Is there any good surfing in Italy? The answer is a resounding “yes!” Surfing is big in il Bel Paese.
If you’re looking to surf here and wondering where the best waves are, let us take you to the best surf spots in Italy.
Italy may not boast monstrously popular surfing destinations like Siargao in the Philippines or San Clemente and Oahu in the United States, but it’s got nearly 5,000 miles of rugged coastline so the country offers an enormous number of surf spots you can choose from. Although we would love the idea, good luck if you can surf them all!
When Is the Best Time To Go Surfing in Italy?
Waves come on and off during the autumn season until the spring, so the best time for surfing in Italy is winter. There are more groundswells during this season.
The air has more moisture in the wintertime, which means more storms are to be expected. Plus, winter storms are much stronger, providing surf that’s more consistent.
Surf Etiquette and Safety Guidelines
Popular surfing spots in Italy can become crowded with boards and their owners when the sun is up and the waves are pumping. Collisions can happen, which can lead to severe injuries among surfers.
While most surfers are well aware of the risks involved in their sport, experienced ones often challenge themselves in larger waves and perilous circumstances.
On the other hand, newbie surfers may lack the necessary experience to handle challenging conditions and may venture outside the areas monitored by lifeguards.
Understanding the risks is crucial so you can surf safely.
We can create a safer, more welcoming, and enjoyable environment for everyone at the surf by sticking to the following surfing etiquette and safety guidelines:
• Give someone a heads up that you are going surfing, when and where you’re going, and your expected return time.
• Surf with a buddy, especially in a big swell. Surfers watch out for each other and prioritize mutual support and safety.
• Wear the right wetsuit to keep you warm and provide additional protection against scrapes from rocks or collisions with other surfboards.
• Always have a leash attached to your board to keep you from getting separated.
• Avoid pushing yourself too early and understand your limitations.
• Do not go beyond the black and white checkered flags.
• Take caution of rip currents and seek advice from an RNLI lifeguard regarding the presence of rip currents in the area.
• If you get caught within a wave, remain in the white water.
• Don’t throw your board and refrain from diving headfirst.
10 Best Surf Spots in Italy
So, where are the best waves in Italy? Here are 10 of the best surf spots in Italy that you simply shouldn’t miss. Dive in!
1. Porto Pollo, Sardinia
Sitting in the northern part of the fabulous Costa Smeralda, the comune of Palau is home to Porto Pollo, a Southern Italian beach with a vibrant Californian vibe.
Boasting one of the most breathtaking waves in Sardinia, here you will enjoy a pristine stretch of white sand extending for approximately 1 kilometer, connecting the mainland to the Isola dei Gabbiani cape.
The scenery at Porto Pollo showcases two sides constantly blown by powerful winds, offering surfers the opportunity to ride the waves throughout the year, depending on the wind’s direction.
2. Chia, Sardinia
With its turquoise waters, pristine sandy beaches, and a safe environment for families with children, the Bay of Chia in Sardinia is a hotspot for water enthusiasts. Due to its ideal wind conditions, this idyllic spot in Sardinia attracts sailors, surfers, and kitesurfers.
Chia is a popular beach break known for its consistent surf, although it can be mostly flat during the summer months. The offshore winds usually come from the north. Due to its location, the presence of groundswells is uncommon, and the ideal wave direction is from the southeast.
At Chia, you can find both left- and right-hand waves. The optimal surfing conditions are typically around mid-tide. Just a heads up, though: this spot can get crowded with surfers when the waves go pumping.
- Also read: 10 Best Beaches in Sardinia, Italy
3. Capo Mannu, Sardinia
If you’re into surfing, you simply cannot miss Capo Mannu Point in Sardinia. It’s an exposed reef break that consistently offers surfable waves, although it tends to be mostly flat during the summer season.
The offshore winds at Capo Mannu typically blow from the north, which provides favorable conditions. The waves here are usually generated by local windswells rather than distant groundswells. The best wave direction is from the southwest.
This surf spot doesn’t have a reef break, and you can enjoy good surf regardless of the tide stage. However, the place can sometimes be crowded, so be mindful of locals and other surfers. You should also watch out for rocks.
4. Pesaro, Marche
Are you looking for a unique surfing experience along the Adriatic coast of Italy? Then head to Pesaro, in the Central Italian region of Marche, which offers a surf scene that attracts surfers seeking waves in a less crowded setting.
The surf conditions in Pesaro can vary throughout the year. The best swells, however, typically occur during the autumn and winter seasons. It provides decent surf breaks suitable for every skill level.
Spiaggia di Pesaro, otherwise known as Pesaro Beach II, is a popular spot among local surfers. Its location within Pesaro makes it easily accessible for visitors.
5. Salento, Puglia
The Salento peninsula in Southern Italy is a popular destination for surfers of all levels, thanks to its favorable surf conditions paired with gorgeous beaches and crystal-clear waters. Surfing along the stunning coastline of the Puglia region provides an exciting experience.
- Also read: 10 Best Beaches in Puglia, Italy
Salento boasts a vibrant surf community and surf schools that offer lessons, guiding services, and equipment rental.
Some of the popular surf destinations in the region include Otranto, Torre Lapillo, and Porto Cesareo. These spots offer a mix of point breaks, reef breaks, and beach breaks, which means there are plenty of wave options for surfers.
Gallipoli is also great for surfing as well as camping. Check out the 6 best camping sites in Gallipoli here.
6. Varazze, Liguria
Another Italian surfing destination with a vibrant Californian vibe is Varazze in the region of Liguria. Here you will feel like you’re surfing in Southern Cali!
Varazze is of one of those Italian towns that lie just over the border from the French Riviera, which sort of feels like a continuation of the Cote d’Azur – sans the crowds and the fleet of yachts. It’s on the Ligurian coast, a stone’s throw away from Genoa, Turin, and Milan, which makes it a nice day trip from any of these cities.
Without a doubt, Varazze ranks among the best surf spots in Italy, offering fast left waves and longer rights.
7. Levanto, Liguria
Levanto offers a range of surf breaks suitable for surfers of all levels, making it one of the top surf spots in Italy.
From a protected jetty break to a beginner-friendly sand-bottomed break, the surf in Levanto is among the finest in the Liguria. It’s located near the picturesque Cinque Terre, attracting surfers from across Europe and beyond.
The main surf spot near a protected jetty is great for beginners and intermediate surfers. Advanced surfers can find more challenging waves further out from the jetty, where they can display their skills and enjoy more exciting rides.
Apart from the fantastic surf, Levanto also boasts a charming town vibe with a spectacular scenery as the place is surrounded by breathtaking cliffs and picturesque landscapes, offering a unique backdrop for a memorable surfing experience.
8. Forte dei Marmi, Tuscany
Stretching for nearly 140 miles from the Lazio border to the shores of the Apuan Alps, lies a picturesque coastline adorned with rocks and sands, its undulating form creating a mesmerizing sight. It is the ultimate gathering spot for surfers in the entire Versilia region of Tuscany.
The 17th-century pier in Forte dei Marmi, which used to serve as a transportation route for the marble Michelangelo Buonarroti required for his sculptures, remains a great vantage point to take in the scenic marble Riviera of Tuscany. It has become a popular spot for surfers to showcase their skills and engage in friendly competitions. This is where majority of Italian surf events have taken place since the 1970s.
Forte dei Marmi has earned its place as one of the highest-rated surfing destinations in Italy. While the waves here tend to be soft and disorganized, it presents excellent opportunities for both left and right breaks on fine days.
9. Viareggio, Tuscany
Viareggio boasts a truly idyllic setting for a serene holiday, blessed with an extensive stretch of uninterrupted sandy beaches that extend for miles along its gorgeous coastline. These pristine shores have earned the prestigious “Blue Flag” recognition, attesting to the impeccable cleanliness of both the water and sand.
Viareggio is the top choice for surfers as an autumn destination. Tito del Molo, located in the northern section of the harbor, serves as a preferred spot for surfing. It is known for its consistent surf, although the waves are often quite small during the summer. The primary source of waves at this spot are windswells, with the ideal wave direction coming from the southwest. Interestingly, the surf quality remains unaffected by the tide.
Tito del Molo also boasts a spacious sandy beach, offering a serene environment to unwind following your surfing adventures.
- Also read: 10 Best Beaches in Tuscany, Italy
10. Santa Marinella, Lazio
Santa Marinella, located just 60 kilometers from Rome and can be reached in under an hour by car, has gained popularity as a surfer’s haven since the 1980s. The unique geographical features of this section along the jagged coastline, with the combination of winds and currents, make it an ideal destination for surfing.
This part of the Lazio coast, with its numerous bays and inlets, features a rocky seabed that amplifies the power of the waves as they crash onto the shore. The unique configuration of the bays in this area funnels the winds and sea currents in a manner that generates perfect waves, much to the pleasure of avid surfers.
Banzai Beach stands out as the prominent surf destination along this coastal stretch, becoming one of the few local beaches with global fame. Its discovery dates back approximately three decades, and since then, the town has flourished with numerous surf schools and frequently hosts both national and international surfing competitions.
Wrapping Up
While you can’t expect thunderous A-frames in Italy, it provides surfers with a genuine Mediterranean escapade.
Apart from the breathtaking coastlines embraced by mountains, here you can indulge in seafood and pizza lunches after a surf session – and don’t forget the exceptional wines.
If you’re planning on surfing in Italy, keep in mind that conditions can vary depending on factors such as swell size, wind direction, and tides. To make the most of your experience when you surf in Italy, check the local surf forecasts and conditions before you go.