Girasole (Ogliastra)
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop, Small waves
- Spot Type
- 12–20 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Girasole (Ogliastra) is a sandy, medium-sized beach spot with crystal-clear water and shallow depth near shore (then deepening gradually). The riding area is generally described as having weak currents, with only slight drift possible when strong side-onshore winds occur. Overall water clarity is a standout feature, and the beach setup/landing space is well suited to beginners and progression. Wind is mostly thermal, with the best wind direction cited as NE and SE. Summer sessions benefit from a reliable afternoon sea-breeze thermal window (about 13:00 to 18:00), which helps the wind often feel stronger and steadier than general forecasts alone. Typical kitesurfing wind speeds reported are roughly in the 12–20 knots range, and the spot is widely associated with summer reliability. Kitesurfing is the primary activity: the spot supports freeride, wave riding, foiling, and freestyle/strapless styles. It is also described as suitable for beginners, helped by the sandy bottom and the expansive beach. Windsurfing freeride/slalom is reported as good particularly when the thermal wind is active, and wingfoiling is noted as especially promising because the water deepens quickly enough for foils. Safety is a key operational factor in summer. Swimmers near the beach are reported, and kitesurfing is restricted to designated launch channels during June to September (corsie di lancio), with no riding inside swimming areas. It’s also emphasized that riders should verify whether kitesurfing is allowed and whether any special permit or local membership is required before going out.
- Long sandy beach and wide setup/landing area
- Crystal-clear water quality
- Reliable summer thermal wind in the afternoon
- Beginner-friendly sandy bottom and generally easy launch environment
- Long sandy beach with ample space for kitesetup and landing
- Crystal-clear water
- Reliable summer thermal wind supporting freeride and foil progression
- Swimmers in summer require careful compliance with designated kite zones/launch channels
- Thermal winds may be stronger than forecasts suggest
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, SE
- Wind Range
- 12–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Mostly thermal in summer with a reliable sea-breeze pattern.
- Reliability
- High during the summer months due to thermal effects.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Generally steady thermal winds.
- Best Months
- March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small-wave conditions reported.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Chop reported in the spot conditions.
- Launch
- Big — Wide sandy beach with ample space for kite setup and landing.
Through the year
Can get crowded in July and August with holidaymakers; quiet and spacious in May, June, and September
November to February
By sport
What to expect for each.
Very popular kitesurfing spot thanks to the long, sandy beach and reliable thermal winds; suitable for beginners through freeriding/foiling.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Good freeride conditions when thermal wind is active; sandy bottom supports progression.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Excellent wingfoiling as the water deepens quickly enough for foils and the wind is generally steady.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Girasole (Ogliastra) in the full forecast view.
Girasole (Ogliastra) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–17 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- NNW340°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2417 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–0.9 m3s period
- Temperature
- 13–22 °C
Over the next 7 days, Girasole (Ogliastra) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. Waves run 0.1–0.9 m with a period of about 3s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Swimmers in summer
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue is primarily provided by the Guardia Costiera based in the nearby Port of Arbatax; seasonal private rescue boats may operate near established kite zones.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facility reported in Tortolì.
Rules of the spot
During the summer season (typically June to September), kitesurfing is restricted to designated launch channels (corsie di lancio) to reduce swimmer risk. Riders should not enter swimming areas. Check whether kitesurfing is allowed and whether a special permit or local kite organization membership is required.
- Summer kite zones mandatory
- No riding inside swimming areas
- Check if kitesurfing is allowed and whether a special permit or local kite organization membership is required.
- The thermal wind can be stronger than the forecast suggests due to local topography.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Tortolì
- Nearest Town
- Lotzorai
- Parking
- Parking areas are located behind the beach, often under the shade of pine trees.
- Access
- Drive north from Tortolì toward Girasole and follow signs for the beach; access is through a pine forest road. Once in Girasole, drive east to the beach.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Italian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping sites and B&Bs are located in Lotzorai and near the beach area.
- Food & Drink
- Beach bars and kiosks are available during the summer season.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available through local schools on the beach.
- Gear Storage
- Offered by some local schools during the season.
- Gear Repair
- Minor repairs can be handled by local schools.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Girasole (Ogliastra)?
The best overall months at Girasole (Ogliastra) are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Girasole (Ogliastra)?
Girasole (Ogliastra) works with NE, SE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Girasole (Ogliastra)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Girasole (Ogliastra): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–20 kts.
What skill level is Girasole (Ogliastra) suitable for?
Girasole (Ogliastra) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Beginner.