On the map.
Lo Stagnone is a big lagoon located on the west coast of Sicily. 5 minutes south of Trapani airport, 1h drive from Palermo, with Marsala being the closest bigger city around. The lagoon is shallow and flat. From ankle deep to 2m maybe. Closed by Isola Grande on the west side. It’s open to the sea in just two points. Looking at its geographical, north-south, alignment it operates pretty well with most wind directions in this region. Some say it is windy 300 days a year…
A few statistics.
It looks like more than 90% of days a year have wind, and 3bft is enough to start learning.
Both graphs can be easily found online: windguru statistics & Holfuy meter. Also, both are based on real measurements made by weather stations.
Lo Stagnone is not the only spot in the area, not only one worth visiting. So if the wind direction is W it’s a perfect occasion for a trip to Capo Feto or Puzziteddu if you rather travel to the south. If you wish to explore spots north of Stagnone lagoon – Spiaggia di Marausa or Trapani could also work great. All those mentioned places should work fine also for foiling. With the west wind, the lagoon also works, though the wind is usually gusty, as the wind blows directly through Isola Grande.
How to get to Lo Stagnone?
The easiest way to get here is by plane. As mentioned earlier, connections to Trapani and Palermo airports are the ones to check. A bus from Palermo airport to Trapani airport costs around 9€. From Trapani airport, a taxi or transfer from the kite house/kite school/taxi/friend is your options. It’s a 10-minute drive. If you don’t have a limit on your budget, I recommend renting a car.
What about accommodation?
Most of the kite schools and kite houses offer options within walking distance to the spot or in a bit quieter neighborhood with some kind of transfer. Towns San Leonardo and Birgi are closest to the spot. These would be your best options if you feel like finding something yourself. The main advantage of not staying close to the spot is simply peace and quiet. There are a lot of restaurants and bars around the lagoon, and during high season, which is May – September, it tends to be quite loud around.
At the spot.
If you look at the map, the whole northeast shore of the lagoon is covered in kite schools. There are many. Only a few of them have more advanced facilities, like a toilet, a shower, or storage in a building. A lot of the schools are “pop-up” schools, leasing a piece of land to park cars, a van, or a bus converted to a storage and school. The choice is yours and depends on your preference and expectations. In the north part of Lo Stagnone is a place called “free spot” where anyone can go and launch their kite. The rest of the shore is usually occupied by some schools and available for their guests and students. Water is shallow. The bottom is sandy or muddy. The mud is famous. It can suck your leg up to your knee.. or even more. It’s a matter of getting to know the place. If you pick wisely, you will never have to experience the muddy parts. In the water, there are algae and some other seaweeds that you can be allergic to. I am one of the lucky ones immune to them. If you are not, a pair of leggings and maybe booties are more than enough to protect your skin. Unless it is before (March/April) or after (October/November) the high season, then we use long wetsuits and the problem solves itself.
Beginner.
It is a lagoon, so the lack of shore break, no currents, and shallow water make the place very beginner friendly. The spot, or multiple spots along the east shore of the lagoon are safe. Even in schools with less launching space, you will find assistance in that matter. No wonder this place is considered one of the best places you can go in Europe to learn to kitesurf. Flat water, easy spot, Italian food, and fantastic kite vibe. What can you ask more?
Waves.
Wave riders will have to look for the waves somewhere else. As I mentioned before, spots beside Lo Stagnone exist! The time for waves in Sicily is spring and autumn.
Freestyle.
From flat to butter flat water makes it freestyle heaven. During the summers the wind is mostly thermal (and lighter) and ideal for perfecting your freestyle maneuvers. Don’t get me wrong, spring and autumn are also great! Just the wind might be much stronger, and you might be tempted to throw a bit of big air into the mix!
Overwiev:
Localization:
Trapani/Marsala region, Sicily west coast, Mediterranean Sea
Safety:
very safe, the wind is usually side shore (north or south), rescue at the spot – not needed, algae that make some people allergic
Wind:
March – June
12 – 30 knt and above, stronger than in the summer, different directions: S, SW, W, NW, N
June – September
8-20 knt, thermal, stable, starts picking up from midday and usually stronger in the afternoons, directions: W, WN, N,
September – November
12 – above 30knt similar to spring, stronger than in the summer, different directions: S, SW, W, NW, N
A bit more about the directions:
North – mainly blows in the summer, thermal stable wind, north wind forecast, and clear sky are almost a 100% guarantee of a good flat water session,
South – mainly blows in spring and autumn, stronger up to above 30knt, can surprise you with its power on a sunny day and with its gustiness on a cloudy one,
West – no surprises here, the forecast accuracy is good here, and tends to be stronger in spring and autumn, than in the summer.
Lo Stagnone is a “big kites” spot, especially during the summer.
Lo Stagnone can be crowded in peak season and training areas. The lagoon itself is very large and everyone will find a place for themselves. No worries!
Alternative activities.
If you decide to come for a week, and there will be no wind, each day you will find something to do. Some of the schools offer organized activities, especially in case of a lack of wind. If you come for two weeks, will not have a car to use, and get 0 wind, you might get a bit bored. Here again, it all depends on the person and their attitude. The chances for it to happen are pretty low though.
Let me list a few things to do (in random order):
- visit San Vito Lo Capo & hike Mt. Monaco,
- visit Trapani & the town of Erice,
- go to the Segesta hot springs,
- take a boat trip to Favignana,
- explore Lo Stagnone including Isola di Mothia,
- go rock climbing northeast of Trapani or San Vito Lo Capo,
- enjoy other watersports at the spot,
- go for a 7-course tasting menu at the winery and sample wines and typical Sicilian delicacies,
- visit Marsala, San Tomaso Cathedral, the Archaeological Museum, rustic restaurants, and the fish market (noted for its nightlife in the evenings)
That would be the “highly recommended” list. Even if it’s windy, at least try a few of those!
Recommendation!
I have spent 3 months in Sicily and can’t wait to get back there for the whole next year. I work with Follow The Wind kite school. It is a very friendly place, a great school, run by an amazing couple Gabor and Lila. The top shelf equipment from RRD is new and facilities are very good. With us, you will find: lessons on any level – including advanced coaching, rental, storage, space for setting up gear equipedn in a compressor, and most importantly a great vibe. On top of that Gabor will help you out with anything related to your trip. Starting from airport transfers, accommodation, and even bike rental.
Personal thoughts?
We traveled to Sicily after spending the winter in Kenya. It was a holiday recommendation from a friend. I had 6 weeks off and Gabor had an apartment we could rent. For a long time, Lo Stagnone was on my bucket list. I heard so many different opinions about the place, so it just seemed like a perfect occasion to check it out in person. We were supposed to spend 5 weeks there and when the time came to depart for Lake Como we just did not want to leave. I fell in love with Lo Stagnone, with the vibe there, with the people we met, and Sicily itself. In just 5 weeks it became home.
I hope that after reading this article, you have and urge to visit. If so, let me know or contact Gabor from FTW directly.
If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask.
May the wind be with you!