Laura as a KiteWorldWide Guide in Sicily

Honestly: every time it feels like coming home. The moment I step off the plane and smell that warm, salty air, I know – I've arrived. Sicily has a special energy that's had me hooked for years. It's that indescribable mix of sun, wind, sea, and Sicilian zest for life that makes a kite holiday in Sicily so unique.

After so many years here, I know the island like the back of my hand – and still discover something new each time. No matter how long I've been away: after a few hours on the island it feels like I never left. The locals greet me as if I'd just popped out for groceries, the barista at my regular spot knows my order right away, and the wind in the lagoon practically pulls me to the spot. That's what makes kitesurfing in Sicily so special to me – it's never just a holiday, it's a true way of life. And I think that's exactly what our guests feel when they come to our kite camp in Sicily for the first time: that warm “welcome” the island gives off all by itself.

My day starts easy with a strong Italian espresso and a cornetto at a tiny bar around the corner – it's a must here. Then it's off to the camp early to check the wind forecast, prep the gear, and talk with guests about the day. Some want their first kite lesson, others to polish certain tricks, others just to cruise – and this spot is perfect for all of it.

As soon as the wind kicks in, usually late morning in Lo Stagnone, we hit the water. Kitesurfing in the Mediterranean in Sicily often gives you hours of steady wind – perfect for long, focused sessions. We take short breaks, hydrate, chat about the session, then head back out. After kiting we share lunch, often fresh fish, homemade pasta, or arancini from the region.

In the afternoon many go out again, others enjoy the beach, visit the salt pans, or head to nearby Marsala. In the evening we sit together with a glass of Sicilian wine – Nero d'Avola or Grillo are essentials for me –, watch the sunset over the lagoon, and plan the next day. That blend of action on the water and dolce vita at night makes our kite camp in Sicily so special. It's not just kiting – it's a lifestyle.

The Lo Stagnone spot is an absolute dream – and I mean that. It's a huge, sheltered lagoon with hip-deep, crystal-clear flat water, protected by the offshore island Isola Lunga. This natural barrier keeps the water almost mirror-flat – a paradise for anyone who loves flatwater kitesurfing. Kitesurfing in Lo Stagnone, Sicily offers conditions you'll hardly find anywhere else in Europe.

For beginners, kitesurfing in Sicily here is simply ideal. You can stand almost everywhere, the water is warm, the wind is mostly sideshore, and there's plenty of space – it really takes away any fear. We often host guests who have never flown a kite, and most of them are carving their first turns by the end of the week. For beginner kitesurfing in Sicily, there's truly no better spot in the Mediterranean.

But advanced riders and pros love it too. The flat water is perfect for tricking, freestyle, hooked and unhooked moves – all without annoying chop. Once you've slid across this mirror-flat lagoon, you won't want to kite anywhere else. That mix is why our kite camp in Sicily is so popular: beginners and pros alike find their place, and the spot grows with you, whatever your level.

Tough question – there are so many. But if I have to pick one: the sunsets over the lagoon. When the salt pans glow pink and gold, the old windmills still slowly turn, the last kites circle the sky, and you stand with your feet in the water after a long session – those are the moments I'm here for. That quiet, that light, that feeling of contentment after a perfect kite day – you won't find it anywhere else. Experiences like these make kitesurfing in Sicily unforgettable for so many of our guests.

My second big highlight is definitely the food. Fresh cannoli with ricotta, handmade pasta alla Norma, fish straight from the harbor, sun-ripened tomatoes that taste like tomatoes should – Sicilian cuisine is an experience in itself. And to me, it's as much a part of kitesurfing in Sicily as the wind. A perfect kite day here doesn't end at the spot, but around a long table with good wine, lively conversations, and dishes you won't forget.

And then there are the people. Sicilians are incredibly warm, open, and proud of their island – and they share it with anyone who shows genuine interest. That hospitality, paired with dreamy spots and the Italian way of life, is what makes my kite trip to Sicily something special every single year.

If you can come early in the year, don't miss a kite holiday in Sicily in spring – April to June is my absolute favorite. The wind is steady, temps are pleasantly warm without midday melt, the island is still calm, and everything is in bloom. Ask me for the best time to kite in Sicily: definitely May. You'll almost surely get the best conditions without peak-season crowds. September and October are insider tips too – the water is still summer-warm, the wind returns reliably, and the island starts to breathe again.

Off the water I have some must-dos: Head up to Erice – this medieval hill town above Trapani is magical, especially when fog drifts through the lanes. Eat cannoli at Maria Grammatico (the island's best, no debate!), try couscous in San Vito Lo Capo, and take a day trip to Favignana – its turquoise coves look otherworldly.

In Marsala, have an aperitivo at sunset in the salt pans, do a Marsala wine tasting, and wander the old town. My foodie tip: skip the touristy spots and seek out tiny trattorias in side streets – where the menu is often only in Italian and Nonna runs the kitchen. That's where the best food is.

And my final insider tip is really the most important: talk to the locals. Sicilians are incredibly warm, curious, and chatty – a “Ciao” and a smile really open every door here. Embrace the island's pace, don't overplan, let yourself drift. That's when you'll experience the Sicily I love – and understand why, after all these years, I still can't get enough of this island.