Where to Kitesurf in Sicily: Lo Stagnone, Other Spots and the Best Season

Most kitesurfers in Sicily ride at Lo Stagnone, a large shallow lagoon on the west coast between Marsala and Trapani. Its flat water makes it one of the easiest places in Europe to learn, and Trapani airport is 10 minutes away by car. The windiest months on average are March and April; our kite base at the lagoon is open from 25 April to 31 October.

We run our kite base in Lo Stagnone and have been bringing kiters to Sicily for more than ten years. This guide covers the spots the island offers, why most riders end up at the lagoon and how the wind changes through the year.

Where can you kitesurf in Sicily?

The Sicilian regional tourism board lists these kitesurfing areas:

Lo Stagnone, Marsala (west coast)

A large shallow lagoon north of Marsala and a nature reserve. Flat water suits beginners as well as freestyle and freeride riders, and it is the best-known kite spot on the island.

Puzziteddu, Granitola (Campobello di Mazara)

A second spot in the province of Trapani, on the south-west coast.

Manfria, between Licata and Gela (south coast)

A very windy stretch of coast in the province of Caltanissetta with an IKO-certified school.

Pozzallo and Santa Maria del Focallo (south-east)

Beaches in the province of Ragusa.

Strait of Messina (north-east)

Wide beaches and wind present throughout the year.

Mondello, Palermo (north coast)

The city beach of Palermo.

Apart from Lo Stagnone, these are open-sea spots, so conditions depend more on waves and wind direction.

Why do most kiters choose Lo Stagnone?

  • Shallow, flat water – ideal for first rides, freestyle and safe progression.
  • A large riding area with stable thermal wind.
  • Easy to reach – Trapani airport is 10 minutes by car, Palermo airport 100 km, and airport transfers are available.
  • Everything in one place – IKO school, rental of Ozone and Core equipment, and accommodation within walking distance of the base.
  • Lessons in five languages – English, German, Italian, Dutch and Czech; children from 9 years.

When is the best season for kitesurfing in Sicily?

Wind in western Sicily blows all year. Windfinder statistics for the Marsala – Lo Stagnone station show the highest monthly averages in March and April and a dominant north-north-west direction for most of the year (south in April, south-west in May):

  • January: average wind 9 kn, gusts 11 kn, daytime temperature 14 °C
  • February: average wind 10 kn, gusts 14 kn, daytime temperature 15 °C
  • March: average wind 12 kn, gusts 16 kn, daytime temperature 13 °C
  • April: average wind 13 kn, gusts 17 kn, daytime temperature 17 °C
  • May: average wind 11 kn, gusts 14 kn, daytime temperature 20 °C
  • June: average wind 11 kn, gusts 14 kn, daytime temperature 24 °C
  • July: average wind 9 kn, gusts 12 kn, daytime temperature 27 °C
  • August: average wind 10 kn, gusts 13 kn, daytime temperature 27 °C
  • September: average wind 9 kn, gusts 12 kn, daytime temperature 25 °C
  • October: average wind 9 kn, gusts 13 kn, daytime temperature 22 °C
  • November: average wind 8 kn, gusts 11 kn, daytime temperature 18 °C
  • December: average wind 5 kn, gusts 6 kn, daytime temperature 15 °C

These are 24-hour averages that include calm nights, so the wind during riding hours is usually stronger. Use them to compare months, not as a promise for a particular day. Spring brings the strongest averages, summer the warmest weather with mostly thermal wind, and May, June and September combine both.

Our base is open daily from 25 April to 31 October. Check today's conditions on our Lo Stagnone webcam and wind forecast.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sicily a good place to learn kitesurfing?

Yes. The shallow, flat lagoon at Lo Stagnone is one of the safest places in Europe for first rides. Our beginner course takes 8 hours over 3 to 5 days and costs 470 € per person including all equipment.

What is the best month to kitesurf in Sicily?

For the most wind on average, March and April. For warm weather, July and August. May, June and September offer a good mix of wind and warm days.

How do I get to Lo Stagnone?

Fly to Trapani, 10 minutes by car from the lagoon, or to Palermo, about 100 km away. We provide airport transfers.

Can I rent kite equipment?

Yes. We rent Ozone and Core equipment directly at the base.

Sources: wind data from Windfinder, station Marsala – Lo Stagnone (observations March 2015 – February 2017); spot list from Visit Sicily, the tourism website of the Sicilian Region.

Courses, prices and rental: Kitesurfing school in Lo Stagnone.