Where To Go Surfing In Sardinia

Surfing in Sardinia is a lot of fun!

Aloha surfers! If you are seeking information about where to go surfing in Sardinia, you’re in the right place. The Italian island of Sardinia has 1,849 kilometers of coastline. While the waters of the Mediterranean may be colder than those found in tropical destinations, there are still epic surf spots available almost year-round.

Sardinia is a slice of paradise that is world-renowned for stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and startlingly blue seascapes. Sardinia has a favorable position in the Mediterranean, in such a way that it gets small to medium waves nearly every day of the year. The average is 300 days per year of suitable surfing conditions, which is more frequent than other top surf spots worldwide! The west coast of the island receives the strongest waves, especially during winter when mammoth mistral winds gust at full force. The winds are indeed so strong that Sardinia often holds even kitesurfing competitions such as the Sardinia Gland Slam. 

However, if you’re heading to Sardinia during the balmy, breezy summer months, you still can look forward to incredible surfing opportunities for beginners and intermediate level surfers.

To help guide you where to go for the best surfing in Sardinia, here is my list of the top 11 surf spots in Sardinia— in no particular order! As a local, I have plenty of surfer friends I’ve tagged along with on many surf trips. While I’m a local, I still look for any excuse to get out and spend time on the sand or in the water. Ready to dive into the details? Cowabunga!

What Is The Best Time of the Year to Go Surfing in Sardinia?

The best season for surfing in Sardinia is the winter— November, December, and January. While you can expect very cold weather and water conditions, the swells truly are epic. Just for reference, the water is usually between 13 and 16 degrees Celsius. During these months, the strong mistral wind creates colossal waves – some that will reach a height of 3 to 4 meters! Plus, you won’t have a lot of competition for the waves as Sardinia as the island becomes very mellow in the winter months.

Check out my post “13 Reasons To Visit Sardinia In Winter.”

If you don’t want to hunt for the absolute biggest waves and are okay with consistent swells that won’t crest quite so high, the other best seasons to surf in Sardinia are autumn and spring—the months of September, October, November, March, April, and May.

While summertime is the “worst” time of year to go surfing in Sardinia, the water will be quite a bit warmer at 22 to 24 degrees Celsius, and the waves will still be consistent. What can I say? Sardinia is fairly dependable for at least decent surfing conditions! All thanks to that mistral wind that powerfully blows through Sardinia on the reg.

Continue reading to discover where to go surfing in Sardinia.

Where To Go Surfing In Sardinia

If you’re looking for the most popular places to go surfing in Sardinia, head to Costa Verde. Along the south west coast of Sardinia, Costa Verde receives the strongest mistral winds on the island. More precisely, the promontory of Capo Mannu is the top surf destination in Sardinia for experienced surfers. Here you can find frequent double overhead waves!

While Capo Mannu wouldn’t be recommended for beginners, it is a fun place to watch other surfers tackle some gnarly waves! I am serious though: it’s only for very experienced surfers— there are hazards like sharp rocks, rips, and the entry and exit is narrow and localized. If you aren’t experienced at surfing, don’t worry; all along Costa Verde, there are plenty of other surfing spots that are perfect for novices to get their feet wet! Below are the best places to go surfing in Sardinia.

Su Giudeu, Chia – Domus de Maria

The Beach of Su Giudeu in Chia is located on the south coast of Sardinia and is a favorite local hang out and surf spot. The beach, Spiaggia Su Giudeu, spans 600 glorious meters of powdery golden sand. It’s situated near Domus de Maria and isn’t too far from Cagliari.

When the winds blow from either north or northeast to Su Giudeu of Chia, then it’s time to grab your surfboard, because surf’s up! If you were looking to try your hand at other watersport activities, Su Giudeu is also a hotspot for scuba diving, sailing, and kitesurfing.

Moreover, there is a lagoon directly behind the beach that is home to a flock of pink flamingos. If seeing those hot-pink birds was on your Sardinia bucket list, then choosing the beach of Su Giudeu in Chia as your surfing spot is the perfect decision. There are a couple more beaches that have flamingos nearby, so read on to find out more!

San Nicolao – Buggerru

The beach of San Nicolao is located on the southwest coast of Sardinia. Close to the shoreline, expect the waters to be shallow and the seabed to be soft, smooth, and perfectly sandy— my little toes love to sink into the soft sand as I hang out in the water with friends or after I crash into the shallow waters after riding a wave. What can I say? Sometimes I just want to pass on the rocks and say hello to the sand, right?

The beach of San Nicolao has the largest dunes in the area Buggerru. When you walk behind the dunes, you’ll find a lovely expanse of pine forest with trails for mountain biking or walking.

GOOD TO KNOW: Keep in mind that walking on the dunes is forbidden in Sardinia, as they are highly protected.

Portixeddu – Buggerru

Situated on the southwest coast of Sardinia, Portixeddu is close to the aforementioned San Nicolao beach. Portixeddu also has another name – the beach of Rio Mannu – and has a cliff that has created some soft, natural pools. Portixeddu beach has 2500 meters of sand, making it one of the longest beaches in the southwest of Sardinia. Even during peak tourist season, Portixeddu doesn’t feel crowded as it’s such an enormous beach!

Portixeddu is flanked by dunes, pine forests, and abundant oaks and junipers. Portixeddu also faces west, so when the mistral wind blows, Portixeddu becomes a true surfer’s paradise— waves can get up to three meters tall. Plus, it’s one of the best beaches in Sardinia to catch a picture-perfect sunset!

TIP: Unless you are a pro-swimmer, avoid getting in the water when the wind is strong, as the currents are even stronger.

Guroneddu – Portoscuso

Not far from Portoscuso, on the southwest coast of Sardinia, you’ll find the beach of Guroneddu. Guroneddu is one of the top surf spots in Sardinia during the winter months. However, in the summer months, you can count on the waters to be calm and flat. Summer is truly not the time to surf at Guroneddu.

Guroneddu has an exposed reef break, and there are hazards like sharp rocks and sea urchins to look out for! Also, keep in mind that getting to Guroneddu Beach does involve a lengthy walk from the road.

Putzu Idu – San Vero

On the Sinis peninsula in Sardinia, in the Province of Oristano, there is a stunning 1200-meter long strip of sand called Putzu Idu. This beach is a veritable hotspot for all kinds of water sports, including surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. Moreover, Putzu Idu lies on the west coast of the island near Oristano. It has a parking lot, a restaurant, and a windsurfing school.

When it comes to surfing, the shallow waters and rolling waves make Putzu Idu one of Sardinia’s top surfing spots. Fun fact— Putzu Idu beach is surrounded by salt pans. These make for popular places to see flamingos. What is a salt pan, you ask? It’s simply a shallow depression in the ground that salt water naturally slips into and then evaporates as the water dries in the sun, leaving a deposit of sea salt. Flamingos love salt pans! 

Capo Mannu – Marina di San Vero (Sinis Peninsula)

As I’ve already mentioned at the beginning of this post, Capo Mannu is the best place to go surfing in Sardinia. Perched on the west coast, close to the province of Oristano on the Sinis peninsula, is the magnificent Capo Mannu. Lauded as the best surf destination in the entire Mediterranean Sea, Capo Mannu is for experts only. The mistral winds create waves that can reach up to four meters high.

Each year the Capo del Capo— translating to Chief of the Cape— kitesurfing and windsurfing competition is held here at Capo Mannu. If you happen to be in Sardinia during the Capo del Capo, don’t miss it! It’s an astounding event to witness. Your jaw will drop… every few minutes!

Porto Ferro – Alghero

Porto Ferro beach lies in the northwest region of Sardinia, in the province of Sassari. This beach is just 17 kilometers northwest from Alghero—one of the most significant and beautiful towns in Sardinia. With more than 2000 meters of unspoiled coastline, Porto Ferro is one of the best beaches in Sardinia. 

Porto Ferro faces west and has soft, golden sands and ancient stone towers perched on the shore like sentinels. With very consistent swells and clear turquoise waters, Porto Ferro is one of Sardinia’s top surf spots. There are dangerously strong currents, so keep that in mind! Lifeguards are only on duty from June through September.

There is a bar with beach service and a surf camp where you can rent boards or take lessons. Since the entrance to the water is shallow, it’s suitable for novices. However, when you paddle out farther, you’ll encounter much bigger waves, which would be best for only intermediate surfers— especially with such strong currents! 

Read my post about Alghero here.

Isola Rossa – Trinità d’Agultu e Vignola

Isola Rossa lies on the north coast of Sardinia, close to the picturesque village of Castelsardo. This area of the northern coastline is called Costa Paradiso, or Paradise Coast.

Isola Rossa beach draws its name from the tiny island floating just 400 meters from the shoreline. A colossal medieval Spanish watchtower dominates this island. There is a surfing camp and a scuba diving school, so if you’re a beginner, Isola Rossa is a great place to learn. The shore has a smattering of bars, and there are a bevy of sun loungers and umbrellas to rent if you’re in the mood to lounge in the sun after spending the day learning to surf!

La Marinedda – Trinità d’Agultu e Vignola

La Marinedda is located very close to the aforementioned Isola Rossa beach, on the north coast of Sardinia, also on Costa Paradiso.

The nearby La Marinedda beach is a small cove with 600 meters of sand. It’s backed by abundant Mediterranean scrub and is ideal for snorkeling and swimming as the water is crystal clear. The beach faces northwest and is a popular spot for surfing. There are a couple of beach bars serving lunch, snacks, and drinks. Canoes and pedal boats are also available to rent.

Porto Giunco – Villasimius

On the southeast coast of Sardinia, about an hour’s drive from Cagliari, close to the village of Villasimius, dwells Porto Giunco beach. With powdery white sand like spun sugar and shockingly blue water, you’ll love spending a day surfing at Porto Giunco. It has a shallow and sandy seabed and is cradled between headlands, which provides an excellent wind barrier on the shore itself. However, the southeast and eastern swells make Porto Giunco a fantastic Sardinian surfing spot.

If you were still on the lookout for pink flamingos, the salt pans of Notteri lie right behind the beach; you can find boatloads of flamingos and other migratory birds there.

Make sure to check out my post about Villasimius here.

Racca Point, Capitana – Quartu S. Elena

Situated on the south coast of Sardinia, approximately a 25-minute drive from the capital city of Cagliari, is Racca Point. To be specific, the village of Capitana is nestled between Cagliari and Villasimius on the coast— that’s where Racca Point lies. As one of the best surf spots in Sardinia for experienced surfers, Racca Point is where to go if you know what you’re doing and want to avoid the crowds. Head here when a strong southeast swell hits and you want to tackle some epic waves!

Please be aware that Racca Point has hazardous rips and a shallow rock bottom dotted with sea urchins.

Further readings about Sardinia

Make sure to check out my other posts that may be useful to plan a trip to Sardinia:

• How To Get To Sardinia: Routes From Italy And Europe
• What You Should Know Before Traveling To Sardinia
• The 15 Best Beaches In Sardinia
• The 7 Best Beaches In Cagliari
• 10 Absolutely Unmissable Things To Do In Sardinia
• Where To Go Climbing In Sardinia
• A Complete Guide To Diving In Sardinia
• The Most Interesting Archeological Sites In Sardinia
• What You Should Know Before Traveling To Sardinia
• The Best Hikes In Sardinia

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