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The north of Sardinia is one of the most popular surfing regions in Europe - and for good reason. When it is still ski season in Central Europe, the almost 270-kilometre-long island is already in full bloom. It is not uncommon for temperatures to reach the 20-degree mark during the day in spring. In addition, the proximity to the island of Corsica ensures impressive wind statistics in the area around the water sports stronghold of Porto Pollo - both westerly and easterly winds are noticeably stronger here. Statistically speaking, March and April are the windiest months of the year in Porto Pollo, with a gliding wind frequency of almost 65 per cent.
In Porto Pollo, windsurfers will also find an infrastructure that is fully customised for water sports enthusiasts. Living close to the spot is possible in some places, and the surfing conditions offer ideal conditions for intermediates, freeriders, foilers and trickers, from perfect flat water on the lee side of the headland to small steep chops on the onshore side. Of course, there are also perfectly equipped centres, courses are offered and the latest equipment is available for hire. And if you like, you can also get to know the wild side of the Mediterranean within 45 minutes. Spots such as Cala Pischina, Marina Delle Rose or La Ciaccia will get wave fans' pulses racing. Nevertheless, it can get pretty crowded in the north of Sardinia at Easter time - and here, too, it's worth letting your gaze wander.
Sardinia: The best alternatives to Porto Pollo
Sa Barra
The Sant Antioco region in the south-west of Sardinia is definitely worth a visit. Although the mistral wind blowing from the west is not quite as reliable here as at the top spot of Porto Pollo, the Sant Antioco region has around 250 windsurfing days per year. On the one hand, this is due to the reliable thermal system. If the forecast promises a light, westerly current of seven to eight knots, this often increases to a full 15 to 20 knots from midday. The wind system works reliably in the summer months from March to October. On the other hand, the Scirocco from the south-east is also strengthened locally and contributes to the impressive wind statistics.
The most famous spot in the region is certainly Sa Barra. In the 2.5 kilometre wide and partially shallow lagoon between the Sardinian mainland and the offshore island of Sant Antioco, intermediates, freeriders and freestylers alike get their money's worth. There are also well-stocked surf centres, various accommodation options and campsites in the area. And if you want, Calasetta is not far away and is a robust surf spot that gets solid waves when the mistral is strong.
Saltworks
When even well-travelled windsurfing pros like Vincent Langer rave about one of the most beautiful flat water spots in the world, things get interesting. Saline is located in the north-west, near the small town of Stintino. The beach is known for its small, round pebbles and turquoise water colours. Saline is probably not the spot where you will spend your entire holiday, as the wind conditions are not comparable to those of Porto Pollo or Sa Barra. But if you want to discover new territory for a day, you should definitely make the trip.
The trip to Saline is particularly worthwhile when the wind blows from the south to south-east ( Scirocco ) and north to north-east. Locally, the wind then blows sideshore to slightly offshore over the white beach, making the water quite smooth and ideal for heating, tricks and practising manoeuvres. In high summer, the beach is packed with tourists, but in the low season there is still space and unique water colours.
