The best water sports to try in Spain

Blessed by beautiful coastlines, miles of shiny beaches and just the right kind of wind, Spain is heaven for lovers of the life aquatic. Here are my four favourite water sports to try on its sunny shores.

KITESURFING IN TARIFAThe home of Spain’s best kite surfing, Tarifa’s combination of wide sandy beaches and strong winds make it a wave paradise. Ten kilometres of golden sand skirt the edges of beautiful countryside and friendly towns with a vibrant nightlife, and on the beach a host of schools offer coaching and kit rentals. Up your adrenaline levels with a windsurfing lesson whilst looking over the strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. Be warned – the high from getting whipped up into the air above the ocean is seriously addictive.

SAILING ON THE GUADALQUIVIRThe gorgeous Guadalquivir river is navigable from the city of Seville down to the Gulf of Cadiz on the Andalusian coast, making it a pretty glorious place to take to the water. If you’re feeling plush there are yachting trips that’ll let you chill out on deck whilst someone else crews, otherwise there are smaller boats available to rent to sail into the sunset yourself. Stock up on sailing gear before you go and Don’t forget to play ‘count the superboats’.

WINDSURFING IN MAR MENORThe Mar Menor is the world’s largest saltwater lagoon, boasting tropical winds, shallow water and excellent weather conditions – a dream recipe for windsurfers and sailers. Head to La Manga for a lesson or two and you’ll be flying along the waves in no time.

SCUBA DIVING IN MALLORCAFan of turtle hunting and anemone teasing? The deeps off the Mallorcan coast are an incredible place to don an oxygen tank and go exploring. The Bay of Pollensa is teeming with a rainbow of fish (and sharks), plus caves and tunnels you can swim through in true James Bond style. Beginner-friendly dives, day trips and PADI courses are all available.

Get kitted up before you go. Even in warm Andalusian climes a wetsuit is a good idea for keeping you comfortable during long sessions in the water. The range of h2o Sports Summer Wetsuits for Women are flexible, lightweight suits designed with women’s bodies in mind.