
Djerba - Plage de Sidi Mahrez
Tunisie
Djerba
Sidi Mahrez beach, located north of Djerba near Houmt Souk, is a discreet spot favored by locals for its consistent wind and easy access from the airport. Just a few minutes' drive from the main town, it offers a calm atmosphere away from crowded tourist lagoons like Smile Beach.
This corner of the Médenine island attracts kiters looking for a varied water surface with fine sand and an open exposure to the sea. Close to historic spots like the Radisson beach, Sidi Mahrez stands out for its authentic vibe and views of the Roman causeway in the distance.
Ideal for an impromptu session, the spot is accessible on foot from the coastal roads and is well-suited for intermediates looking to progress without crowds.
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.
- 🟢 10–16 nds : vent faible mais navigable (notamment en foil).
- 🟡 16–22 nds : plage idéale, conditions confortables pour la majorité.
- 🔴 22–28 nds : vent fort, réservé aux riders expérimentés.
- 🟣 28+ nds : conditions extrêmes, navigation engagée.
Localisation & Points d'intérêt
Informations utiles
The Sidi Mahrez beach spot features an ideal side-shore orientation with winds from NNW, N, NE, E, ESE, sweeping the beach from north to east without complicating launches. The riding area extends about 1 to 2 km long along the sand, with easy launches on flat ground at the edge and take-off on a wide, clear beach. The water transitions from shallow near the shore (standing up to 50-100m) to deeper offshore, favoring a light to moderate chop that can be ridden in freestyle or freeride.
No pronounced tidal effect in the Mediterranean, so conditions remain consistent day and night, but be cautious of sporadic swimmer areas near neighboring hotels. Take-off is hassle-free even in light onshore wind, and navigation remains safe in the dedicated area between the natural beach markers. Sessions last long thanks to the summer thermal wind that enhances the trade winds in the afternoon.
Optimal conditions occur with winds NNW to ESE of 18-25 knots, in side-shore for a clean and rideable water surface for long periods. Perfect in the thermal afternoon for 2-3 hour sessions.
The water surface is mostly chop with some small waves (0.5-1m) in side-on wind, over a fine sandy bottom. Close to the neighboring lagoon, it offers a flat-chop mix ideal for progression, with no significant swell thanks to the island's protection.
Currents are generally weak along Sidi Mahrez beach, typical of the east coast of Djerba. However, be cautious of occasional stronger currents near channels or during strong offshore winds, but nothing major for a vigilant kiter.
Opt for sizes of 9 to 12m² in standard conditions, going down to 7-9m² in strong wind (>20kts), and 11-14m² on light days. Adjust according to your weight and style.
The prevailing wind comes from the north to northeast, with typical strengths of 15-25 knots, boosted by thermals in the afternoon during the hot season. Stats show a score of 54/100 currently with 20.4 kts, and up to 80% of kitable days in summer thanks to stable local winds. No specific name, but it's a mix of trade winds and Tunisian mistral.
Djerba enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with mild winter temperatures (15-20°C) and hot summers (25-35°C). The best months for kiting are April, May, October, November, with reliable wind and warm water. In winter (January, February, December), cool days are offset by generous sunshine, while in summer, the heat encourages early morning sessions.
The depth increases gradually with a sandy bottom everywhere. You can stand up to 50-100m from the shore, ideal for relaunches and learning, then free water beyond.
The water is 18-22°C in winter (Jan-Feb), 23-26°C in spring/fall, and 27-30°C in summer. A shorty wetsuit is recommended outside the hot season.