Kitesurfing in Puzziteddu

The well-known wave spot for kitesurfing is relatively secluded in the southwest of the island of Sicily and is 10 kilometers east of the town of Mazara del Vallo. One bay to the west is the vacation resort and spot of the same name Kartibubbo and Capo Granitola with its striking lighthouse, and to the east you will find the village of Tre Fontane.

The original name of the village was “Pozzo”, which means well and refers to the numerous wells in the area. The neighboring village of Tre Fontane also translates as “three fountains”. In Sicilian, pozzo = puzzu and puzziteddu means small fountain. The area is also known as “Dune di Pozzitello”. Locals also affectionately call him Puzzi.

Especially in winter, there are waves of up to 4 meters, which are formed by one of the two offshore reefs depending on the wind direction, creating one of the best wave spots in Sicily for kitesurfing. The waves are smaller in the summer months, making the spot interesting for freestylers, kiters and beginners.

The kitesurfing area

The approximately 500 meter long bay consists of fine sand and is separated from the land by an embankment and dune. Depending on the time of year and the tide, the beach can be very narrow or very wide. Especially in winter there are lots of sticks, seaweed and other things on the beach and it is very narrow and wild. Since 2018, an old boat has been lying on the shore at the western end of the beach, which is increasingly being destroyed by the sand and the sea. Some parts of it are scattered on the beach.

At each end of the small bay are rocks on the shore, which sometimes look out of the water more, sometimes less. To the west, the coast bends to the northwest and merges into the Kartibubbo spot and to the east the coast continues almost parallel to Tre Fontane but is very rocky. Once ashore, you will be accompanied by a sandy road above the embankment, which offers some indentations for parking and leads you to Tre Fontane. However, it can be very soft and uneven, so pay attention to the surface.

Within the bay you will find a sandy, wider standing area, which is also suitable for training from spring to fall, as the waves are smaller then. The best area is in front of Reef Point and the kite school of the same name. From June to September, but especially in July and August, there are many bathers on the beach, so you should use the school’s kite channel. There is also a water sports beach in front of the Puzziteddu Surf Club, but there is no real corridor, so there may be discussions.

There is a reef at each end of the bay, which provides different wave conditions depending on the wind and time of year. The western reef is called “Granito Point” (name of the cape) and the eastern one is called “Reef Point” (name of the kite school). Granito Point begins at the coast and then stretches out to sea, with Reef Point only beginning after about 60 meters and lying in a wide arc in the sea. This creates an ideal area within the reef for beginners and freestylers, mainly at Mistral (NW). The beautiful, clean, mostly long waves can be found at Mistral (NW). After a calm see, it takes time for the waves to build up again.

With the twintip and surfboard, the two reefs are deep enough to ride over. However, some of the rocks, especially to the west, are only just a little bit under water. Therefore, pay attention to the ground and explore the area. With a foil board in particular, you should enter the water in the middle of the bay and sail out so that you don’t hit any rocks or get stuck in the sand. Pay attention to the standing area on the map and the rocks just under the water.

The wind

All wind directions work at this spot except Tramontana (N) and Grecale (NO). Both are offshore and the Grecale doesn’t really arrive. The spot is good at Levante (E), Ostro (S) and Libeccio (SW), although these blow less frequently at the spot. The most common are the Mistral (NW), Ponente (W) and Scrirocco (SE). All provide good conditions for waves. The Mistral is the best wind for waves, especially in winter, and they come over the Reef Point reef with a nice long swell. You can ride some of them as far as Tre Fontane. The Ponente also brings waves and it follows the Scirocco, but they are not as clean as with Mistral. The waves at Scirocco are also very nice, but not as long and easy to ride as at Mistral.

The Mistral is sideoff, but in summer it is thermally supported and this ensures that it turns more to the west. In the late afternoon, the mistral may partly turn to Tramontana (N). It blows for about half an hour and then stops. That’s why it’s better to get off the water or use the kite school’s rescue service. If the northwest thermal is not too strong, then the lagoon is the better choice. If the waves are too small in summer, you can continue to Tre Fontana or go straight on to San Giorgio.

In winter, the Scirocco blows more frequently and brings big, strong waves. Here it can be worthwhile to switch to Tonnarella. The wind is stronger there, but the waves are smaller. The Scirocco is usually stronger in Puzziteddu than in the lagoon.

Suitable for

From spring to fall, when the winds are lighter and the waves smaller, the spot offers good conditions for beginners and intermediates. Freestylers and non-surf kiters also get their money’s worth. In the other half of the year, when the waves are bigger and the winds stronger, the spot is only suitable for experienced kitesurfers.

Kite school in Puzziteddu

The ASD Reef water sports center is located at the spot. They teach kitesurfing, wingfoiling, windsurfing and kitefoiling. They also offer rentals, a rescue service and run the kite channel. You can use the station’s infrastructure for a daily fee and they are open all year round. However, due to the conditions, they usually only teach from April to October. The school is part of the Windresort, which offers various types of accommodation, directly behind the spot. To the west of it, right by the road, is the Puzziteddu Surf Center. It’s a kite club that you have to be a member of.

Behavior at the spot

From June to September, you should use the kite channel at ASD Reef and avoid launching between the bathers, especially when it’s busy at the weekend or in July and August. There is a sign in front of the kite club stating that the beach is a water sports beach. Whether this is enough to avoid punishment in case of doubt is not certain. You can find out more about this on site. Otherwise, the general rules of right of way and conduct, friendly cooperation and mutual consideration apply. Leave the beach clean, take care of plants and animals and respect nature.

Best time

At this spot you will find good conditions for kiting all year round. According to the wind statistics, there are 250 windy days a year. But depending on whether you’re a beginner, advanced kiter or pro, it’s best to visit at different times of year, conditions and personal preferences.
Between autumn and spring, the waves can be up to 4 meters high and the Mistral and Scirocco winds are stronger than in summer. Then experienced wave kiters will find ideal conditions. The winds are weaker from spring to fall, but are thermally supported from around March onwards, so you can always add a few knots to the forecast. During this time, the waves are also beautiful, but much smaller. Freestylers, freeriders and beginners will also find a cool spot.

Parking and overnight stay

There are not many parking options at the spot. The first is just to the right when you reach the coast, on a small hill next to a sandy path in a meadow. Park in as little space as possible so that there is room for several cars. Otherwise you can continue to the left and park along the sandy road, but only if it is wide enough or there is a dip and you can still get through. Park as space-saving as possible here too. Parking in front of the kite club area is restricted for campers. There is a corresponding sign. You have a relatively good view of your camper at all pitches. There is a parking lot for guests at the Windresort, but campers are not welcome.

We spent the night in the meadow parking lot both times and there were no problems. Some stood along the sandy path, which is probably why it is now partially restricted. That’s why it’s important that if you want to stay there for a night or two, you stay more in the background so that day visitors and locals get their parking space. There is a campsite with a pool just 1.5 km away. You have to check on site whether it is still open. The nearest campsites are about 10 km east along the coast or west along the river.

Surrounding area

The beach is secluded and the nearest village is Granitola Torretta of the Tre Fontane. The beautiful sandy beach is ideal for children and there is a small playground at the wind resort. For non-kiters, the beach can be too lonely if they don’t practice water sports or love a day by the sea. Because the beach is wild, dogs are also allowed on the beach. It’s too hot in summer. You can end the evening under a perfect starry sky. For more action, head to Mazara del Vallo.

There are garbage cans on site in summer. Further facilities can be found at the kite club or ASD Reef/Windresort with showers, shade, parasols and sun loungers. But you must be a member of the first one. Otherwise you should be equipped with your own toilet and water.

No Wind Action

The beautiful bay with its wild beach is secluded and is perfect for a day at the beach. Ideal for exploring the reefs with a snorkel or SUP. The standing area and fine sand are also ideal for children. You can also take a lovely walk along the beach to Faro Capo Granitola or explore the coast to Tre Fontane.

Between Mazara del Vallo and Puzziteddu you will find the beautiful Riserva Naturale Lago Preola e Gorghi Tondi, which is ideal for hiking and cycling. Or you can dive into the archaeological park of
Selinunte went down in history. Also visit the very small village of Granitola Torretta with its beautiful coastline and the old town of Mazara del Vallo, also known as the Kasbah. You can find even more information in our german kitesurfing travel guide: Kitesurfing in Sicily, which is expected to be published in spring 2024.

My tip

This special kitespot offers you different conditions for a great kitesurfing day, depending on your preferences and skill level. Different types of kitesurfers also get their money’s worth from spring to fall, when the spot offers more than just big waves. During this time, the wind is also supported by thermals and is usually stronger than in the forecast.

The spot is very secluded, but you can still reach the nearest larger town of Mazara del Vello relatively quickly. It is ideal for enjoying nature, even if there is a lot of garbage lying around. Children will have a great day at the beach and non-kiters should love the sea or visiting the surrounding area.

There is a kite school, bungalow accommodation especially for water sports enthusiasts and a kite club on site. You will also meet other kitesurfers and water sports enthusiasts all year round. Ideal for an exchange. If the conditions at the spot are not ideal, ask the kite school for tips on the next suitable spot in the area.

The description is an excerpt from our kitespot descriptions in the kitesurfing travel guide: Kitesurfing in Sicily, which is expected to be published in early 2024. For even more detailed information about the spot, many more kitespots and useful tips about the island and how to get there, you already have the opportunity to pre-order the kite travel guide and win a 30€ single kite voucher.

Puzziteddu