Gaeta

This is one of Italy’s best thermal venues – on a par with Lake Garda, the wind reliability from May to September is impressive. In high-pressure, the westerly punctually clocks on at 2pm. Most people hit 'Circolo dei Venti’, which gets very crowded so it's only for windsurfers in summer – kiters visit out of season. To find the place, follow the Sperlonga-Gaeta-Formia coast-road or head inland after the Terracina Tunnel and go via Itri. Alternatively, take the Cassino exit from the A1 Roma-Napoli motorway. Vindicio is south-west of Formia; the launch is at the end of a little one-way street. In winter, this area can also offer some solid wave conditions. In Mistral, Spiaggia di Sant'Agostino south of 'Gaeta' is particularly good. If you’re in the area, you have to try the divine 'Tiella’ vegetable and squid casserole.