Puglia

Apulia’s only true city spot is 'Torre Quetta’ beach on Bari’s eastern promenade. Since old asbestos remains have been removed from the water, it's safe to ride here again. Conditions generally suit freeride, although in north-easterly wind the chop turns into beautiful waves.

'Padula Bianca' and neighbouring 'Baia Verde' are both year-round freeride locations, complete with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. They work in northerly as well as southerly winds; a few waves even build in strong Scirocco, but it never gets crazy. Gallipoli offers some lively nightlife – but the beautiful old town can get really crowded in summer.

The white city of Ostuni is perched on gently rising hills 3km inland. The coast below offers relaxed freeride conditions year-round off a narrow sandy beach, although there's not enough room for kiting.

This is one of Italy’s top spots in strong northerlies, otherwise conditions are similar to 'Alimini'. Summer thermals for freeride, mid-sized waves in southerlies, plus it's capable of big days in strong northerlies. The sandy beach hosts a kite and windsurf centre with all amenities, and there's a campsite nearby. Watch for a few rocks in the water close to shore.

Monópoli consists of not-so-pretty suburbs and a surprisingly beautiful old-town, where time seems to have stood still. The daily fish market and its evening sale is a highlight; Costa di Bari’s biggest fish auction. But the launch is south of town on a stretch of sandy beach beyond 'Capitolo'. Conditions are typical of this area: freeride in summer, mid-sized waves in south-easterly Scirocco, more demanding in strong northerlies. Exit the SS16 at 'Capitolo’, then simply follow the road to the coast.

This 3km-long sandy bay is the main event on the Gargano Peninsula – it's a popular family destination too, with campsites right on the beach. Non-campers can only get in at the southern end of the bay by 'Umbramare’. Conditions are suitably family-friendly: summer offers cruising in north-westerly thermals, whereas stronger spring and autumn winds can occasionally bring waves in Tramontana. South-easterly Scirocco is more rare – it’s a truly special day when it delivers any waves. The first 50 to 80m are standing-depth, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be able to find anywhere to stand in July or August! The Gargano’s wind and warmth are popular over Easter and Whitsunday too.

This is the last stop for the tourist masses venturing south to see to the Greek temples on a daytrip from Napoli or Capri. Culture aside, the best wind directions are north-west to south-west, although the westerly summer thermal is already much weaker here. Southerly Ostro and south-easterly Scirocco don’t blow into the bay so well. Depending on windstrength, conditions range from flat water to a nice beach-break. Free parking.

Compared to the spots around Vieste and Peschici, San Menaio's an inside tip. Not just for windsurfing and kiting, but for family holidays too as prices are still much cheaper here. This 5km-plus sandy beach from San Menaio to Rodi Garganico may not be particularly wide, but it works. The thermal's a bit weaker than in Vieste and blows westerly – but it's better for freeride as this shallow, sandy seabed doesn’t produce any waves.

Follow the coast-road from 'Manfredonia' towards 'Vieste’ and it’s just 10km to Mattinata. This narrow shingle beach is only suitable for windsurfing though.

Apart from the kite and windsurf centres, there’s nothing but nature around this huge bay south of 'Torre Guaceto’. Part of it is even a marine conservation area, and therefore out of bounds. The beach is narrow, but the first few metres of water are standing-depth so there's enough room to launch a kite. Three little islands out front complete the picture. If there are waves, advanced riders prefer the area upwind. North-west of here, you can visit beautiful 'Trulli' in the nature reserve.

It doesn’t get as extreme here either – mostly freeride conditions, except in a strong northerly. The city beach isn’t particularly wide and it’s framed by rocks on the right, although it is kiteable if you’re experienced.

'Padula Bianca' and neighbouring 'Baia Verde' are both year-round freeride locations, complete with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. They work in northerly as well as southerly winds; a few waves even build in strong Scirocco, but it never gets crazy. Gallipoli offers some lively nightlife – but the beautiful old town can get really crowded in summer.

This alternate launch, not far from 'Frassanito', only works in northerlies. The bay is better protected by its surrounding white cliffs, although windstrength still controls the conditions. In July and August, kiting is neither permitted nor makes sense as the beautiful scenery attracts countless summer visitors.

North of Vieste, San Lorenzo has rapidly developed into 'the' kite spot around here. In northerly winds (either summer thermal or hardcore Tramontana) this semi-enclosed bay offers safety. Strong north-westerly Maestrale produces much less chop than 'Spiaggia Lunga'. Plus there's an amazing view of Vieste’s white old-town, which lights up at sunset. Sadly, huge crowds and high prices spoil the romance in peak-season.

The kilometre-long sandy beach of 'Spiaggia Pizzomunno’ is located in front of a dense forest south of Vieste. The summer thermal north-westerly Mistral isn’t suitable here, but south-easterly Scirocco and easterlies blow cross-onshore and deliver some waves. In strong cross-off Tramontana, there are even rideable waves.

The regular north-westerly summer thermal provides clean flat-water conditions in this sandy bay. South-easterly Scirocco can deliver some waves, but the biggest days come in strong Tramontana (north to north-easterly). All amenities are on hand in this little bay, although it’s only accessible via the privately owned 'Punta Lunga’. The next (public) bay of 'Molinella’ offers similar conditions.

Thanks to a few windsurfing pioneers, this is well-established freeride territory. It’s deservedly very popular, as the wide beach and weak current pose little danger and parking’s free. This area’s salt-pans produce 70% of Italy’s sea salt.

This large sandy beach with plenty of parking is good for freeride and easy waveriding in a north-westerly. It gets too crowded for kiting in summer though.

Not one for adrenaline-junkies, Palese is free from dangers and currents – with 50m of standing-depth area it's ideal for beginners, although there's not much space on the beach. Only when northerlies blow in can some waves develop. As usual in Italy, northerly wind’s called 'Tramontana’ whether it comes off the mountains or, like here, across the sea. You’ll find this small town (and some very friendly locals) via the SS16.

Casál Velino is another summertime thermal spot, even if it is less windy than 'Pioppi'. Sometimes, a stronger westerly produces a few nice waves though.

buen viento buena hola