Porto Pollo

About This Spot

Porto Pollo (Porto Puddu), near Palau on Sardinia's north coast, is one of the Med's most reliable summer kite spots, sitting right in the Strait of Bonifacio between Sardinia and Corsica. The strait funnels NW Mistral/Poniente wind through a Venturi effect, so it routinely blows 15-30+ kts and often overdelivers vs. forecast. Season runs April-October; July-September is peak, with ~60-80% of days kiteable in midsummer (July and September statistically the most consistent). Summer thermals add cross/cross-onshore breeze on lighter days; full Mistral days can be 30+ kts and build short steep chop up to ~2m. Bring a quiver (covering ~8-12m for most), and a bigger kite for thermal days. The spot is a tombolo by Isola dei Gabbiani splitting two bays. The WEST bay (cross-onshore) is the kite zone and is open to all levels; the EAST bay 'La Sciumara' (side-offshore, flatter) is reserved for windsurfers - respect this, it's enforced locally. Water is sandy-bottomed, shallow and flat near shore building to chop further out, clear turquoise, with seagrass patches. Excellent for beginners/intermediates thanks to the long shallow shelf and onshore safety; freeriders and freestylers enjoy the chop, and strong-wind days suit advanced riders. Several established kite schools/centres line the beach (gear rental, storage, rescue). Hazards: very crowded in July/August (water and beach), gusty/gradient wind on big Mistral days, occasional offshore component in the east bay, seagrass/shallows at low water, and a protected-area setting - launch only from the designated kite zone and mind right-of-way with windsurfers and swimmers. Access: free/public sandy beach with parking (camper-friendly); ~7km from Palau (shops, food). Fly into Olbia (~45min) or Alghero (~2h).