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Kitesurfing at Porto Pollo I Sardinia

Written by Loek

Aerial view of Porto Pollo: the two bays either side of the sandy causeway, with the mountains of Gallura behind

Kitesurfing at Porto Pollo means riding where the wind funnels through the strait between Sardinia and Corsica. A sandy causeway to the Isola dei Gabbiani splits the water into two bays: the west bay for kiters, the east bay for windsurfers. The season runs from April to October, with the most consistent wind from July to September.

When to go to Porto Pollo

SEASON AT A GLANCE
Wind (knots)* 0102030 12–2012–2013–2114–2215–2316–2418–2818–2817–2615–2414–2212–20
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Wetsuit
4/3 long
3/2
shorty or 3/2
3/2
4/3
Water (avg)
15°
14°
15°
16°
18°
23°
25°
26°
25°
22°
21°
17°
Bar: typical wind range, top = upper limit, dotted line = lower limit *First estimate from spot guides (Ponente and Mistral usually 15–30 knots in summer, July to September most consistent). Water: Sardinia monthly averages, approximate for the north. To be confirmed by a local.

The centres open in mid-April, and from then until October the wind blows on most days. July to September are the most consistent months; July and August are also the busiest on the water. In autumn the wind can gust harder. The water is cool in spring and warm in summer: a shorty is enough from June to September.

Men's 3/2 wetsuitMen's shorty wetsuit
Wetsuits and shortiesMen
View
Women's 3/2 wetsuitWomen's shorty wetsuit
Wetsuits and shortiesWomen
View

The spot

The causeway between the mainland and the Isola dei Gabbiani runs roughly north-north-east to south-south-west, at right angles to the main wind, which is why the two bays get such different water: flatter in one, choppier in the other. Kiters use the west bay; the east bay is the windsurf zone.

THE SPOT IN BRIEF
Level: beginner to advancedWater: flat to choppy
Isola deiGabbiani Kite beachwest bay KITE ZONE WINDSURF ZONEkeep clear Porto Pollo causeway Mistral / Ponente (W–NW) NRupi'sbeach bar

Schematic, not to scale; confirm the zones locally.

Aerial view of the two bays at Porto Pollo either side of the sandy causeway
Kite zoneThe west bay, about 10 minutes on foot from the windsurf centre
Windsurf zoneThe east bay, with small islands offshore: kite somewhere else
WindPonente and Mistral from the west to north-west, cross to cross-onshore from the left in the kite bay
WaterFlat to choppy; around 7 km of bay
Watch outVery busy in July and August; stronger gusts in autumn
AccessBeach bar, restaurant and schools by the causeway

More spots nearby

Porto Liscia, Capo Testa and Vignola are all within about 90 minutes. Within 50 km to the north, Cala Pischina and Marina delle Rose are wave spots with side-shore wind from the left that work when the Mistral is strong.

Accommodation and kite schools

Kite schools for all levels work from the beach, with the windsurf centre, a beach bar and a restaurant by the causeway. There is accommodation from flats to hotels in the immediate area. Wild camping is not allowed, although it is often tolerated early and late in the season.

If you want one place that sorts out the lessons and the evenings, our partners at Porto Pollo are The Bros Company and Rupi's, right next to each other on the Isola dei Gabbiani.

The Bros Company logoKitemana Preferred Partner

Kite school: The Bros Company

Two brothers, both kitesurf instructors and snowboard teachers, who turned a life split between sea and mountains into their own outdoor company. In summer they teach on the Isola dei Gabbiani at Porto Pollo and across northern Sardinia; in winter they move to the western Alps between Italy and France. Besides kitesurfing they teach kite foil, wing and windsurfing, and children can start windsurfing from the age of three.

Visit The Bros Company
Crowd relaxing on the sand in front of Rupi's Chilling Out beach bar at Porto Pollo at sunset

After the session: Rupi's Chilling Out

Rupi's is the beach bar and kitchen of the wind and kite area, a few steps from the water. Come off the water for original dishes or a panino, start the evening with a chill-out aperitivo while the sun sets over the bay, and stay for the parties that have become a fixture on this coast: live music, dancing barefoot in the sand and a sky full of stars.

The place to be for drinks, food and fun at Porto Pollo.

KITE TRIP TO SARDINIA? START WITH THE RIGHT GEAR
Shop freeride kites
Four riders on freeride kites over flat, shallow water

Wind and kites

WIND AND KITES
windNNEESESSWWNW
Ideal windAlso blowsRare or not listed
Reading the wind rose with the Windfinder forecast for Porto Pollo
  • Start with the direction. The dark segments show the ideal wind for this spot. Check that the arrow in the forecast comes from one of them before you look at the knots.
  • The strait boosts the wind. Ponente and Mistral accelerate between Sardinia and Corsica; in summer 15–30 knots is common.
  • West to north-west is the direction you want. In the kite bay it blows cross to cross-onshore from the left.
  • Autumn can be gusty. Strong Mistral days can bring gusts of force 8: size down.
  • Mistral feels cool. Even in summer, bring a long-sleeve or a thin suit for windy days.

Getting there

Fly into Olbia: from there it is about an hour by car to Porto Pollo, between Palau and Santa Teresa Gallura. From Alghero it is about two hours. A rental car also opens up the wave spots on the north coast.

WHICH AIRPORT TO FLY INTO
AirportWhereTo the spot
Olbia (OLB)North-east coastAbout 1 h by car
Alghero (AHO)North-west coastAbout 2 h by car
Cagliari (CAG)South coastLong drive, about 3.5–4 hours; only worth it if you also visit Punta Trettu

Direct routes depend on where you fly from and change every season: check with the airlines before you book.

Many direct flights to Sardinia run in summer only, so book early. Coming with your van? The Sardinia overview lists the ferry routes.

No-wind days

Take the boat to the La Maddalena archipelago, or explore Santa Teresa Gallura and Capo Testa.

Frequently asked questions

Is Porto Pollo good for beginners?

Yes, with a school. The west bay is reserved for kiters and the schools teach all levels. In July and August it gets busy, so spring and early autumn are calmer for learning.

When is the best time to kitesurf at Porto Pollo?

From April to October, with the most consistent wind from July to September.

Where do I kite at Porto Pollo?

In the west bay. The east bay of the Isola dei Gabbiani is the windsurf zone.

How do I get to Porto Pollo?

Fly to Olbia, then drive about an hour; Alghero is about two hours away. Many direct flights run mainly in summer.

Know something about Porto Pollo that we missed?

If you kite here and something in this guide is outdated or missing, email it to info@kitemana.com. We check every tip and add the good ones to this guide.

Still have questions about kiting in Porto Pollo?

Call, mail or WhatsApp us. We help you pick the right gear for your trip.

The Kitemana kitesurf shop in Noordwijk: a modern building with large windows and yellow trim

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