With over 1,000 km of beautiful coastline and mellow climate all year round, Sicily is an excellent destination for wind and water sports. Besides, it's in Europe, which means it's easy to get to and has excellent facilities and accommodation. There are plenty of spots across the island where you can fly over the waves all year round, although the main wind season lasts from March to November. This is when Sicily gets its share of Sirocco, a strong thermal wind from Sahara.
Messina
Messina is one of the kitesurfers' favorite places in Sicily. Due to the flat and clean sea, strong and steady winds, and vast beaches, the Strait of Messina is fully adapted for kitesurfing and windsurfing with rentals and schools available.
Stagnone, Marsala
Lo Stagnone in Marsala, province of Trapani, is the greatest spot to learn kitesurfing and windsurfing and to practice stunts in Sicily. The perfect wind, large sandy beach, and, most of all, a huge flat water lagoon makes it an ideal spot on the Sicilian coast. The warm water in the lagoon is just waist-deep, so it's a safe and sheltered environment suitable even for children.
Puzziteddu beach is another well-known windsurfing spot that has hosted Italian windsurfing championships.
Palermo
Palermo also offers plenty of opportunities for kitesurfers. Mondello beach is the most famous kite spot and simply one of the most beautiful places in the city. The large beach also attracts many windsurfers who call it a Hawaiian spot. Due to popularity, the beach is often crowded during the summer season. So for a more secluded location, one might want to travel towards the west to Terrasini, where the Magaggiari beach offers everything a windsurfer would wish.
Southern Sicily
The southern coast of the island features a couple of windy places like Pozzallo and Capo Passero. They are suitable for both windsurfing and kitesurfing. Panama Beach in Butera, province of Caltanissetta is another windy spot featuring rentals and a certified IKO school.
Practical info
When is the best time of the year for kitesurfing and windsurfing in Sicily?
Sicily has an all-year-round appeal to kitesurfers and windsurfers, but the Sirocco wind from March to November presents ideal wind conditions. Expect less crowded beaches during this period compared to the summer months when the beaches can get saturated. All other things being equal, if you prefer smaller crowds, you may want to skip the summer season. Show more
Where are the best spots for kitesurfing and windsurfing in Sicily?
Sicily has a broad range of locations that every surfer, no matter their skill, can enjoy. The Strait of Messina is famous for clean and flat seas, wide beaches, and steady winds. The northern part of the island has Pozzallo and Capo Passero, while the southern area is renowned for Panama Beach's great winds. Lo Stagnone in Marsala, Puzziteddu beach, and Mondello beach in Palermo are also favorite kitesurfing and windsurfing spots. Show more
What is the main wind season in Sicily?
Sicily's primary wind season is between March and November, characterized by the Sirocco wind from the Sahara. This wind season offers great wind conditions, and the beaches do not have as many people than in the summer. However, suppose you prefer a calmer environment. In that case, it may be better to consider visiting Sicily outside this primary wind season to avoid the usual crowds that come with great winds. Show more
Are there any spots suitable for beginners in Sicily?
There are several spots in Sicily for beginners eager to learn kitesurfing and windsurfing. A prime example is Lo Stagnone in Marsala, known for a waist-deep lagoon with perfect winds and a sandy beach perfect for landing. Puzziteddu beach is another excellent windsurfing location with beginner-friendly schools. Additionally, rental gear and certified instructors to get started in your kitesurfing or windsurfing journey are available at most kitesurfing spots. Show more
What is the safest spot for children to kitesurf and windsurf in Sicily?
For children learning kitesurfing and windsurfing, Lo Stagnone in Marsala is the best option for safety. The water lagoon is shallow, only waist-deep, giving parents peace of mind, and there are rental gears and certified instructors at hand to help. The sandy beach's conditions are perfect for learning and usually less intimidating for children. With its popularity, you can expect to have a fun, friendly community of surfers, which makes it one of the ideal spots for families with children. Show more
