Lago di Santa Croce
Alpago, Italy
Lago di Santa Croce is a stunning alpine lake set at 386 m altitude in the Alpago valley, Veneto. Ringed by the Cansiglio forest plateau and the Dolomite foothills, it generates powerful thermal winds daily in summer — making it one of the best all-round wind sports destinations in the Italian Alps. The flat, sheltered water is ideal for progression and freestyle. Wingfoilers and windsurfers launch from Poiatte on the south-eastern shore, while kiters use the spacious beach at Sarathei on the western shore.
Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September
Wind directions: N, NE
Water: Flat
Bottom: Sand, Rock
Sports: Wingfoil, Windsurf, Kiting
Local tips
The thermal wind (Ora/Vento del Lago) kicks in reliably between 11:00 and 13:00 and can gust to 25 knots in peak summer, easing again around sunset. Poiatte has a beach bar (Baywatch) and parking. Sarathei has a full camping facility with restaurant and equipment rental. The lake gets busy on weekends in July and August — aim for weekday sessions for more room.