Kayaking and Canoeing in Viana do Castelo

Viana do Castelo, is located in the mouth of the river Lima, and offers a number of beaches which, in most cases, are excellent choices for sports such as kayaking, canoeing, surfing, kite surfing, windsurfing and body boarding.

Along the sparkling Lima River, recreational activities include jet skiing, sailing, canoeing and fishing. Local boatmen offer leisurely trips along the river in their traditional sailing vessels. Exquisite sandy beaches can be found across the estuary, including Praia Cabedelo. Further south, the Carreço and Afife beaches are ideal for surfing, windsurfing and body boarding. The most popular beach for these sports is Praia de Cabedelo Beach, since this area benefits from wind "on-shore", which makes it the ideal place to learn to kayak and canoe.

Other beaches of Viana do Castelo where you can practice these sports are: Praia da Arda Beach and Praia de Afife Beach. Slightly further away, about 17 miles south of Cabedelo is Esposende, where you can also practice some good kitesurfing or traditional surfing, although the conditions here are very mercurial. In the immediate area of Praia of Cabedelo beach there are several shops that specialize in kayaing, canoeing, kitesurfing, surfing and paddle surfing, where you can buy, sell and rent equipment for the practice of your favorite sport.