With almost 7,500 kilometres of coastline, Italy can easily appear to be a kitesurfer's paradise. In this blog, you will find the greatest kitesurf spots for all levels of kiteboarders, plus recommended campsites nearby. The best time to kitesurf in Italy is from March to October. Most areas in the spring and summer have nice wind every day, although the wind is stronger in the winter. The water is warm in the spring and summer and only requires a short wetsuit, but remember to take a wetsuit if you go kiting in the autumn and winter. The cooler waters of lakes need the use of a wetsuit all year round.
Malcesine is the most popular kitesurfing location on Lake Garda. It is probably the best destination for those travelling from Milan or Brescia, but also for those travelling from further locations, thanks to the spectacular beauty of the mountains reflected in the lake's waters, the villages, and, of course, the infinite opportunities for an active vacation. Lake Garda has long been regarded as one of Italy's greatest kitesurfing spots. The wind is particularly consistent and predictable here: in the morning, the Pelèr, a strong north wind, blows. In the afternoon, Ora is a more consistent southerly wind that blows till sunset. But the real beauty of it is that there is the possibility to have a multi-sport day here. What about kitesurfing in the morning, then hiking in the afternoon, and, for example, paragliding in the evening?
Unique views, colourful villages, mountains with numerous paths to follow, parks and Italian gardens, lakeside walks, and, of course, the quality of water, and predictable winds. There are several sites on Lake Como, but Colico is the most convenient in the summer. The beauty of this area, like Lake Garda, is that you may enjoy a sporting vacation here with hiking, mountain biking, paragliding, and any other outdoor activity you can think of! The thermal winds that give outstanding conditions from April to October make Lake Como perfect for kitesurfing. There are four major winds on Lake Como! Thermic wind (Breva) is good for beginners and is usually best near Dervio and Cremia, where the lake narrows and the wind grows stronger.
Stay at Camping Spiaggia (20 km).
There are several places in Tuscany with outstanding wind potential, even in the summer, thanks to the thermal reinforcing. They span from Rosignano Solvay's seductive (but unfortunately dirty) white beaches to Talamone's bay, with all the beaches in between. You will be spoiled for choice between the beaches, amid little villages, art cities, and various restaurants. Not to mention all the various sports you may try, ranging from mountain biking to climbing, paragliding to surfing, and relaxing at spas. Castiglione della Pescaia is one of the nicest places to visit for a vacation, especially if you are travelling with family or non-kiters. The beach is gorgeous and wild here, surrounded by a lush pine forest and facing a crystal-clear sea. In the summer, the mistral is the prevailing breeze, which is aided by the thermal wind more than in any other Tuscan location.
Stay at Camping Le Capanne.
Many of the locations in Puglia are well-known among locals, yet they are rarely visited by tourists (though you will find a few kitesurfing schools throughout). Frassanito, Alimini, Spiaggia Lunga, Torre San Giovanni, and La Strea are the most popular kiteboarding places. Thus, a very popular kitesurfing spot is in Salento. In the local dialect, the Salentini (local people) use this expression: "Salentu: Lu sule, Lu mare, Lu ientu", which literally means "Salento: the Sun, the Sea, the Wind". For kiters, this can be enough to have a good reason to pay a visit to this Mediterranean enclave. You can visit Salento in the summer for fantastic weather and local village feasts, but if you want to try kiteboarding, the autumn is the best time to visit: the weather is still pleasant and warm, and the beaches begin to fill up with kiters.
Stay at Camping Resort Baia Di Gallipoli (58 km away from Salento).
If you are on a short trip or visiting Italy for the first time, you will almost certainly spend some time in Venice. While Veneto is not well-known for its kitesurfing, there are a few great sites worth trying. When the wind is up, Sottomarina, to the south of Venice, and Caorle, to the north, are both good kitesurfing spots. The main places where you can practise kitesurfing and windsurfing in Veneto are the Venetian coast, which attracts tourists from all over the world thanks to the long golden beaches, as well as some of the region's great lakes, which are always crowded with enthusiasts thanks to the constant winds and suggestive landscapes, such as Garda Lake in the province of Verona and Santa Croce Lake in the province of Treviso.
Did you know that hundreds of people do kitesurfing in Gizzeria Lido? This place is only 10 minutes away from Calabria’s International Airport, Lamezia Terme. It is usually busy in July and August but very quiet the rest of the year. Imagine having the whole beach to yourself in September. This is a kite surfer’s dream. There is a square with a handful of bars and a few restaurants. Moreover, there is another perfect Hang Loose Beach (8 km away from Gizzeria Lido), an ideal location for beginners, free-riders, and foilers, with crystal blue waters and stunning mountains kilometres away.
Stay at Villaggio Camping Lungomare (63 km away from Gizzeria Lido).
The largest island in Italy and the Mediterranean, a surprising land steeped in history and traditions, art and culture, amazing beauty, and, of course, wind. In Sicily, you can easily combine a kitesurfing vacation with the demands of the entire family, or simply alternate your gliding with visiting unique locations and the discovery of new flavours that will enchant you. The vast lagoon of the Stagnone, which stretches between Trapani and Marsala and features flat and shallow water, is the dream of every beginner as well as freestylers who come here to train. Kitesurfing among the windmills and the Salines dello Stagnone, in the crystal-clear waters of the eponymous protected area, is an experience that every kiter should have at least once, and this summer may be the perfect opportunity! There are numerous good kitesurfing schools in the Stagnone.
Sardinia is one of the greatest kitesurfing destinations for those who want to experience a place rich in history, culture, and cuisine in addition to the wind. Sardinia offers magnificent natural beauty, good wind statistics even in the summer, and kitesurfing beaches with world-class schools. Furthermore, even in the absence of activities, you will never be bored on an island because the opportunities for relaxation, not to mention wonderful food, are plenty. Porto Pollo is a well-known site in Sardinia's northwestern region, between Palau and Santa Teresa. Windsurfers upwind and kitesurfers downwind are separated by a strip of sand. The air is scented with Mediterranean scrub and the water is crystal clear. The wind frequently blows at 30 knots or more and comes from Brazilian spots. Even in the summer, when most of the Mediterranean experiences little more than a mild breeze, the wind can reach 20 knots here.
Stay at Camping Village Capo d’Orso (11 km away from Porto Pollo).
The train from Rome Rome to Ostia takes just 20 minutes, but if you are driving, plan to spend over an hour on the 'Via del Mare' and 'Via Cristoforo Colombo'. Both main routes are constantly crowded, especially in the summer, and the coast road from Ostia to Anzio is no exception. Stay cool and relaxed, even if the trees are already swaying, as is customary in and around Rome. Ostia is considered part of Rome, yet it has its own personality: a lovely old town, Capocotta Beach to the south, and even authentic dune scenery. Scirocco (south-easterly) or Mistral (north-westerly) winds are ideal for Ostia, but strong winds may cause some current. Everything stays flat and easy in the westerly summer thermal, which is not reinforced here and rarely blows stronger than 10 knots. In the summer, take advantage of the coast road south just beyond the stream bridge to 'Primo Cancello,' or even closer to Torvaianica to the 'Aquarius' wind sports club. Both locations include official kite zones in addition to amazing sandy beaches.
Although Umbria is the only central Italian area without a sea, there are plenty of opportunities to have fun and remain in shape with the water activities available at Lake Trasimeno, which is only 10 kilometres from Country House Marilena la Casella. The qualities of Lake Trasimeno, such as its huge size and shallow depth, make it perfect for kitesurfing, wakeboarding, sailing, and windsurfing thanks to Kitemaniak School, an association carrying out its activities on the beach of Lake Trasimeno. The school is the only FIV (Federazione Italiana Vela – Italian Sailing Federation) centre in Umbria for kitesurfing instruction. The instructors are FIV and IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) certified and will be able to provide suitable training to those wanting to give this magnificent sport a try, in a safe and professional way. All the services available on the Lido di Tuoro beach include beach umbrellas, sun loungers, changing rooms, hot showers, bike rental, canoes, beach volleyball courts, and much more.
Stay at Camping Village Badiaccia (9 km from Trasimeno Lake).