Surfing in Italy - Spots / Seasons / More

Surfing in Italy is an adventure on the Med, with waves up the Sardinian west coast and all around the Ligurian Sea just waiting to be found and tamed.

An introduction to surfing in Italy

Surfing in Italy might not be what comes to mind when you think of a Euro wave trip. The Algarve, Hossegor, the Basque Country – there are oodles on the menu that have a right to claim themselves among the finest destinations on the planet.

But it’s hard to ignore the fact that Italy is hemmed in by seas on three sides. It has over 7,500km of coastline, multiple islands, and even lakes in the mountains with the potential to kick up waves.

A disclaimer: This isn’t going to be thunderous A-frames a la Portugal. What Italy can offer is a true Mediterranean adventure, visions of gorgeous coastlines hemmed in by mountains, long, post-surf lunches of seafood and pizza, and – of course – great wine.

The spots themselves are few and far between but come punctuated with undiscovered surf territory where only the locals will be able to show you the points.

Standouts here include the wild west coast of Sardinia and the upcoming spots on the bay of Liguria, which have wedgy harbor breaks that can exude some serious quality. They all work best in winter, so bring along the rubber.

We might use affiliate links in this post. Basically, you click em’ and we get a little something from your booking or purchase. They help us keep offering more and more in-depth surf guides to awesome places all around the globe. So, thanks for that!

This guide is a part of our larger ultimate guide to surfing in Europe

Surfing in Italy at a glance

The good:

Surfing in one of Europe’s most stunning – and tasty! – countries.
Some quality breaks in Sardinia

The bad:

Relies on windswell
Never very big
Lack of quality spots

What will I find in this guide to surfing in Italy?

Where to surf in Italy

The islands are a big player on the Italian surf scene and it’s clear to see why: Sardinia and Sicily are well placed to pick up the strongest swells that cross the western Med in the winter.

But there are some mainland gems, notably those reefs and beaches that can come alive in Liguria and Tuscany when the winter storm systems pass through.

Our advice? Forget about the Adriatic. It doesn’t work.

Here’s a look at the whole lot.

Sardinia

The second-largest island in the Mediterranean is perhaps the best-situated part of Italy when it comes to surfing. The whole west coast here (especially an area known as the Green Coast) is riddled with points and even barrels on the big days. It’s well-trodden territory for dedicated Italian rippers but there are still loads to be found.

Read our complete guide to surfing in Sardinia

Sicily

Sicily has some of the best exposure to the Mediterranean swell channels of anywhere in Italy. Windswell westerlies combine with rare groundswells from the south and east to offer surf spots at all angles.

The presence of rocky reefs underwater also means the isle can handle some size.

Mainly, though, the star is the Isola delle Femmine on the north coast, which is perfect for beginners and intermediates during the wilder winter months. There are also three pretty accomplished surf schools working here.

Check out our complete guide to surfing in Sicily

Tuscany

The region of Tuscany, most often associated with Chianti wines and rolling hills, is actually one of the most fertile surf territories in Italy.

The reason? A long, wiggling coastline with rocks and sands aplenty, running for almost 140 miles north from the Lazio border to the dramatic shores of the Apuan Alps.

There are plenty of waves here, though they are often small and best for learners.

Forte dei Marmi is the stand-out. We’d start there amid the glitzy resort hotels. Winter brings strong windswell to the long beaches and you can score mini Cali wedges around the piers.

Squint enough and it will look like Huntington Beach.

Check out our complete guide to surfing in Tuscany

Levanto

Beginner surfers looking for somewhere to hit in the north of Italy should brush over the challenging and oversubscribed breaks of Varazze and make for Levanto.

The town sparkles like a tiara below the lush Monterosso mountains and has about four or five breaks on its beach that are all good for learners.

The real joy is the consistency of it all, because wind swells come in here from west, south, and north at different times of the year, although the summer is usually too flat for anything.

Check out our complete guide to Levanto surf

Varazze

Varazze has one fantastic break up its sleeve: An A-frame peak that many have said surfs like a SoCal point.

We’d stop short of waxing lyrical too much because we’re still relying on Mediterranean swells here. AKA fickler than a fickle thing.

However, there’s certainly something to be said about this one hosting the single finest quality wave in the country and it really looks amazing when it works.

Check out our complete guide to Varazze surf

Where to stay in Italy (for surfing)?

We still think picking one region (probably Sardinia or Sicily) and then driving around with a rental car is the best way to go in Italy.

That will likely mean hopping a few different stays. But you could also base yourself somewhere and do strike missions out from there.

For that, there are a few great options that we can reccomend…

Podere Cala Viola – There are one- and two-bedrooom houses on offer in this cluster of rustic yet luxurious homes in western Sardinia. They get you 10 minutes’ drive from arguably the best beach break on the island (where there’s also a surf school) and each have access to a shared pool and even a hot tub. Some of the best self-catering coastal accom we’ve come across in Italia!
Sunset Beach House Buggerru – Newly renovated and looking fine, Sunset Beach House is basically a ticket to the western side of Sardinia. You can surf in the local town (Buggerru) or drive north and south to explore. The hotel has self-catering houses or just double rooms but it’s all very nicely done out.
AR Palace Hotel – Parking right on the main surf beach in Sicily is the huge plus here and the hotel itself is very modern and clean. If there’s surf, it will be working a few steps over the road.

Look – Italy IS NOT like Sri Lanka. You can just pick one town, book a hotel there, and rely on the local break. It demands more exploration and things.

The best way we’ve found of planning a road trip is to use the Booking.com map feature to ensure stays we plan en route are all within good striking distance of spots and beaches. That way you know you won’t be too isolated from the surf if swell does align.

When to surf in Italy?

The main time to surf in Italy is unquestionably the winter months between November and March.

Strong wind swells tend to get a-rolling around September time, but don’t really hit their stride until December and January, which is prime on the west coast of Sardinia and for the more hidden spots on the eastern side of Sicily (for us, the two most important surf destinations here).

When it comes to the mainland spots of Varazze, Liguria, and Tuscany, the key here is either a (very) rare summer sirocco punch or a strong mistral from France. The latter gives the most reliable waves on all the breaks there and is at its best in February and March.