Best places in the world to fly kites

Great kite-flying spots need two things: reliable wind and open space. These places have both — and a few have whole festivals devoted to it.

Destinations

Windy beaches

• Hangzhou, China — long, flat shoreline with steady seasonal winds.
• Tarifa, Spain — Europe's wind capital; the Levante howls for months.
• Cape Town, South Africa — famous summer "Cape Doctor" winds.
• Crosby Beach, UK — huge open sands on the Mersey with regular kite events.
• Kuta, Bali — warm, consistent sea breezes almost year-round.

Kite festivals worth a trip

• Dieppe International Kite Festival, France — the biggest in Europe.
• Weifang, China — the "kite capital of the world" and home of the modern kite.
• Berck-sur-Mer, France — a massive week of giant kites on the beach.
• Washington State Kite Festival, USA — one of the longest-running in North America.

Wherever you land, browse the wind forecast for that city before you pack the kite.