Santander · Spain
Liencres, Spain
10.8kts
WNW · Wind season
Liencres delivers flat-water fundamentals with winter consistency. Rocks and tidal swings keep you honest—scout every session.
- 10.8kts
- Average wind
- 70
- Windy days / year
- 13:00–16:00
- Peak wind hours
- WNW
- Primary direction
Location
- Nearest airports
- Airport - Bilbao
- Coordinates
- 43.4486, -3.9683
Monthly wind profile (peak window)
Jan
27%
rideable
17.4 kts
Feb
32%
rideable
18.1 kts
Mar
29%
rideable
15.5 kts
Apr
22%
rideable
15.4 kts
May
15%
rideable
13.2 kts
Jun
8%
rideable
13.2 kts
Jul
8%
rideable
13.4 kts
Aug
10%
rideable
14.5 kts
Sep
15%
rideable
16.1 kts
Oct
13%
rideable
16.6 kts
Nov
25%
rideable
15.7 kts
Dec
26%
rideable
15.7 kts
Best wind directions
- WNW
- S
- W
- ENE
- SSW
Water conditions
- Ocean
- Flat Water
Best months
Hazards
- Rocks and shallow areas near the shoreline require careful navigation during launch and landing
- Strong tidal currents common in this Bay of Biscay location can affect drift and safety
- Occasional sudden wind shifts from multiple directions demand constant awareness
What that means for you
- Walk gear out — don't drag downwind across rocks
- Strong current — walk back upwind, don't body-drag down
- Mind your fins and lines in standing-depth water
Amenities
- Beach facilities and cafés nearby in Liencres village
- Parking access close to the beach
- Local kitesurfing school and rental shops in Santander area
Local tips
February offers the best conditions with increased windy days; plan trips around the 69.5 annual windy days for reliability. Check local tide tables as tidal range is significant in this region and affects launch/landing zones.
Launch & beach
Flat water conditions are ideal for beginners, but scout launch areas during tide changes as water dynamics shift. WNW and W winds are most reliable; launch perpendicular to wind direction to avoid obstacles.
Local etiquette
Respect other water users and beach visitors by maintaining safe distance during sessions. Coordinate with other kiters to avoid line tangles in the relatively shallow bay.
What to wear
A 4/3mm or 5/4mm wetsuit is essential year-round in the Bay of Biscay; water temperatures stay cold even in summer months. February (peak season) requires 5/4mm and boots.
What to pack
Kite sizes
- 14–17 mlight wind, under 14 kn
- 11–14 mtypical sessions, 14–22 kn
Boards
- Twintip — universal, bring one
- Hydrofoil — light-wind spot, rideable from ~10 kn
What to wear (by climate)
- In the water
- 3/2 mm full wetsuit.
- On land
- Hoody and jacket; long pants in the evening.
Derived from the spot's latitude (temperate zone) and current season.
Right of way & manners
- 1Rider entering the water has right of way over riders coming in.
- 2Upwind rider gives way — keep your kite high when passing downwind riders low.
- 3Starboard tack (right hand forward) has priority when crossing.
- 4Overtaking rider keeps clear of the slower rider's line.
- 5Wave riding: the rider on the wave owns it — don't drop in.
Spot guide
The Experience
Flat bay water. No swell. That's the draw for early progression, and Liencres delivers it. You get a forgiving launch zone without the chaos of open-ocean conditions.
There's a catch: rocks line the shore and tidal range shifts your usable space between sessions. Low tide changes everything. This isn't a show-up-anytime spot.
Wind & Conditions
February is peak season. WNW and W winds dominate and stay stable—that's your reliable window. Average 10.8 knots is light, but Bay of Biscay systems move fast and shift suddenly. Multi-directional wind changes are documented here, so stay sharp on the water.
Tide tables matter more than usual. The tidal current is strong enough to push you around if you're not compensating. Check them before every session.
Water & Hazards
Launch perpendicular to wind to clear the rocks and shallows. At low tide, your water dynamics shift—same beach, different zone. Tidal current is real drift; account for it in your line planning.
Logistics
Santander has a kite school and rentals nearby. Liencres village has parking, cafés, facilities. You're not roughing it, and the spot stays uncrowded during the windy windows.
Best For
Progressing kiters who can read conditions and adjust. Beginners comfortable with tide tables and active session planning. Winter commitment required.
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