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Kite-surf Porto Pollo
Region: europe | Country: Italy | language: en
Popularity: 45 Views
Weather Statistics Porto Pollo
History of Maximum Temperatures | | Porto Pollo
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Porto Pollo: Sardinia's Premier Kitesurfing Destination
Introduction to a Sardinian Gem
When talking about kitesurfing in the north of Sardinia, Porto Pollo stands out as an unmissable hotspot. Located at the Strait of Boniface, this expansive bay offers ample space for kitesurfers despite its popularity. As part of my island tour exploring various kitesurfing locations across Sardinia, Porto Pollo impressed with its exceptional wind conditions and stunning surroundings.
Location and Wind Conditions
Porto Pollo benefits from what locals call a "guard rail effect" due to its geographic positioning, resulting in an impressively high wind yield. The surrounding land masses can create quite rough conditions, which experienced kitesurfers will appreciate. The predominant wind directions vary by season:
- Spring and mid-summer: Mistral and Poniente winds dominate
- Late summer and autumn: Levante winds become more frequent
What makes this spot particularly appealing is the versatility of wind directions that work well here, thanks to the enclosed nature of the bay. The water features no obstacles, and the quickly sloping bottom makes foiling an absolute pleasure.
Access and Regulations
For kitesurfers, there are specific regulations to be aware of:
- Only the left bay is permitted for kitesurfing
- Between June and October, kitesurfing is restricted to designated areas
- Outside the peak season, regulations become more relaxed toward the dam and headland areas
The causeway leads to the only campground near the spot and serves as the center of tourist activity, complete with beach bars and local schools. It's a perfect place to enjoy a midday coffee or watch the sunset after a day on the water.
Parking and Logistics
Parking at Porto Pollo is limited, with only five parking spaces available, one specifically designated for campers. This first parking area is visible as you arrive via the access road. During the season, parking costs €11.50 from 8 AM to 8 PM, while overnight parking is free.
The walking distance to the beach is considerable—about 10 to 15 minutes—so I highly recommend bringing a wagon if you're traveling with a lot of gear. A foldable wagon that fits in any corner of your vehicle is invaluable for transporting equipment to and from the kitesurfing area.
Crowd Levels and Best Times to Visit
Porto Pollo can get extremely crowded during the high season, making launching, landing, and navigating on the water quite challenging. For this reason, I only visit during the off-season when the experience is much more enjoyable. Early September, just after the school vacation period ends, offers a good balance of favorable conditions with manageable crowds.
While the water surface is large and kitesurfers generally distribute well across the area, those seeking solitude can venture further out from shore.
Schools and Equipment
The range of kite schools and equipment rental options in Porto Pollo is excellent. All the necessary resources are available for both beginners and advanced kitesurfers. Many schools offer boat training and show real commitment to helping newcomers learn.
However, I should note that despite these facilities, there are better spots in Sardinia for complete beginners to learn kitesurfing. Porto Pollo is more suitable for those with at least some experience.
Weather and Water Conditions
Regarding temperatures, Sardinia is consistently warm. During my three weeks in September, I only needed board shorts and a lycra shirt to be comfortable on the water.
The Mistral wind typically starts from the west and builds up over several days. On my first day, I was using a 12m kite, expecting to switch to a 9m kite as the wind increased.
Wave enthusiasts might be disappointed at Porto Pollo. For better wave conditions, head to Valledoria, about 70km to the west. There, the Mistral is usually less violent, but you'll find fantastic waves.
Wind Reliability
A word of caution about Sardinian wind forecasts: they can be highly unpredictable. I've never experienced wind changing so quickly as in Sardinia. Places forecasted to have no wind would suddenly develop afternoon thermals strong enough to get on the water with smaller equipment.
This unpredictability means you should always be prepared with a range of kite sizes and keep an eye on local conditions rather than relying solely on forecasts.
Activities for Windless Days
On days without wind, the area offers plenty of alternatives:
- To the west, Capo Testa features bizarre rock formations perfect for hiking and exploring
- To the east, the La Maddalena archipelago is ideal for motorboat trips and stand-up paddle tours
- The local beaches are beautiful for swimming and relaxing
Pros and Cons
Every spot has advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages:
- High wind probability
- Security of the enclosed bay
- Excellent conditions for foiling
- Good infrastructure with schools and facilities
Disadvantages:
- As a kitesurfer, you don't get to fully benefit from the great shallow water area around the dam
- It can get extremely crowded during peak season
- Specific area restrictions for kitesurfers
Insider Tip
When the kite schools pack up their equipment around 6 PM, the crowds thin out considerably. If you still have energy in your arms and the wind is still blowing in the evening, locals sometimes risk a session in the "No Kite" area. Follow this tip at your own discretion, respecting local regulations.
In Summary
Porto Pollo stands as one of Sardinia's premier kitesurfing destinations, offering reliable wind conditions in a stunning setting. While crowded during peak season, visiting during shoulder seasons provides an excellent experience for intermediate to advanced kitesurfers. The combination of consistent winds, beautiful surroundings, and good infrastructure makes it a worthy addition to any kitesurfer's travel bucket list.
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The best spots of Kite-surf | Porto Pollo
Porto Pollo kite spot
Perfect all year for kite surf, in summertime in the left side of "Isola dei gabbiani" you can find an Italian coast guard authority approved kite spot. In the winter time you can also use the right side that is normally very flat
Popularity: 90 Views
Marina Delle Rose
Optimal Wave Conditions
Optimal height (m)
Period (sec)
Level: Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Chop, Small wave
Water hazards: Rocks
Water quality: Crystal clear
Infos: Small waves.
Beach type & size: Sand - Medium
Infos: Sandy beach.
Identified hazards: Rocks
Beachgoer: None
Weather specificities: Temperatures in summer are from 25-35C. The lowest temperature in winter is 10C.
Wind type: Thermal, Frontal
Wind specificities: Best with northerly winds.
Best months: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Access description: by Car - Take the 200 from Alghero up north and along the coast. About 3 km after Vignola Mare.
Accommodations: Parking
Popularity: 19 Views
Rena Majore
Optimal Wave Conditions
Optimal height (m)
Period (sec)
Level: Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Chop, Small wave, Medium wave
Water hazards: Swimmers, Rocks
Water quality: Crystal clear
Infos: Waves, small sandbank where you can stand but deep spots as well. Flat water in between waves. Look out for rocks.
Beach type & size: Sand - Medium
Infos: Sandy beach, with enough space to launch and land but be aware of sunbathers who don't have a clue about kitesurfing. Rocks on the left and right side of the beach and onshore wind. Tricky entry, so advanced riders only.
Identified hazards: Rocks
Beachgoer: June, July, August, September
Weather specificities: Temperatures in summer are from 25-35C. The lowest temperature in winter is 10C.
Wind type: Thermal, Frontal
Wind specificities: Best with NW, much stronger than further south such as Valledorie/San Pietro al Mare. When the wind in San Pietro is not or barely enough to ride with 16m you can ride your 12 m on Rena Majora.
Best months: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Access description: by Car - Main road from Valledoria to Santa Teresa, small exit Spiaggia Rena Majora, about 10 km from Santa Teresa.
Extra: Look out for swimmers during summer.
Accommodations: Rooms, Toilet, Food, Parking
Popularity: 18 Views
Cala Pischina
Optimal Wave Conditions
Optimal height (m)
Period (sec)
Level: Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Medium wave, Big wave
Water hazards: Rocks
Water quality: Crystal clear
Infos: Medium and big waves.
Beach type & size: Sand - Small
Infos: Very small beach.
Identified hazards: Rocks
Weather specificities: Temperatures in summer are from 25-35C. The lowest temperature in winter is 10C.
Wind type: Thermal, Frontal
Wind specificities: Good with NW Mistral.
Best months: March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Access description: by Car - Take the 200 from Alghero up north and along the coast. The Cala is shortly before Rena Majore to the left.
Extra: Very small access, not recommended for kitesurfing.
Accommodations: Rooms, Toilet, Food, Parking
Popularity: 12 Views
Baja Trinidad
Optimal Wave Conditions
Optimal height (m)
Period (sec)
Level: Intermediate, Expert
Type: Ocean
Water type: Chop, Small wave
Water hazards: Rocks
Water quality: Clean
Infos: Flat to choppy water. Rocks in the water.
Beach type & size: Sand - Small
Infos: Small sandy beach. Rocks around.
Identified hazards: Rocks
Weather specificities: Temperatures in summer are from 25-35C. The lowest temperature in winter is 10C.
Wind type: Thermal
Wind specificities: Best with Mistrale (NW).
Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September, October
Access description: by Car - Get to the north of Sardinia and here to Palau. Take a ferry to Isola Maddalena and here to the NW to Stazzo Villa. Now ask for Baja Trinidad. Parking along the street.
Accommodations: Parking
Popularity: 9 Views