Gargano
Where are you going to surf this year?... to Gargano! Where is that?
Gargano is neither a town nor a place. Gargano is a region, it is a mountainous area in the north of Ampulia which is situated at the east coast of Italy to be more precise if you have a look at the map it is directly at the boot´s spur.
In the area of Vieste are some nicely windy spots for wind and kitesurfers.
Systems of the winds
There is a considerable wind in this area if you look at the statistics of the region Gargano/Vieste.
Winds in the region:
Levante-Scirocco-Libeccio most of all Tramontana and Maestrale.
Here the windy season already starts in May and lasts far into autumn – let´s say the end of October.
Gargano
Especially in the warm months of summer the constantly thermic wind „Maestrale“ brings enough pressure into the sail and the kite. The nearby mountains with its peak Mt. Calvo – „Promontorio des Gargano“ brings the popular summer thermos for wind and kitesurfers.
When to go:
You find the best thermos of the year in June till September with winds above average – due to the temperatures. Unfortunately, like everywhere else it gets really crowded in summer. You should avoid the 15 th of August which is the Italian bank holiday Ferragosto unless you look for completely crowded beaches…
As the season of winds starts already in May/June these months just like September and October are a much better choice for a surfing holiday at the Gargano. Nice weather, low costs and beaches that are not crowded are then normal here.
Some spot`s:
Gargano
Spiaggia Lunga:
This is the top spot at the Gargano. The sandy beach is about 3 km long, there is an area for free riding or cruising with thermos (NW-Maestrale). If the Tramontana is stronger you can enjoy this area for its waves. There is a little area where you can stand, so quite useful for beginners. The lagoon „La Chianca“ is especially good for beginners. (here are schools: garganosurf.com)
Gargano
San Lorenzo:
Lieing north of Vieste it is a small beach with the wind coming from the north onshore. (thermical Maestrale and Tramontana)
Pizzomunno:
Gargano
A long sandy beach south of Vieste. Not ideal for the thermical Maestrale from NW but a good spot for the Scirocco from southeast or east with some waves. A very good spot if the Tramontana blows (sideoffshore), the stronger the wind the better are the waves to ride on.
Miscellaneous:
There is a nice staff at the surfstation which tells you about lessons to take and other useful information of the area.
www.garganosurf.com (thanks also for the picturs licensable Kersten Bogner www.garganosurf.com)