Italy
The Barrabisa Beach, located in Palau in Northern Sardinia, is part of the Porto Pollo and Isuledda complex. It is a historic spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, featuring a fine sandy beach and dunes protected by low vegetation.
Near the mouth of the Liscia River, there is an area dedicated to kitesurfing, away from crowded zones with bars and windsurfers. Practitioners prepare their equipment in a studious atmosphere, and the landscape with its turquoise waters and nearby islets adds to the spectacle.
The beach is exposed to the Maestrale, making it a popular spot for riders, while also offering quieter corners to settle via paths in the dunes.
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.
chop
flatBarrabisa Beach is oriented facing northwest, ideal for the Maestrale which blows side-on or side-shore perfect for kitesurfing. The water surface is generally flat to chop near the shore, with more choppy areas offshore for jumps and advanced maneuvers.
Launching is done directly from the wide and spacious sandy beach, with plenty of space for kite takeoff, especially towards the eastern part near Isola dei Gabbiani. Avoid the central crowded area with bathers and windsurfers; head towards the mouth of the Liscia for a dedicated area for kiters, protected by a small porticciolo that limits boat traffic.
The spot is suitable for all levels: beginners enjoy the shallow and calm waters at the shore, while experts take advantage of the consistent wind for freeride or freestyle sessions. Be cautious of sessions in Scirocco which can make the water surface choppy and side-off.
Ideal conditions are a Maestrale at 18-25 knots, side-on from the northwest, for a water surface that is flat to chop and long sessions without gusts.
The water surface varies from flat in light wind to chop in strong Maestrale, with crystal clear and shallow waters near the shore. In offshore wind, it becomes smoother, perfect for freestyle.
Currents are generally weak in the protected bay, but they can strengthen near the mouth of the Liscia River. Tides have a moderate impact, with a low amplitude typical of the Mediterranean.
Opt for sizes of 9 to 12m² in medium Maestrale, 7-9m² when it picks up, and 12-14m² in light thermal winds.
The dominant wind is the Maestrale from the northwest, consistent and strong, often between 15-25 knots, ideal for kiting. The Scirocco from the southeast complements by bringing regular thermal winds.
These winds blow consistently due to the thermal conditions of the area, making the spot reliable even off-peak season.
The Mediterranean climate of Gallura offers hot summers with temperatures around 25-30°C and mild winters around 10-15°C. The kitesurfing season extends from April to October, with reliable wind year-round according to data (score 86/100).
The best months cover the entire year (January to December), but the peak is in summer with long sunny days.
The depth is gradual with a clean sandy bottom. You can stand up to about 50-100m from the shore, perfect for beginners.
In summer, the water reaches 22-25°C, comfortable in a shorty. In spring and autumn, expect 18-20°C, and in winter around 15°C.
