Kite Beach is Santa Maria’s most active coastline: constant wind, all-day kitesurfing and simple beachfront bars. Great for riding or watching, not for calm swimming. High energy, little shade and an authentic atmosphere that doesn’t try to please everyone.
When wind stops being an inconvenience
Across most of the island, wind is something you put up with. Here, it’s the main act. At Kite Beach you don’t ask if it’s windy — you’re the one getting pushed around if you’re not holding on. Kites in the air, boards crossing paths and people watching the sea like a live broadcast. This isn’t a quiet beach. It has a pulse.
The coastline where kitesurfing rules
Kite Beach Coastline, on the south-east coast of Santa Maria, isn’t “pretty” in the classic sense. It’s open, exposed and unapologetically windy, turned into the kitesurfing hub of Sal.
It works perfectly for riders and for those who enjoy watching them. It doesn’t work if you want calm swimming, total silence or guaranteed shade. Here, the sea moves — and so does the air.
Watch, learn or jump in
Most people come for three clear reasons:
— Watch kitesurfers fly, jump and crash with varying degrees of elegance.
— Grab a drink at one of the simple beach bars, beer in hand, sand underfoot.
— Learn: there are kite schools offering lessons and gear for all levels.
Even without stepping on a board, the spectacle is worth it. Visit out of season and the place shifts completely: same beach, no kites, very different mood.
Constant energy
During windy season, Kite Beach is full of life. People moving in and out of the water, instructors shouting instructions that the wind immediately steals, low music and improvised tables.
There’s no rush, but there is motion. No one seems especially important… until someone launches ten metres into the air.
You don’t come here just to lie down. You come to look up.
Not for everyone
Two warnings are worth repeating:
— The wind is strong. Always.
— The waves can be big, making it a poor choice for relaxed swimming.
It’s also a turtle nesting area. While officially protected, there are recurring comments about lack of control. It’s not always visible, but it’s part of the place’s reality.
Don’t fight the place
— Sunscreen is essential: the wind is deceptive.
— Bring something to sit on: not every spot is comfortable.
— If you’re not kiting, stay alert — loose lines and boards don’t forgive distractions.
— Out of season has its own charm: fewer people, same landscape.
— Late afternoon softens both the light and the wind — a good time to stay.
A beach that doesn’t try to please
Kite Beach doesn’t aim to be universal. It’s specialised, direct and refreshingly honest. If you love kitesurfing — or simply watching it — it’s one of the island’s highlights. If not, it may feel strange, windy and unwelcoming.
And that’s perfectly fine.
Here, the wind doesn’t bother you. It’s in charge.
