Kitesurf in Sicily
Why you should come to this beautiful island to kitesurf
The best kite spot in Europe is in Sicily
The top kitesurfing destination in Europe can be found in Sicily.
One of the largest Mediterranean islands, Sicily, is home to numerous kitesurfing locations ideal for different types of riding, including wave riding and foiling.
But Sicily stands out for having one of the world's best kitesurfing spots in the Lagoon of Lo Stagnone, close to Marsala on the westernmost tip of the island.
The "Kite Me Up" kitesurfing school is situated in this picturesque area because it provides exceptional and uncommon kitesurfing conditions in Europe. The lagoon offers safe kitesurfing conditions thanks to its shallow, flat water, space for teaching, lack of dangers, and moderate winds.
Where should I go if I want to learn kitesurfing?
While there are many highly professional schools located at the kitesurfing spots mentioned below, for beginners seeking safe and easy conditions that will enable quick progress, Lo Stagnone di Marsala is the top recommendation due to its vast lagoon.
Why is Lo Stagnone probably the best spot in the world?
Here are the reasons why Lo Stagnone is considered the best spot for kitesurfing:
- Ample teaching area: The large size of the lagoon minimizes the risk of kite tangles with other riders, providing ample space for students to learn.
- Flat water: Flat water conditions make learning and practicing easier and less intimidating than in choppy or wave-filled waters.
- Shallow water: The shallow water in the lagoon allows students to stand and practice anywhere, with their instructor always close by in the water.
- No swimmers: The absence of swimmers in the water reduces stress for both instructors and students, as the water in the lagoon is not ideal for swimming (it is a little muddy and too shallow).
- Mild winds: The frequent 15 knot winds during the warm months provide the perfect wind strength for learning, as the kites generate a progressive force that builds confidence in students.
When is the kite season Sicily
All year long winds in our spot
How windy is Sicily?
The west side of Sicily is a very windy place, Trapani is even called "La citta dei venti" meaning "the windy city" in Italian.
Take in consideration that most of the year the wind is increased by a thermal effect that it's not showed in any forecast and not taken into account in the wind statistics. Thermal winds are created by warm temperatures, and Sicily being very south (almost touching Africa) is having this kind of effect from March until November. Last year (Season 2022 at the moment I am writing this article) we only had 7 non-kiteable days from April until October.
March-May:
beautiful spring season
March
% Wind:
Very high
Very high
Temperatures:
cool
cool
April
% Wind:
Very high
Very high
Temperatures:
comfortable
comfortable
May
% Wind:
Very high
Very high
Temperatures:
warm
warm
Data from 2022 season
During these months, the temperatures are warm, usually above 20 degrees, and the winds are good, typically coming from the south (warm wind), north, or west. It is necessary to use a wetsuit, but the water temperatures are comfortable, allowing you to kite for many hours without feeling cold. Our school provides 4-3mm wetsuits to both our students and those who rent from us (included in the prices). April may be a bit busier due to the eastern holidays, but it is not too overwhelming.
June-August:
summer season!
June
% Wind:
High
High
Temperatures:
warm
warm
July
% Wind:
High
High
Temperatures:
warm
warm
August
% Wind:
High
High
Temperatures:
hot
hot
Data from 2022 season
Time to get rid of the wetsuits, we can now kite in board shorts and lycras. We provide the lycras, that are useful to protect you from the sun.
During the summer months, we usually have north wind everyday due to the thermal effect that create a wind that pick up around 10:00 am and blow until 19:00. Temperature are picking in August but due to the breeze we never suffer too much from the heat. June and July are quiter, mid-August can be a bit more busy due to italian holiday: "ferragosto".
September-November:
extended summer!
September
% Wind:
Very high
Very high
Temperatures:
warm
warm
October
% Wind:
Very high
Very high
Temperatures:
comfortable
comfortable
November
% Wind:
High
High
Temperatures:
cool
cool
Data from 2022 season
Time to get rid of the wetsuits, we can now kite in board shorts and lycras. We provide the lycras, that are useful to protect you from the sun.
During the summer months, we usually have north wind everyday due to the thermal effect that create a wind that pick up around 10:00 am and blow until 19:00. Temperature are picking in August but due to the breeze we never suffer too much from the heat. June and July are quiter, mid-August can be a bit more busy due to italian holiday: "ferragosto".
Where should check for the wind forecast?
Kitesurfers usually browse two websites for wind forecasts: windguru and windfinder. Here are the links to the forecasts for Lo Stagnone. Keep in mind that these forecasts do not take into account the thermal effect, so you can usually add 5 knots to the forecast:
- Windguru: windguru is the main website for forecasts. Each line shows a different model, and we usually rely on the first one (WG). If the sky is clear and the wind is not spinning too much during the day, we usually know that it will be much stronger than what is shown.
- Windfinder: This is the Windfinder superforecast, available for Lo Stagnone. This forecast gives a much more detailed prediction, but only for the next 72 hours.
How strong the wind need to be for kitesurfing?
Depending on many factors like the weight of the rider, the temperature of the air, the presence of chop, and much more, if you are an independent kiter, you will need more or less:
- 8 knots to go on the hydrofoil
- 12 knots to go with the twin-tip, the board that most of the kiters use
For a kitesurf lesson, you will need:
- 7 knots for teaching theory and kite control
- 9 knots for body drags
- 11 knots for water starts
- 13 knots to ride upwind
At Kite Me Up, we use specific gear to make sure to have fun in any kind of conditions, even when the wind is light (light construction kite, big kite sizes, big and stable boards...).
Where to kite in Sicily
Many spots for differents kitesurfing surfing style
Sicily boasts a variety of kitesurfing locations, and during the off-season, you can kitesurf nearly anywhere, provided you exercise caution, monitor wind directions, and never kitesurf solo. Listed below are the official kitesurfing spots that have schools, authorized areas, rescue boats, and other safety measures in place to ensure a safe kitesurfing experience.
Lo Stagnone di Marsala
Flat water
Any wind directions
Shallow water
Lo Stagnone is the go-to spot for taking your kitesurfing skills to the next level. We've traveled the world searching for the best kite spots, but Lo Stagnone always comes out on top.
Capo Feto
Flat with N-W wind
Turquoise water
When the Maestrale wind is blowing, Capo Feto, located near Mazara Del Vallo, is the spot to be. The bay boasts flat and turquoise waters, perfect for kitesurfing. Just keep in mind that the wind can be slightly offshore in these conditions. Make sure to chat with the local school before hitting the water.
Puzziteddu
Wave spot
Advance riders
If you're seeking a thrill and some gnarly waves, head to Puzziteddu outside the warm months. During summer, it's a great spot for more relaxed conditions. Just be aware of the reef in the area, and always check in with the local schools for the latest safety information.