Italy
The Salines beach in Olbia, Northern Sardinia, is a long stretch of fine sand bordered by a lagoon and the Gulf of Olbia. It separates the lagoon from the open sea, offering two distinct areas for kitesurfing, with a calm and less touristy atmosphere.
This spot is popular with local schools like Sardinia Kite School and S-Loop, which offer lessons for all levels. The beach is dog-friendly and often remains uncrowded, even in season, thanks to its length of about 1.5 km.
Only 5-15 minutes from Olbia airport, it is a convenient choice for passing kiters, with free parking and direct access to the water.
Les données de vent affichées ici proviennent d’ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) sur 4 ans, retraitées pour refléter des conditions réalistes.
👉 Le vent moyen a été calibré pour éviter la sous-estimation habituelle des modèles.
👉 Les rafales ont été corrigées par un ratio médian afin d’éviter des valeurs extrêmes irréalistes.
👉 Chaque jour est résumé par le vent médian (P50) observé pendant les heures utiles (8h–20h), puis classé dans des plages de vent.
👉 Le mode pondéré mélange vent moyen et rafales pour refléter au mieux le vent ressenti.
chop
flatSalines beach offers a flat to chop water surface ideal for learning and progressing, with a shallow lagoon for beginners and the open sea for advanced riders. Launching is easy on the wide sand, with no obstacles, and the take-off area is directly on the spacious beach.
The beach orientation is north-south, exposed to winds from mistral (NW) and tramontane (N-NE), which come in side-on to side-shore perfect for stability. In summer, the constant thermal wind picks up in the afternoon, while in winter the strong prevailing winds make the spot reliable year-round.
The lagoon serves as a school zone with flat water and standing for a long time, protected from the open sea; cross the channel to access the freeride area which is more choppy but still safe. Schools use radios and support boats for quick progression in total safety.
Ideal conditions are with winds NW to NE at 15-25 knots, side-shore from the left of the beach for a clean and stable water surface. Perfect for freeride, foil, or wing in flat water.
The water surface is flat in the lagoon, evolving to moderate chop offshore with established wind. Waves remain moderate and rare, ideal for a smooth ride without risking big conditions.
The current is generally weak in the lagoon, but be cautious of the channel separating the lagoon from the open sea where it can accelerate with the tide. Tides are moderate in the Mediterranean, with no major impact on navigation.
Opt for sizes of 9 to 12 m² in summer thermal conditions, and 7 to 10 m² for windier winter sessions. Schools recommend lightwind gear like Flysurfer to fly from 8-10 knots.
The wind regime is dominated by the mistral (NW) strong in winter and the thermal wind east-southeast in summer, with average strengths of 15-25 knots. Schools note a consistent and predictable wind, particularly in the afternoon during summer.
Throughout the year, the wind score is high (75/100), making the spot reliable for daily sessions.
The Mediterranean climate of the Olbia area is mild year-round, with hot summers around 25-30°C and mild winters at 10-15°C. The best months for kitesurfing span the entire year, but summer brings reliable thermal winds and ideal temperatures for riding in a shorty.
Little rain in the high season, and the prevailing winds ensure regular sessions even outside the tourist season.
The depth is gradual with sandy bottom; you can stand in the lagoon up to 50-100 m from the shore, then it drops quickly offshore. Perfect for safe waterstarts and learning.
In summer, the water reaches 22-25°C, no wetsuit needed; in spring/fall around 18-20°C with a shorty; winter at 14-16°C requiring a 4/3.
