If there is one thing that Cádiz is known for, it is its unique wind. Only people from Cádiz or those who have lived in these places for a long time are familiar with the dynamics of Levante and Poniente. However, while the winds in the region can be bothersome at times. They are precisely what make this an unrivaled location for activities like kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Because of its geographic location, Cádiz experiences a unique wind regime, with the Levante and Poniente dominating.
The first is an easterly component wind, which occurs when the sun rises in the morning.
Poniente, on the other hand, gets its name from the west component, which is where the sun sets at sunset.
Contents
Levante wind
Levante wind originates in the Mediterranean’s central region and reaches its peak speed when it flows across the Strait of Gibraltar, which is why it is more noticeable here. This strong wind can reach speeds of up to 50 km/h with gusts of up to 100 km/h.
Between May and October, it is at its most intense. They’re termed ‘levanteras’ when they’re maintained for multiple days (often three, four, or even ten days in a row). An average of 165 days each year, a Levante wind blows in Cádiz. It also comes with a lot of heat.
It can be bothersome. When we’re at the beach, the wind lifts the sand and projects the grains like microprojectiles. Puncturing the skin and making it difficult to stay on the beach.
The sky is hazy, weathered blue, and driven by dust and earth suspended in the surroundings by the Levante wind. Insects are also more active in these wind-induced situations.
Benefits
It has other advantages, such as drying out the land’s dampness produced by its proximity to the sea and maintaining a warm temperature throughout the year. This has assisted to ensure that the Cádiz marshes have produced a large amount of salt since ancient times, that it is suited for agriculture, and that the stunning dunes of Bolonia and Valdevaqueros have been raised. Furthermore, it is now a source of revenue, as the city of Tarifa attracts a large number of visitors who come to enjoy kite-surfing, generating economic prosperity for the region.
Poniente wind
On the other hand, we have poniente which is usually cold and humid, therefore Cadiz likes this sort of wind in the summer because it helps to lower temperatures and make summer days more tolerable. On a hot summer day at the beach, who doesn’t like a breeze from the west?
Another feature of the Cádiz coast is that when there are several days of Poniente in a row, you can see lots of algae. This is due to the currents and waves that are formed, and these currents also pull iodine particles, which are beneficial to health. when bathing in the waters of Cadiz
The west brings relief from the dryness and makes the province’s crops greener; when the west winds crash with the Sierra de Cádiz mountains, It produces rain. And it is stored in wetlands and supplied to the entire province.
Wind and birds in Cadiz
Birds take advantage of air currents. As a result, the province of Cádiz is vital since it is the only region where birds migrate to Africa by taking use of the earth’s hot air currents.
As a result, Cadiz is one of Europe’s most important crossing places for migratory birds arriving from the north of Germany or the British Isles.
However, Levante is wreaking havoc on the birds. There is a strong Levante in July and August, and it lasts one or two weeks. You may travel to Tarifa. And see birds everywhere. Because they are waiting for the wind to quit. Migrating with Levante is quite risky as they could wind up in the middle of the ocean.
What to do in Cadiz when it is windy
Wind can be bothersome and not the best time to be outside. Here are a few activities to do indoors that will help you know more about Cadiz culture.
- Explore the local gastronomy in tapas bars. You will discover the local markets, taverns (well known as Tabancos) secret spots where you will be able to taste Sherry Wine and local cuisine.
- Visit a winery and taste the famous sherry wine. An expert can explain you what makes the Sherry a unique wine in all its different varieties. And they will explain you the steps of its making process.
- Get to know the Andalusian gastronomy and one of its best products: the Iberian ham. Visit an Andalusian Dehesa and Ham Factory.
If you want to know more about the topic or want to make any arrangements to visit Cadiz do not hesitate to contact us in info@alsherry.com or in our website!!