THE LURE
An authentic Sardinian experience with the option of flat water or waves.
Sant'Antioco is a beautiful, small island in southwest Sardinia, connected to the main island with a bridge. There are two small towns on Sant’Antioco; Sant'Antioco town itself and Calasetta.
Close to Sant'Antioco town, SA Barra are based on a 2,400 square metre area of beachfront land, directly in front of an epic, wide open flat water spot that faces the main island.
This area averages 250 days of kite-able wind a year and the other big draw is the beautiful coastline, with white sand beaches and warm waters.
SA Barra's waterfront location
THE SET-UP
The Island of Sant’Antioco is situated close to the south-west coast of Sardinia and is blessed with regular north-west winds and some cracking spots. The Sa Barra Club is located on the eastern side of the island, right on the Sant’Antioco lagoon. The wind comes from the left, providing cross-shore conditions with flat water and some bump-and-jump ramps to inspire more air time. The expanse of water is huge, so there’s space for everyone, no matter what discipline – freestyle, big-air or foiling.
Lying to the south is a spot called Punta Trettu, a sandspit that creates some dead-flat water on the downwind side. You can ride over to it from the Sa Barra club, or drive right up the spit and then walk to the launching area. Adjacent to the spit is the learning zone, reserved for the schools and those who aren’t quite confident enough to ride alone. The water is relatively flat and shallow and then behind the spit is where the advanced riders go to practice their tricks. It’s worth looking at the map or asking a local before you head out onto the water so you know where to avoid; as the spot is close to a busy shipping lane.
Sant’Antioco has a good reputation for waves and most of the spots on the western side of the island can really deliver. Although the beaches get busy with tourists and some have restrictions for kitesurfing in the summer, if you’re there between September and May, the wave conditions at Spiaggia Grande, Coequaddus and the Maresciallo can be amongst the best in the Mediterranean.
In southern mainland Sardinia there are a number of spots, one of the best being Porte Botte. The bay is located in a nature reserve with flat water in some sections, small chop conditions and a soft, sandy bottom with no hazards to worry about. The water is shallow close to the beach but head 200 metres out and you’ll find foiling depth water and, as the bay isn’t tidal, you can head out for a session any time of day.
For waves, there is Fontanamare on the main island’s west coast, a short drive but totally worth it if you’re after some onshore strapless action. However, the beach gets very busy in the summer and is usually only kiteable on very windy days, when the beach-goers would rather stay at home!
Strong wind days for boosting! / Photo: SA Barra
WIND, WEATHER AND WAVES
The season runs from the end of March until the end of October, and sees more than 250 days of kiting per year. As mentioned, the main wind direction is north-west – the infamous Mistral winds – which blow 70% of the time, leaving room for the odd westerly and the occasional south-easterly. The Sant’Antioco lagoon is blessed with a Venturi effect thanks to the landmass on either side, increasing the wind speed by 6-8 knots. As a result the wind strength varies quite a bit, so take your whole quiver.
Water temperatures range from 18°C / 65 °F in early spring to 28°C / 82°F at the warmest point in mid-summer. On land it’s similarly pleasant with temps hovering between 25°C / 77°F and 30°C / 86% in season, dropping down to around 15°C / 59°F in the winter. During the season you won’t need a wetsuit but there are days you’ll appreciate one in the late or early season. The climate on dry land is equally pleasant, so some thin layers for the evenings is the most you’ll need in summer. Pack some long trousers if you’re visiting in the colder months.
SCHOOLS
SA BARRA CLUB are a renowned kite and windsurf school / club, with their headquarters situated on the Sant’Antioco lagoon (they also have a centre in Maceio, Brazil). Instruction is available for all levels, using the latest RRD equipment in perfect weather and water conditions. They can also provide your accommodation.
www.sabarra.it
info@sabarra.it
ACCOMODATION
The Sa Barra Club is huge with plenty of space for parking, setting up, storing your gear and chilling out before and after your sessions. They can also organise B&B or apartment accommodation in the centre of Sant’Antioco town, which has all the amenities you might want – most notably being the incredible Italian cuisine on offer throughout. Do not leave before you’ve had some of the Mediterranian / Italian fusion dishes, with fresh pasta and amazing seafood.
www.sabarra.it
info@sabarra.it
There are a variety of options in Sant’Antioco town
B&B in centre of town
NO WIND
No wind activities include a visit to the quaint Carloforte island, horseback or quad bike excursions. For a historical injection head to the Tombe Dei Giganti – a collection of tombs from the Bronze Age.
GETTING AROUND
It’s better to rent a car in Sardinia to make the most of the spots around Sant’Antioco and to have the option of exploring further afield. Sant’Antioco and Sardinia are joined by a bridge, so visiting both islands is easy and 90 minutes away is the Sardinian capital, Cagliari – a beautiful city that makes for a great day trip.
AIRPORT
The island is about 90 kilometres from Cagliari (port and airport). Other major ports of Sardinia include Olbia, 300 kilometres away, and Porto Torres 250 kilometres away.
