Italy
The Gabbiano beach, located at La Pelosa near Stintino in northern Sardinia, is a kitesurfing spot appreciated for its stable conditions and preserved setting. This white sand spit facing the Torre di Stintino offers an authentic atmosphere, away from the tourist hustle of the main beach.
The spot is distinguished by its particular configuration: two parallel zones with different conditions depending on the wind direction. When one side is choppy, the other remains calm, allowing each rider to find their ideal area. It is a place where locals regularly come to enjoy the steady wind and crystal-clear waters.
The wind data shown here comes from ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) over 4 years, reprocessed to reflect realistic conditions.
👉 Average wind has been calibrated to avoid the usual underestimation of models.
👉 Gusts have been corrected by a median ratio to avoid unrealistic extreme values.
👉 Each day is summarized by the median wind (P50) observed during useful hours (8am–8pm), then classified into wind ranges.
👉 The weighted mode mixes average wind and gusts to best reflect felt wind.
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flatGabbiano offers very interesting conditions for kitesurfing. The dominant wind is the Maestrale (North-West), which blows regularly and creates a side-shore to side-on-shore depending on the chosen area. The beach is divided into two sectors: the east zone with a side off-shore wind and very flat water, ideal for freestyle and beginners; the west zone with a side on-shore wind and a more choppy sea, perfect for freeride and intermediate riders.
Entry is easy along the entire length of the beach. The launch area is cleared and well-ventilated, with no major obstacles. The water surface varies considerably depending on the conditions: in summer with light to moderate wind, the water is flat or slightly wavy; with strong wind, the west zone becomes choppy with small waves. Tides have little influence on the general conditions, but the gradual depth allows good accessibility for all levels.
The ideal conditions are between 12 and 22 knots of Maestrale (North-West). With this regime, the east zone offers flat water perfect for freestyle, while the west zone presents optimal freeride conditions. The wind should be steady and well-established, usually in the late afternoon. Days with wind of 15 to 18 knots are particularly appreciated by riders of all levels.
The water at Gabbiano is crystal clear and very clear, offering excellent visibility. Depending on the area and wind conditions, the water surface varies: the east zone presents flat and smooth water, ideal for progression; the west zone becomes choppy with small ripples when the wind picks up. In summer with little wind, the entire bay can be very flat. The water generally remains calm in the morning and becomes more agitated in the afternoon when the wind establishes.
The currents at La Pelosa are generally weak to moderate. The spot does not present any notable dangerous currents, making it a safe place for beginners. Mediterranean tides are not pronounced in this region, with a range generally less than one meter. One just needs to stay attentive to the general configuration of the bay and avoid drifting too far offshore.
The recommended kite sizes depend on the conditions and the level. For beginners in flat water (east zone), a 12 to 14 m² kite is ideal with light to moderate wind. Intermediate riders will use 10 to 12 m² kites in normal conditions. For advanced riders looking for freestyle, a 9 to 11 m² kite offers more control. In case of strong wind (25+ knots), reduce by one size.
The wind regime at La Pelosa is dominated by the Maestrale (North-West), a steady and reliable wind that blows particularly well in autumn, winter, and spring. The Ponente (West) and Scirocco (South-East) complement the local wind regime. The Maestrale generally blows between 12 and 25 knots in normal conditions, with gusts reaching 30 to 35 knots on windy days. Conditions are particularly stable in the late afternoon when the wind fully establishes.
Northern Sardinia enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Winter temperatures range between 8 and 14°C, while in summer they reach 25 to 30°C. The spot operates year-round, with excellent wind activity in all seasons. The winter and spring months (January to May) often offer the best wind conditions, while summer remains very busy despite a slight decrease in wind.
The depth at La Pelosa is gradual and sandy. One can stand easily up to 30 to 40 meters from the shore, making the spot very accessible for beginners. The bottom consists of fine and stable sand, with no dangerous rocks. This gradual configuration allows for safe entry and takeoff, even for inexperienced riders.
The water temperature varies significantly by season. In winter (December to February), the water is between 12 and 14°C, requiring a 5/3 mm wetsuit. In spring (March to May), it rises to 14 to 18°C, a 4/3 mm is sufficient. In summer (June to September), the water reaches 22 to 26°C, allowing for riding in a shorty or without a wetsuit. In autumn (October to November), it gradually drops back to 18 to 22°C.
