Italy
The beach of Santa Maria del Focallo, located on the southeast coast of Sicily near Ispica, stretches over 5 km of fine golden sand. It is a popular spot for kiters due to its shallow water and relaxed atmosphere, with a kitesurfing school on site.
Launching is easy on this wide beach, and the conditions are well-suited for beginners thanks to the absence of obstacles and the vast sailing areas. Locals and schools like Floripa Surf House manage the launch area professionally.
The spot offers an authentic Sicilian setting, with a sandy seabed and crystal-clear waters ideal for progressing in freestyle or light waves.
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.
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flatThe spot works perfectly with winds from west, southwest, northwest, south, and southeast, which often come in side-shore or side-on relative to the east-west oriented beach. The water is generally flat to choppy, with small waves when the wind picks up, and remains navigable regardless of the tide as it does not influence conditions.
The sailing area is immense over the 5 km beach, with direct access to the fine sand and a medium-sized launch area well managed by the school. You can stand on the first 100 to 200 meters thanks to the shallows and the gradual sandy bottom, perfect for relaunches and learning.
In summer, the thermal wind from the west often rises to 25 knots, while seasonal trade winds ensure 15-18 knots consistently from March to September. No major hazards, but be cautious of other bathers in high season.
The ideal conditions are with a side-shore wind from the west or southwest at 15-25 knots, providing a smooth and powerful water surface for freestyle or light waves.
The water presents a flat to choppy surface with small waves in strong winds, remaining navigable for all levels. The crystal-clear transparency and clean seabed make it a pleasant spot.
Currents are weak or absent on the main beach, thanks to the open bay configuration. Tides have little impact, with negligible amplitude that does not alter sailing conditions.
Opt for kite sizes of 9 to 12 m² in medium thermal wind, and 7 to 9 m² when it rises to 25 knots. For beginners, 10-14 m² are suitable for the usual wind strengths of 15-18 knots.
The main wind is thermal during the day, mainly from the west at 25 knots in summer, complemented by frontal winds from the southwest and southeast. It blows consistently from March to July in spring, and until November with steady sessions at 15-18 knots.
The dominant directions are SSW, SW, WSW, making the spot reliable year-round.
The Mediterranean climate of southeastern Sicily offers mild temperatures year-round, with averages of 15-20°C in winter and up to 30°C in summer. The best months for kitesurfing are from March to November, peaking in spring and autumn.
Winters are mild without frost, and summers are hot but cooled by thermal winds, ideal for extended sessions.
The depth is very gradual with a pure sandy bottom. You can stand easily up to 100-200 meters from the shore, perfect for school and falls without risk.
Water temperatures range from 16-18°C in winter to 24-27°C in summer. A shorty wetsuit is sufficient from May to October, with a 3/2 mm wetsuit for the rest of the year.
