Malcesine / Lake Garda (Lago di Garda) / Italy

Malcesine is a small medieval town on the Veronese side of Lake Garda, around 40km (24 miles) northwest of Verona and 120km (72miles) from Venice. It is built around a 13th century castle and is backed by Mt. Baldo. It has a more temperate summer than the towns around lower Lake Garda and temperatures do not often exceed 30°C (86°F) in summer. There is some rain in late spring and early fall, and while it is possible to windsurf or kite in winter, the days and the water can be very cold. The local sailing club organizes many sailing championships.

The beach is small and stony. There is limited room, permitting only a single kite launch at a time. On crowded days, it can take up to 45 minutes to get onto the lake, during which time the winds may have died down. It is especially packed in summer.

Malcesine is best for catching the morning Peler wind although the water is choppier in the morning. The lake becomes flat in the afternoon. Peler starts blowing from the north around 6-7 am until around 11 am. Intermediate and advanced kiters and windsurfers enjoy wind speeds of 15-30 knots. During summer storms, gusty speeds of 35-40 knots are possible. In the afternoon, Ora blows steadily between 15-20 knots rom noon till around 5-6pm. A wet suit of 5-6mm or more is a necessity in winter and in summer, a shorty or shorts may suffice.

As it is completely geared to tourism, there is no shortage of lodgings with more than 100 hotels, as well as farm houses, apartments, bed & breakfasts, villas and 12 camping sites. There is a fee of €10 (US$13) to launch, payable to the local sailing club. Equipment, wetsuit rental, boats, lessons as well as storage are readily available.

A life jacket is required. Ferries have right of way. Be careful where you park especially in summer as the car park is often full and street parking can earn you a ticket.