Kitesurfing Sardinia – Campervan Spot Guide (EN)

He grew up in Argentina, has Italian parents, moved to Germany at nine, and to the Alps at eighteen. Ten years later, Gian Marco Pepe (alias @snowboardingjohn) has 116,000 followers on Instagram. What’s he up to in summer? He heads to Sardinia to go kitesurfing. Here is his top spot guide:

Why Sardinia? Because it’s an amazing island with a rich culture, great food, and a unique scenery. The water is incredible. I’ve been to the Caribbean, but the colour of the sea in Sardinia might be even more beautiful – and I personally prefer mountains and wild rock formations over palm trees.

One more thing: Wild camping is forbidden in Sardinia, as it is throughout Italy. At some of the kitesurfing spots listed here, there are still free parking areas for RVs and campervans. But to keep it that way, let’s all follow the signs, be mindful of people and nature, and leave the places as we found them – or better.

The Plan: Starting in Olbia and heading down south along the east coast. Then switching sides and heading back up north on the west coast. Circling the island with four kitesurfing spots (and much more) in four weeks.

Kick-off: From Livorno, we took an early morning ferry to Olbia. We booked our tickets a few days in advance with Direct Ferries. We chose the daytime crossing because the overnight ferry was a bit too expensive for us.

Spot 1: Le Saline

Located about 15 minutes from Olbia, this is my personal favourite: Le Saline, a spot for all skill levels. The flat water is ideal for beginners or anyone looking to improve their tricks. In the summer, thermal winds blow here almost daily – and you can safely add 3–5 knots to what you see on Windy or Windfinder. For me, every day was a kitesurfing day here, even when the wind was a bit lighter.

The Sardinia Kite & Wing Surf School offers lessons here, both in the sea and in a protected lagoon.

Wind: East and southeast winds (Scirocco), onshore to sideshore, thermally enhanced.

Parking: A large, free parking lot right at the spot. Overnight stays are usually tolerated.

Spot 2: Posada (Spiaggia su Tiriarzu)

Northeastern Posada (Spiaggia su Tiriarzu) might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of kitesurfing in Sardinia. However, this medieval town is absolutely worth a visit, also because it helps you escape the crowds. It’s one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, with its castle perched on a limestone hill, the Montalbo and Tepilora Nature Park in the hinterland, and the sea out front. In the summer, it gets busy at the beach here, so launching and landing are only allowed within the designated area at Nido Surf. For me, it’s an absolute must-see in Sardinia.

Wind: Southeast (Scirocco), sideshore to side-onshore, thermally enhanced.

Parking: Paid day parking (€10); overnight stays are not allowed. Camping Ermosa is right next door.

Spot 3: Museddu (Ogliastra)

If you love waves, you will love Museddu (Ogliastra). It’s located about 140 km south of Posada on the east coast, and the spot at Kitesurf Ogliastra Sardegna offers fantastic conditions. Here, too, thermal wind is almost guaranteed – often with 15 knots (even if the apps report very little wind). However, there is no flat water here. Instead, you’ll find waves!

Wind: Northeast to east (Levante, Scirocco), sideshore to side-onshore, thermally enhanced.

Parking: Free parking for cars right at the spot. However, RVs are not welcome here (police checks during high season!). Tip: Go to the quiet “Parcheggio Mare Blu” instead.

Spot 4: Punta Trettu

Time to switch sides! We left the east coast and headed to the southwest to Punta Trettu. In the Gulf of Palmas (opposite the island of Sant’Antioco), you’ll find the legendary flat-water paradise, Punta Trettu. It’s a huge shallow-water area with mirror-smooth water, perfect for beginners and freestylers. The wind here is consistent, and thanks to its protected location, the water remains calm. Note: Watch out for fishermen who are often on the shore. It’s better to launch at the very tip.

Wind: In the summer, usually northwest (Mistral), side-onshore, thermally enhanced.

Parking: Kite-Center-Camping with electricity, showers, and more.

Spot 5: Porto Pollo

Our last spot before heading back to the mainland from Olbia is also the most well-known: Porto Pollo. The wind here is often stronger, 20 to 30 knots is not uncommon. If you’re looking for a buzzing scene, a chance to connect with others, and an all-around great experience, you’ll definitely find it here. And the landscape is a highlight, too! Tip: If you have the chance to kitesurf at sunset here: do it! For us, that was the perfect end to our trip.

Wind: Northwest (Mistral), mostly sideshore, often strong (20–30 knots).

Parking: Camping Acapulco or Camping Isola dei Gabbiani.