Italy
The Fertilia beach in Talamone, located in Tuscany about twenty kilometers south of Grosseto, is a true little paradise for kitesurfing and windsurfing enthusiasts. This spot is situated in the Talamone bay, in the heart of the Uccellina natural park, and offers an authentic and relaxed atmosphere with a characteristic 70s climate of tolerance.
Fertilia is particularly appreciated for its flat water and shallow sandy bottom, making it an ideal place for learning. The bay is very popular with campers and has several kitesurfing and windsurfing centers directly on the beach. Despite the lack of sophisticated tourist services, the spot benefits from a friendly atmosphere and a suggestive view of the rocky promontory of Talamone and the surrounding natural park.
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.
flatflatThe Talamone bay offers side-shore to side-on conditions depending on the wind direction, making it a very accessible spot. The Maestrale (northwest wind) is the dominant thermal wind in the afternoon, usually between 2 PM and 6 PM, with strengths often exceeding 18 knots in summer. This thermal wind is enhanced by the Venturi effect created by the rocky promontory located at the back of the bay.
Launching is done directly from the fine sandy beach. The water surface remains very flat thanks to the natural protection of the bay and the shallow bottom. Morning conditions are generally calm, ideal for beginners and lessons, while the afternoon sees the wind gradually intensifying. The launch area is spacious and well cleared. There is also a dock (pontoon) of about 40 meters allowing easier access to the water for swimmers.
The bay also receives winds from the southern quadrant like Scirocco, Ostro, and Libeccio, particularly in autumn and winter, thus offering possible sessions year-round. These southern winds create different conditions but remain exploitable for kitesurfing.
The ideal conditions occur in the afternoon, between 2 PM and 6 PM, when the thermal Maestrale reaches its maximum strength, usually between 15 and 25 knots. These conditions are perfect for intermediate and advanced kitesurfing. For beginners, the ideal conditions are rather in the late morning or early afternoon, when the wind starts to pick up but remains moderate (10-15 knots), providing safe learning. The side-shore to side-on orientation of the Maestrale relative to the bay makes it a perfect wind for all levels.
The water surface is very flat most of the time, particularly in the summer season when the Maestrale blows. This flatness is due to the protection of the bay and the shallow bottom that quickly dissipates any swell. In winter, with the arrival of southern winds, small waves may form, but they generally remain moderate. The water is very clear and the sandy bottom offers excellent visibility. Morning conditions are extremely calm, almost without ripples, allowing for relaxing SUP sessions and safe lessons.
The current in the Talamone bay is generally weak to moderate thanks to the natural protection offered by the rocky promontory. The configuration of the bay limits significant currents, contributing to the safety of the spot. Tides in the Mediterranean are very low, with an amplitude generally less than one meter, making their influence negligible on navigation conditions.
In the summer season with the regular Maestrale, the recommended sizes are 7 to 9 m² for medium to heavy riders, and 5 to 7 m² for light riders or beginners. In lighter conditions (morning or less powerful southern winds), kites of 10 to 12 m² may be necessary. Local schools have a full range of state-of-the-art equipment for all levels and conditions.
The dominant wind regime is the Maestrale (NW), a thermal wind that gradually develops in the late morning and intensifies in the afternoon, particularly between 2 PM and 6 PM. In the warm season (May to September), this wind regularly blows above 18 knots and benefits from the thermal effect combined with the Venturi effect of the promontory. The bay also receives southern winds like Scirocco, Ostro, and Libeccio, which arrive irregularly, especially in autumn and winter, with variable strengths. These southern winds create less predictable conditions but offer additional sessions outside the summer season.
Tuscany enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The Talamone area benefits from a privileged exposure to thermal winds, particularly in the warm season. The summer months (May to September) offer the most stable conditions with a regular and thermal Maestrale. Autumn and winter see the arrival of southern winds, creating interesting variability for experienced riders.
The bottom of the Talamone bay is gradual and sandy, making it a very safe spot for learning. You can stand up to about 50 meters from the shore, with a depth that increases very gradually. This feature allows beginners to stay in shallow water during their learning, while experienced riders can venture further. The sandy bottom offers excellent traction and good visibility, with no dangerous obstacles.
The water temperature varies significantly with the seasons. In summer (June to September), the water reaches 22-24°C, allowing for riding in shorts or a light wetsuit. In spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November), the temperature ranges between 16-20°C, requiring a 3/2 mm wetsuit. In winter (December to March), the water cools to 12-15°C, necessitating a 4/3 mm wetsuit or thicker for comfort.
