Italy might not be the first place that leaps to mind for many when they think of surfing but given just how much coastline the country boasts – both along the mainland and on all of the countless islands off the coast – it makes sense that there are some excellent spots to surf while on vacation in Italy. Those who find a villa in Sardinia, in particular, will find that there are lots of brilliant surf spots to enjoy pretty much year round along the 1,849km of this stunning island’s coastline.
The famously beautiful beaches of Sardinia are not only wonderful gems for working on your tan, splashing around and having fun, swimming, snorkelling, and various other water sports but they also offer small to medium waves around 300 days out of the year, something that even many more famous surfing destinations find hard to compete with! Along the west coast of the island, you’ll find strong winds that make it a hotspot for another kind of surfing, kite-surfing, but areas along this stretch are also sought out by the more experienced surfers for the bigger waves that can be on offer.
In particular, Capo Mannu is lauded as one of the best places to surf in the entire Mediterranean. It is where the bravest and best surfers on the island head as waves get up to four meters high and it really is only recommended for more expert surfers. Those not quite up to the challenge themselves but who are in search of a show can go to watch them tackle some seriously impressive waves. The vast and lovely sandy beach of Portixeddu, for example, boasts waves that can get up to three meters tall. Do keep in mind, though, that currents here become pretty strong when it is really windy so only seriously strong swimmers should be in the water on those days. Racca Point, meanwhile, is good for strong surfers looking to avoid crowds but it is also worth noting that it has hazardous rips and a seabed with urchins so caution and serious competence is necessary if surfing in the area.
If you’re just getting started or have only surfed a few times, however, and you have found a vacation rental in Sardinia then you should head to the northwestern beach of Porto Ferro. One of the best beaches in Sardinia, is boasts powdery golden sand, rich blue water, and consistent swells and is, therefore, pretty popular. It is also well set-up with a surf camp that offers lessons and board rentals and, as the water is shallow for a good stretch, it is ideal for beginners. The waves further out get much bigger and the currents here are pretty strong so there will be some caution needed and something for more experienced surfers too. Do keep in mind, however, that there are only lifeguards on the beach from June through September so if you are just renting a board, rather than taking a lesson, and are surfing outside this season then you need to be incredibly careful.
Mainly, however, those looking to surf while on holiday in Sardinia should think about the time of year they are surfing, rather than the beach they should go to. The surf is best in November, December, and January and, though the water may be cold, this is when the waves are the most impressive. Those weighing up the option of a winter break in Sardinia, therefore, will have excellent surfing and fewer other surfers to compete over waves with as two points in its favour to consider. For decent but not overly large waves and consistent swells, September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best times to plan your vacation in Sardinia. Summer, meanwhile, is the worst time to find a holiday rental in Sardinia by many experienced surfers' standards but is a reasonable time for beginners to consider a trip. The water will be much, much warmer and waves will remain consistent, though small. So, you can plan the timing of your holiday depending on what kind of surf trip in Italy you’re after.
