Lo Stagnone, Marsala

Why Visit?

Located just 3km away from Trapani Airport, Lo Stagnone of Marsala in Sicily is widely known across Europe as the ultimate “gym” for kitesurfers. The shallow and ultra-flat waters provide the perfect learning environment for beginners to quickly develop their skills, and a haven for freestylers seeking flat water. The location is perfect for kitesurfers of all levels to explore the lagoon, islands and admire the stunning Sicilian nature. Michele and Carmelo's Stagnone Kitesurf School is the go-to spot for kitesurfing enthusiasts, and the friendly locals and mouthwatering food are just added bonuses. Reasonably priced villas are also available for rent, making it a destination that always warrants a visit.

Getting Around

Lo Stagnone of Marsala is right in the middle between Marsala and Trapani. If you rent a car, you can easily visit some tourist attractions, including monuments, churches, and museums, or explore the alleys of charming historical towns in Sicily. You can also enjoy the beautiful beaches of Scopello, Riserva dello Zingaro, San Vito lo Capo, and the fantastic city of Palermo (less than an hour away by car). Another option is to rent a small yacht to reach the Egadi Islands, just 6 miles away. These islands include Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo. Alternatively, you can visit Erice, a medieval village located on top of the mountain that surrounds Trapani.

Getting There

The best way is to fly directly to Trapani. Ryanair offers low-cost flights from all around Europe. You can also come by car if you take a ferry to Trapani.

Food and Drink

Marsala is known for its signature blend of Italian and African cuisines. If you’re looking to grab a meal, you can expect to spend about €20. If you’re after something cheaper, you’ll find Sicilian street food; calzone, pizza, and panini con panel on offer. For a real treat, visit the local winery to buy a litre of wine for just €1.2. It’s an unbeatable bargain and taste!

Nightlife

In just 10 minutes by car, you can arrive at downtown Marsala and the nightlife there is worth sampling at least once during your trip; once the sun sets, the fish market transforms into a popular place for people to get together and party, with over 20 bars and pubs all next door to each other it's a hell of a way to spend an evening and not to be missed.Staying on the lagoon at night, there is always some sort of beach party happening at one of the centres, bars or restaurants. With an eclectic mix of kiters from all over Europe and further afield, you are guaranteed to have a good time whatever you decide to do. The sunsets are also magical here; kicking those off with a beer on the beach is a great way to start any evening!

No Wind?

In the rare event of no wind, a mountain biking trip near Erice can easily be arranged, the natural reserve can be explored, or you can relax and join a private yacht tour to Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo. It costs about €80 per person when shared among 4-6 people. Hydrofoil boats departing from Marsala or Trapani run frequently, and SUP boards can be rented in the lagoon.

Internet

All the villas and bed and breakfasts near the area offer free wifi. Additionally, you can access it in all the pubs, bars, and restaurants.

Accommodation

The nearby accommodations are modern and comfortable, boasting well-equipped villas, flats with fully furnished kitchens, laundry facilities, flat-screen TVs, and reliable wifi. Visitors will also find plenty of charming B&B options. Prices are reasonable, with the cost per person per night typically not exceeding 30€, even during peak season. It is advisable to rent a car, especially for longer stays. However, even if you choose the farthest accommodation option, you can still reach the spot in under a 10-minute walk. Additionally, the closest accommodation option is located directly on the seashore.

Prokite Alby Rondina offers chic design and air conditioning in all rooms, a welcomed feature during the recent European heat wave. Guests can appreciate the convenience of a short walk from their room to the spacious grass rigging area, as well as the kite center and school. This accommodation option is perfect for those who desire a stress-free and enjoyable experience, where stepping out of bed leads to exceptional kite conditions right outside your door.

Wind and Weather

Known as the 'Windy City of Italy,' Marsala is subjected to constant winds blowing in different directions. The most frequent winds are from the northwest and the famous Scirocco from the southeast during the summer months, whereas in winter, the wind is influenced by pressure systems that bring strong winds to the area. Even without a forecast, the wind is always present, making the lagoon shallower when northerly winds blow as water is pushed away through the Marsala gate.

Apart from the two main thermal winds that hit the area from the northwest and southeast during summer, storms can also hit the area from any direction during winter. Despite the weather conditions, the lagoon's bottom is sandy and sometimes covered in large amounts of weed below the surface, helping keep the water mirror flat. However, when the wind blows from the north, it can push water out of the Marsala Gate, making the lagoon even shallower. Nonetheless, the water is usually knee to waist-deep, making it perfect for learning new tricks, as long as you ensure the water is deep enough to crash safely in a specific location.

Locals call these wind directions:

North: Tramontana
North-Northeast: Bora
Northeast: Grecale
East: Levante
Southeast: Scirocco
South: Ostro
Southwest: Libeccio
West: Ponente
Northwest: Maestrale

At Lo Stagnone, you can kite regardless of the wind direction, as its maximum depth is 1m

Temperatures are around 30C° in summer, in winter it is no lower than 10C°, and in mid-season, usually 20C°; of course, it is generally always sunny in Sicily!