Kitesurfing in Porto Liscia
Porto Liscia, also known as Barrabisa Beach, is one of the most popular kitesurfing spots in northern Sardinia.
⚠️ Important: If you’ve heard about kitesurfing in Porto Pollo, you are most likely looking for Porto Liscia. Porto Pollo is located on the right side of the Isola dei Gabbiani peninsula and is mainly a windsurf spot, while Porto Liscia lies on the left side and hosts the designated kite zone.
Thanks to its wide sandy beach, flat to choppy water and reliable side to side-onshore winds, Porto Liscia is a true all-round kitesurf destination.
What to Expect
Porto Liscia offers:
- A wide sandy beach with plenty of setup space
- Flat to choppy water conditions
- Clear Mediterranean water
- A relaxed atmosphere
- Several kite schools operating in the area
The bay is spacious, scenic and less crowded than many mainland European kite destinations.
Wind
Wind at Porto Liscia is driven by a mix of Mistral systems and summer thermals.
Typical wind directions:
- NE, ENE and E (best directions)
- N and NW during Mistral events
- SE in certain pressure setups
When active, wind commonly ranges between 18 and 30+ knots, with stronger days during frontal passages.
Onshore Wind Certainty
From November through September, onshore wind probability sits around 60–74%, making it one of the more reliable Mediterranean kite spots.
Thermal Influence (May–September)
From late spring through early autumn, thermals play an important role:
- Builds late morning
- Peaks between 14:00–18:00
- Adds 3–8 knots above forecast
- Usually sideshore to side-onshore
June through August are the strongest thermal months.
Kitesizes
Due to the wind range, a mixed quiver works best.
For a 75 kg rider on a twin tip:
- 7m – strong Mistral days
- 8–9m – most common sizes
- 10–12m – lighter thermal sessions
Most used kite sizes: 7m and 9m.
Kiteseason
The prime season runs from May through September, when thermal support increases consistency and conditions are comfortable.
However, wind is present almost year-round, especially during winter Mistral periods.
Only October shows slightly reduced reliability compared to other months.
Water Conditions
Water is primarily:
- Flat to choppy
- Small wind-driven waves during stronger days
The swimmer’s zone is located to the right side of the beach and marked with buoys. Stay outside this area when riding.
Launch Area
The launch area is medium to spacious depending on season.
Best practice:
- Launch close to the water
- Be aware of small dune poles during landing
Lessons & Gear
Local kite schools operate directly at Barrabisa Beach.
If you need lessons or equipment, contact FH Academy.
Hazards
Porto Liscia is relatively safe and beginner-friendly.
Main things to watch:
- Swimmer zone
- Dune poles when landing
- Strong wind during Mistral events
Level of Riding
Porto Liscia is suitable for:
- Beginners (in moderate wind)
- Intermediate freeriders
- Advanced riders during strong Mistral days
Its consistent onshore setup makes it one of Sardinia’s safer kite locations.
How to Get There
Porto Liscia is located in northern Sardinia near Palau.
The nearest airport is Olbia, approximately one hour by car. From Olbia, take the SP123 and SP90 roads toward Palau and follow signs to Barrabisa / Porto Liscia.
Parking is available near the beach.
Navigate to spot with Google Maps
Nearby Spot
Looking for the famous windsurf location on the other side of the peninsula?
👉 Check out Porto Pollo.