Kitesurfing at the Lo Stagnone Lagoon

At the western end of Sicily, between Trapani and Marsala, the large shallow water lagoon Lo Stagnone is formed by the offshore Isola Grande and is known worldwide for kitesurfing. The name simply means the pond.

The lagoon is approx. 7 kilometers long and 3 kilometers wide, only gets deeper towards the south and offers ideal conditions for kitesurfing. You can roughly divide the lagoon into two areas. The northern, relatively shallow part with many kite schools on the beach and the southern, often deeper part with fewer kite schools.

If you are traveling in Sicily, then you should definitely check out this special kite spot. It is best to combine it with the kitespot San Teodoro in the north of the lagoon and explore the lagoon behind Isola Santa Maria, past Isola San Pantaleo and down to the south. There is plenty to discover.

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Table of contents

1. Overview
2. The kitesurfing area
3. The wind
4. Suitable for…
5. Kitestation
6. Behavior at the spot
7. Best time
8. Parking and overnight stay
9. Surrounding area
10. No Wind Action
11. My tip

Kitespots

The kitesurfing area

The 10 km² seawater lagoon offers ideal conditions for water sports, especially kitesurfing. It is known and loved for this. The shallow Isola Grande in front of it creates a protected shallow water area that is 1.8 meters deep at its deepest point. It gradually deepens towards the south and can reach a depth of 2.5 meters. Within the lagoon are three more islands, Santa Maria, La Scuola and San Pantaleo. However, you can only visit the last one by ferry, all the other islands are privately owned. But as an experienced kitesurfer it is a highlight to ride around the islands.

But always pay attention to the wind and the bottom of the water. In the lee of the respective islands, the wind can be a little bit overcast and there can always be stones and sticks in the water in shallow places. At the northern end of Isola Santa Maria and at the southern end of Isola Grande there is a beautiful, crystal-clear shallow water area. From the island of San Pantaleo, depending on the water level, there is an old Punic road just under water that can become an obstacle. Otherwise, the bottom consists mainly of sand with algae, seagrass and in shallower parts also with anemones.

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	Sportsparadise Kitesurf Bari Sardo	Details › Website › Erlebnisbericht ›
	Bari Sardo, Sardinien, Italien 2017 1-3 Kitelehrer VDWS Kiteschule

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At all entrances to the lagoon, you enter the water with a launch assistant. Because it is the safest. There are either tarpaulins, sand or grass for setting up the kite, depending on the location. The lagoon has its own rules. The first 100 meters are reserved for take-off, landing, training without a board and running without a board. After 100 meters you should bodystand, or ride out to 200 meters as quickly as possible and not do any tricks. The free kite zone begins after 200 meters. Keep this in mind. We have marked the zones in orange and red on the maps.

Lo Stagnone NORD

The northern part of the lagoon is generally shallower and there are more kite stations and kite schools, so it is more crowded, especially in summer. On the other hand, more parties are offered in return and you meet many like-minded people. Here, too, you can look for a secluded lagoon for quieter days in the far north or you are right in the middle of Birgi Vecchi, where there is a different event every day, especially in summer. As it is generally shallow, you can walk to the shore in an emergency.

In the far north there are fewer stones in the water and on the coast. The entrance is usually relatively flat in the north. Only from the Duotone ProCenter does an embankment begin and you always have to go down the hill a little, which is why it is also good to start in the water. On the other hand, the northernmost stations have less and less water over time and in the far north it sometimes runs dry at all, so that you can no longer reach the northern estuary by boat. This happens when the Mistral or Tramontana blows over several days in summer and pushes the water away. If you have enough water, you have a shorter way to San Teodoro.

Lo Stagnone SOUTH

The southern part is deeper overall and from the end of the Isola Grande it is deep enough for relatively relaxed foiling with a 1 meter mast. You can run into the deep at the southernmost point and start your foil there. However, you should be an experienced kitefoiler. There is also usually a lot of seaweed floating in the water. There is still a large standing area on the coast at the kite schools so that you can’t drift off. If you get too far south in Mistral, all stations in the south offer a rescue service. Some of them train with the boat in the deeper area.

At all southern stations, a one-way road runs in front of the coast, which poses a certain risk when crossing. But you cross the road into the water together with a launch assistant and land on the same path. A power line runs along the road, which is laid underground at the stations. Overall, the south is also good for wingfoilers and windsurfers. Some of the stations also offer rental or training. The southern part of the lagoon is usually not as crowded as the north and offers good conditions.

The wind

In the lagoon you can use almost all wind directions, except the Levante (E), because it is rare and does not make it into the lagoon. The Grecale (NO) works at the northern most kite stations up to the KBC. The most common winds are the Mistral (NW), Tramontana (N) and Scirocco (SO). The Ponente (W), Ostro (S) and Libeccio (SW) also work, but are rarer.

From spring to fall, the mistral and Tramontana winds blow most frequently and provide some cooling. In addition, they are supported by the thermals and a few knots are added to the forecast. If there is no wind on fine days, it usually forms from midday and gets stronger. In August it is sometimes too hot. It can happen that you start with larger equipment and end up riding smaller. Therefore, pay particular attention to the wind. The Scirocco can also be very strong and gusty. The longer it blows, the stronger it becomes and pushes the water into the northern part of the lagoon. Especially in winter, the winds are often stronger and it is fresh. In summer, it has a dry, hot air with it and creates even more heat.

The northerly winds are often gustier in the south of the lagoon and they are offshore south of Isola Grande. The Tramontana and Scirocco don’t always make it all the way to the coast. On the other hand, the southerly winds are usually gustier in the northern part.

Suitable for

The lagoon is suitable for all skill levels. There are many kite stations and kite schools on site from March to November. Some also teach in winter, but it is more pleasant from spring to fall. Advanced kiters and pros will also get their money’s worth at this spot and will find a huge playground to explore.

Kite school in Lo Stagnone

Almost the entire coast is taken up by kite stations/tents and so there are only a few places where you can start independently as an experienced kitesurfer. For example, the area in the far north between the Flow Kite School kite station and Stagnone Kitesurf, or the area south of Laura Linares up to the Saline. However, there are many boats in the water. You can also go into the water in some places between the stations in the southern part. Watch out for boats, jetties, cars and power lines and only ever start in the water. But it’s best to find one of the kite stations and have a cool time. All kite stations charge a daily fee, which varies and includes different offers. Below we have listed all the fixed kite stations from north to south. Note, however, that things can always change. If we have forgotten a kitestation or you know another one, just write to us at: hannes@einfachkiten.de

Behavior at the spot

In addition to the usual laws, the lagoon has its own rules, which are not always followed, but you should at least know them and follow them. The first 100 meters belong to the beginners without a board. All the other kiters take off or land and keep going until they are 100 meters out. This is where the body support zone begins. However, it is often too shallow, so the best thing to do is get on your board and ride out 200 meters the fastest way possible. This is where the free kite zone for practicing, jumping and cruising begins. We have marked the areas in RED (100m) and ORANGE (200m) on the maps. 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

Basically, you will find good conditions for kitesurfing all year round. The lagoon is known for having wind 300 days a year. The most frequent days are from May to September/October, when the wind is supported by thermals. This is sometimes the case from March to June. In August it can be too hot, so the wind is lighter. That’s when it’s usually at its fullest. But there can also be Scirocco days that provide good pressure. December to February there are fewer windy days, but the wind is stronger and you are almost alone on the water.

Parking and overnight stay

You will find free parking facilities at most kite stations. There are usually only a few in the south spot. The best place to park your camper is at Mamma Colette, Jamakite or Salina Kite. They also offer parking spaces. At the north spot you can park your camper at Kitelagune, KBC, Jeremy Burlando Pro Center, Stagnone Kitesurfer Academy, Duotone ProCenter, Le Vie del Vento, Sicily Kite School Stagnone, Kiteworldwide, Stagnone Kiteboarding, NO Limits Kitesurfing, Rocknride Scuola Kitesurf, PKR Kitesurf Stagnone, Chili Kite, Laura Linares Kitesurf & Sailing and Watersport Academy. At all stations you have your camper partially or not in sight.

Overnight stays are officially prohibited at the north spot as it is part of the nature reserve. Nevertheless, there are always some who park overnight. It is best to contact the respective kite station to find out how it is currently handled. There are several houses at the south spot and only little space for parking or standing overnight. Consultation with the stations will also help you here. There is no campsite at the lagoon. There is a small parking space in San Teodoro that belongs to the restaurant. At the south spot there is a parking space at Mamma Colette and camper parking spaces at Jamakite. The next pitches are in the direction of Trapani and Marsala.

Surrounding area

The area surrounding the lagoon is made up of small villages, salt pans and secluded spots. There are many kite tourists here in summer. Nevertheless, we would describe the lagoon as local, as it is all the emptier in winter and the villages are partially inhabited, just like the towns of Trapani and Marsala. It can get very hot at the lagoon, especially in summer, which is not necessarily suitable for children. The southern spot is more suitable, especially the pitch at Mamma Colette with the adjacent Marsala Kite Club is very family-friendly. From the Santa Maria Hotel you can visit the pool and there is a playground or play facilities in front of it and at some stations. For non-kiters it can be boring on site, but the surrounding area has a lot to offer. Dogs are allowed at the stations, but it can get very crowded everywhere. In summer, all the stations offer a different program, there are summer parties and especially in Birgi Vecchi they alternate with the bars, so that there is always something going on. This means that party animals should also get their money’s worth. There are also discotheques in the area.

The stations are equipped differently depending on their size. But all of them offer at least one tent for shade. There is often water and showers and some have toilets or share them with the neighbor. Some offer bars and parties, but Brigi Vecchi is the most popular.

No Wind Action

On sunny, windless days, it can be worth waiting for the wind, which often starts around midday. Otherwise, it’s worth heading out into the historic surroundings, enjoying the wonderful nature, hiking, cycling or climbing. You will find ideal conditions for this, especially in winter. When there is no wind, it can get very dull in the lagoon and the stations sometimes offer different activities in the area. Find out on site.

In the lagoon lies the Isola di San Pantaleo, on which the ancient island town of Mozia is located. You will find the Riserva Naturale Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala right on the shore. You should also visit the towns of Marsala, Trapani and Erice. From Trapani you can visit the Egadi Islands. You can find even more information in our kitesurfing travel guide: Kitesurfing in Sicily, which is expected to be published in spring 2024.

My tip

The well-known lagoon offers ideal conditions for Mistral (NW) and Scirocco (SE) and from spring to fall the thermals support the northerly winds. If you are looking for a wind-safe shallow water spot surrounded by beautiful nature with a lot of history, then you should explore the lagoon more closely. The north spot is the busiest, both on and in the water, although it gets a little quieter to the north, but also shallower. The south spot is not yet so crowded and offers plenty of space in deeper water. One disadvantage is the road, but there are virtually no anemones.

The lagoon is basically secluded and is a nature reserve. A highlight are the old salt pans, some of which are still in operation today. The surrounding area also offers great landscapes and many sights to discover, making it the ideal way to pass a windless day.

The lagoon offers a wide range of fixed kite stations and mobile kite schools, which is probably unparalleled in this form. That’s why you’re spoiled for choice. We have summarized all festivals under “Kitestation”. Otherwise, it’s best to get tips from other fellow kiteboarders. The lagoon offers ideal conditions for beginners and intermediates and is one of the best beginner spots in Europe, if not the world.

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.

Lo Stagnone