstacles can be present in low-water conditions
- Works with W to NW (Poniente) winds
- Often shallow, flat-to-choppy water suitable for progression
- Kitesurfing is the primary discipline; also usable for windsurfing and wingfoiling
- Water depth and launch area can change significantly with reservoir levels
- Submerged obstacles (stumps/trees/rocks) can appear in shallow zones when water is low
- Wind is front-dependent and can be gusty
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, WNW, NW
- Offshore directions
- W, WNW, NW
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — West/Poniente-leaning lake/terrain-driven winds; sources also describe strong frontal influence depending on season.
- Reliability
- Moderate, highly dependent on weather fronts (spot and seasonal variability).
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Gustiness reported, with stronger front-driven days.
- Best Months
- March, April, May, September, October, November
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 10–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Mixed — Mixed shore composition reported (e.g., sand/grass/mud depending on conditions).
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Flat — Wave environment described as flat/low-impact compared with open-coast breaks.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Flat-to-choppy conditions depending on wind strength.
- Launch
- Small — Launch conditions vary significantly with reservoir water level; generally shallow/flat water with some chop near shore.
Through the year
Usually quiet; moderately busy with locals on windy weekends.
Winter months
By sport
What to expect for each.
Inland reservoir kitesurf spot with shallow, flat-to-choppy water conditions that vary with wind strength and reservoir level. Best winds reported from W, WNW, and NW.
- Kite Sizes
- 10–14 m²
Works for freeride and slalom in steady frontal conditions; depth and obstacle awareness are important due to varying reservoir levels.
- Sail Sizes
- 6–8.5 m²
Growing use for foil riders, but shallower sections can contain submerged obstacles when water levels are low.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly where sufficient depth is available.
- Wing Sizes
- 5–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Valdecanas (Peraleda de la Mata) in the full forecast view.
Valdecanas (Peraleda de la Mata) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–8 ktsGusts 15 kts
- Direction
- ENE73°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 288 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 9–23 °C
Over the next 7 days, Valdecanas (Peraleda de la Mata) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–8 kts, peaking around 8 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 15 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
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
- Submerged trees, stumps, and rocks (especially when water levels are low)
- Gusty winds
- Changing water levels
- Submerged obstacles in shallower zones
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited (no dedicated public rescue service).
- Emergency Info
- Dial 112 for all emergencies. Nearest major medical facility is Hospital Campo Arañuelo in Navalmoral de la Mata.
Rules of the spot
Respect local fisherman and keep distance from dam structures.
- Keep distance from dam structures
- Respect local fisherman
- Check reservoir water levels before traveling; the launch area can change significantly.
- Expect the most consistent wind with frontal Poniente ('W-NW') winds.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Peraleda de la Mata
- Nearest Town
- Peraleda de la Mata
- Parking
- Parking available near the lake; unpaved parking near the water’s edge reported.
- Access
- Accessible via dirt tracks from the Peraleda de la Mata area; parking described as unpaved near the water’s edge and/or parking near the lake.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Spanish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Rural houses and small hotels in the area of Peraleda de la Mata and Navalmoral de la Mata are referenced.
- Food & Drink
- Local bars and restaurants in Peraleda de la Mata are referenced.
- Equipment Rental:
- One source states there are no permanent rental facilities on site; regional equipment rental is described as available through resort-linked or local services.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Large reservoir and scenic water landscape associated with the region.
A world-renowned bird-watching destination and biosphere reserve located to the west.
Archaeological remains of a Roman temple and columns salvaged from the reservoir's waters.
Ancient ruins listed among local places to visit.
Historic castle attraction reachable from the wider area.
Main parish church in Peraleda de la Mata.
Prehistoric megalithic monument located beneath the reservoir waters.
An 18-hole golf course located on the man-made island within the reservoir.
The reservoir road and surrounding routes are highlighted for outdoor exploration.
Local listings describe a landscape with hiking routes in the wider area.
Upscale dining overlooking the reservoir with a focus on regional Extremaduran cuisine.
Local nightlife listing in the Peraleda de la Mata area.
Local bar and nightlife listing in the Peraleda de la Mata area.
Artificial beach area with swimming pools and kids' activities.
Scenic promenade option listed among local tourism highlights.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Valdecanas (Peraleda de la Mata)?
The best overall months at Valdecanas (Peraleda de la Mata) are April, May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are March, April, May, September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Valdecanas (Peraleda de la Mata)?
Valdecanas (Peraleda de la Mata) works with W, WNW, NW winds. Offshore directions are W, WNW, NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Valdecanas (Peraleda de la Mata)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Valdecanas (Peraleda de la Mata): Kitesurfing: 10–14 m² · Windsurfing: 6–8.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 5–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Valdecanas (Peraleda de la Mata) suitable for?
Valdecanas (Peraleda de la Mata) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Advanced · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.