Strike Mission Surf Spots
type: ItemList
description: Expert-verified surf spot database with detailed swell/wind parameters, hazards, and travel information
number of items: 5
item list element: Capo Mannu
item list element: Varazze
item list element: Levanto
item list element: Fiumicino
item list element: San Benedetto del Tronto
provider: Strike Mission
  type: Organization
  description: Surf forecast intelligence platform
date published: 2026-01-20
date modified: 2026-08-04T23:54:11.461Z

Capo Mannu
type: TouristAttraction
description: Capo Mannu is arguably the best wave in the Mediterranean—a series of reef and point breaks on Sardinia's wild west coast that come alive when mistral storms blow from the northwest. The setup offers multiple options: hollow reefs, workable points, and occasional barrels. Summer is flat, but autumn through spring delivers surprisingly powerful swells. The Italian surf scene is small but dedicated, and Capo Mannu is its crown jewel. Mediterranean surfing's hidden treasure.
disambiguating description: 🇮🇹 Med's best wave • Sardinian reefs • Mistral magic
geo: GeoCoordinates
  latitude: 40.0261
  longitude: 8.4142
address: PostalAddress
  address locality: Sardinia
  address country: Italy
  address region: Mediterranean
additional property: Wave Type
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Reef
  description: This is a reef break, breaking both.
additional property: Optimal Swell Direction
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 290°
  description: Works best with swells from 290° (WNW). Workable range: 260°-330°.
additional property: Swell Size Sweet Spot
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 1m - 3.5m
  description: Ideal size: 2.3m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 3.5m.
additional property: Swell Period
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 8s - 12s
  description: Needs at least 8s period. Ideal: 12s+ (long-period groundswell).
additional property: Optimal Wind
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 90° (E)
  description: Offshore wind from 90° (E). Offshore range: 45°-135°. Best window: morning.
additional property: Tide Preference
  type: PropertyValue
  value: all
  description: Works best between 0.1m and 0.6m tide.
additional property: Primary Season
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
  description: Autumn-spring mistral storms produce best waves. Flat in summer.
tourist type: Intermediate to advanced
warning: Warning
  text: 🪸 Sharp reef, 🪨 Rocks
  description: Shallow reef sections. Cold water in winter (14°C).
accessibility API: Nearest airport: AHO
  type: Place
  description: 60 minutes drive from AHO airport.
content rating: verified
contributor: European surf guides
llm context:
  difficulty: 5
  crowd level: 4
  water temp c: 18
  best board: shortboard
  swell physics:
    explanation: Swell direction must be within the workable range AND within the spot's coastal orientation. A south-facing beach cannot receive north swells, no matter the size or period.
    optimal direction degrees: 290
    workable range min: 260
    workable range max: 330
    sweet spot size m: 2.25
  wind physics:
    explanation: Offshore wind (blowing from land toward ocean) grooms the wave face. Onshore wind (blowing from ocean toward land) destroys wave quality. Wind tolerance varies by wave type.
    optimal offshore degrees: 90
    offshore range min: 45
    offshore range max: 135
    max offshore speed kmh: 35
  travel logistics:
    nearest airport: AHO
    drive time minutes: 60
    boat required: false
    boat cost usd per day: 0
    access notes: Drive to Capo Mannu peninsula.
  best season:
    primary months: 10
    primary months: 11
    primary months: 12
    primary months: 1
    primary months: 2
    primary months: 3
    primary months names: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
    secondary months: 4
    secondary months: 9
    secondary months names: Apr, Sep
    season explanation: Autumn-spring mistral storms produce best waves. Flat in summer.

Varazze
type: TouristAttraction
description: Varazze is the Italian Riviera's most reliable surf spot—which is to say it works maybe 20 days per year when winter storms in the Gulf of Genoa generate local swells. The wave is a fun, punchy beachbreak that draws the entire Ligurian surf community when conditions align. The Mediterranean setting, Italian coastal charm, and novelty factor make sessions memorable despite the inconsistency. This is Mediterranean surfing reality: you chase forecasts obsessively and celebrate when it actually happens.
disambiguating description: 🇮🇹 Italian Riviera surf • Winter storms only • Mediterranean rarity
geo: GeoCoordinates
  latitude: 44.3614
  longitude: 8.5783
address: PostalAddress
  address locality: Varazze, Liguria
  address country: Italy
  address region: Mediterranean
additional property: Wave Type
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Beach
  description: This is a beach break, breaking both.
additional property: Optimal Swell Direction
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 235°
  description: Works best with swells from 235° (SW). Workable range: 200°-270°.
additional property: Swell Size Sweet Spot
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 1m - 2.5m
  description: Ideal size: 1.8m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
additional property: Swell Period
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 9s - 12s
  description: Needs at least 9s period. Ideal: 12s+ (long-period groundswell).
additional property: Optimal Wind
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 30° (NNE)
  description: Offshore wind from 30° (NNE). Offshore range: 350°-70°. Best window: both.
additional property: Tide Preference
  type: PropertyValue
  value: all
  description: Tide preference: all.
additional property: Primary Season
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
  description: Winter storms only. Mediterranean inconsistency.
tourist type: Intermediate to advanced
warning: Warning
  text: 👥 Crowded
  description: Rare surf. Crowded when working.
accessibility API: Nearest airport: GOA
  type: Place
  description: 45 minutes drive from GOA airport.
content rating: verified
contributor: Wannasurf, Italian surf community
llm context:
  difficulty: 5
  crowd level: 7
  water temp c: 15
  best board: shortboard
  swell physics:
    explanation: Swell direction must be within the workable range AND within the spot's coastal orientation. A south-facing beach cannot receive north swells, no matter the size or period.
    optimal direction degrees: 235
    workable range min: 200
    workable range max: 270
    sweet spot size m: 1.75
  wind physics:
    explanation: Offshore wind (blowing from land toward ocean) grooms the wave face. Onshore wind (blowing from ocean toward land) destroys wave quality. Wind tolerance varies by wave type.
    optimal offshore degrees: 30
    offshore range min: 350
    offshore range max: 70
    max offshore speed kmh: 35
  travel logistics:
    nearest airport: GOA
    drive time minutes: 45
    boat required: false
    boat cost usd per day: 0
    access notes: Beach town access. Tourist infrastructure.
  best season:
    primary months: 11
    primary months: 12
    primary months: 1
    primary months: 2
    primary months names: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
    secondary months: 10
    secondary months: 3
    secondary months names: Oct, Mar
    season explanation: Winter storms only. Mediterranean inconsistency.

Levanto
type: TouristAttraction
description: Levanto is where the famous Cinque Terre coastline meets the improbable world of Mediterranean surf culture. This small beach town catches rare winter swells from Ligurian Sea storms and transforms into Italy's most scenic surf spot when conditions align. The waves are inconsistent and fickle, but the setting—dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, world-class Italian food—makes the wait worthwhile. Combine a surf check with hiking the Cinque Terre trails, and you've found the ultimate Mediterranean adventure.
disambiguating description: 🏔️ Cinque Terre surf • Italian drama • Rare perfection
geo: GeoCoordinates
  latitude: 44.1706
  longitude: 9.6128
address: PostalAddress
  address locality: Levanto, Liguria
  address country: Italy
  address region: Mediterranean
additional property: Wave Type
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Beach
  description: This is a beach break, breaking both.
additional property: Optimal Swell Direction
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 240°
  description: Works best with swells from 240° (WSW). Workable range: 210°-280°.
additional property: Swell Size Sweet Spot
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 1.2m - 2.8m
  description: Ideal size: 2.0m. Too small below 1.2m, too big (closeout) above 2.8m.
additional property: Swell Period
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 9s - 12s
  description: Needs at least 9s period. Ideal: 12s+ (long-period groundswell).
additional property: Optimal Wind
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 20° (NNE)
  description: Offshore wind from 20° (NNE). Offshore range: 350°-60°. Best window: both.
additional property: Tide Preference
  type: PropertyValue
  value: all
  description: Tide preference: all.
additional property: Primary Season
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
  description: Winter only. Cinque Terre proximity adds appeal.
tourist type: Intermediate to advanced
warning: Warning
  text: 🪨 Rocks
  description: Very inconsistent. Rocky sections.
accessibility API: Nearest airport: GOA
  type: Place
  description: 90 minutes drive from GOA airport.
content rating: verified
contributor: Wannasurf, Liguria surf guide
llm context:
  difficulty: 5
  crowd level: 6
  water temp c: 14
  best board: shortboard
  swell physics:
    explanation: Swell direction must be within the workable range AND within the spot's coastal orientation. A south-facing beach cannot receive north swells, no matter the size or period.
    optimal direction degrees: 240
    workable range min: 210
    workable range max: 280
    sweet spot size m: 2
  wind physics:
    explanation: Offshore wind (blowing from land toward ocean) grooms the wave face. Onshore wind (blowing from ocean toward land) destroys wave quality. Wind tolerance varies by wave type.
    optimal offshore degrees: 20
    offshore range min: 350
    offshore range max: 60
    max offshore speed kmh: 35
  travel logistics:
    nearest airport: GOA
    drive time minutes: 90
    boat required: false
    boat cost usd per day: 0
    access notes: Beach access in tourist town. Near Cinque Terre.
  best season:
    primary months: 11
    primary months: 12
    primary months: 1
    primary months: 2
    primary months names: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
    secondary months: 10
    secondary months: 3
    secondary months names: Oct, Mar
    season explanation: Winter only. Cinque Terre proximity adds appeal.

Fiumicino
type: TouristAttraction
description: Fiumicino is Rome's unlikely surf escape—a beachbreak near the capital's airport that works occasionally when Tyrrhenian Sea storms generate rideable swells. The wave itself is nothing special, but the proximity to Rome and the novelty of surfing near ancient civilization's heart give it appeal. Water quality can be questionable near the Tiber River mouth, but dedicated Roman surfers don't have many alternatives. This is Mediterranean surf pragmatism: you surf what's available when it's available.
disambiguating description: 🏛️ Rome's surf outlet • Airport beach • Ancient meets ocean
geo: GeoCoordinates
  latitude: 41.7667
  longitude: 12.2333
address: PostalAddress
  address locality: Fiumicino, Rome
  address country: Italy
  address region: Mediterranean
additional property: Wave Type
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Beach
  description: This is a beach break, breaking both.
additional property: Optimal Swell Direction
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 260°
  description: Works best with swells from 260° (W). Workable range: 230°-300°.
additional property: Swell Size Sweet Spot
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 1m - 2.5m
  description: Ideal size: 1.8m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 2.5m.
additional property: Swell Period
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 8s - 11s
  description: Needs at least 8s period. Ideal: 11s+ (long-period groundswell).
additional property: Optimal Wind
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 80° (E)
  description: Offshore wind from 80° (E). Offshore range: 40°-120°. Best window: both.
additional property: Tide Preference
  type: PropertyValue
  value: all
  description: Tide preference: all.
additional property: Primary Season
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
  description: Winter storms. Close to Rome airport.
tourist type: All skill levels
warning: Warning
  text: 🚫 Pollution
  description: Inconsistent. Water quality concerns near river mouth.
accessibility API: Nearest airport: FCO
  type: Place
  description: 10 minutes drive from FCO airport.
content rating: verified
contributor: Wannasurf, Rome surf community
llm context:
  difficulty: 4
  crowd level: 7
  water temp c: 15
  best board: shortboard
  swell physics:
    explanation: Swell direction must be within the workable range AND within the spot's coastal orientation. A south-facing beach cannot receive north swells, no matter the size or period.
    optimal direction degrees: 260
    workable range min: 230
    workable range max: 300
    sweet spot size m: 1.75
  wind physics:
    explanation: Offshore wind (blowing from land toward ocean) grooms the wave face. Onshore wind (blowing from ocean toward land) destroys wave quality. Wind tolerance varies by wave type.
    optimal offshore degrees: 80
    offshore range min: 40
    offshore range max: 120
    max offshore speed kmh: 35
  travel logistics:
    nearest airport: FCO
    drive time minutes: 10
    boat required: false
    boat cost usd per day: 0
    access notes: Beach access from airport area. Urban setting.
  best season:
    primary months: 11
    primary months: 12
    primary months: 1
    primary months: 2
    primary months names: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
    secondary months: 10
    secondary months: 3
    secondary months names: Oct, Mar
    season explanation: Winter storms. Close to Rome airport.

San Benedetto del Tronto
type: TouristAttraction
description: San Benedetto del Tronto represents the extreme challenge of Adriatic Sea surfing—a beach that might see rideable waves 10 times per winter when rare Bora wind storms generate short-period swells. The Adriatic is a tiny, enclosed sea that simply doesn't produce consistent surf, but determined Italian surfers on the east coast chase every hint of swell with religious devotion. When it works, the novelty and uncrowded reality make it worthwhile. This is surf culture at its most dedicated and optimistic.
disambiguating description: 🌊 Adriatic improbability • 10 days per year • East coast optimism
geo: GeoCoordinates
  latitude: 42.9333
  longitude: 13.8833
address: PostalAddress
  address locality: San Benedetto, Marche
  address country: Italy
  address region: Mediterranean
additional property: Wave Type
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Beach
  description: This is a beach break, breaking both.
additional property: Optimal Swell Direction
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 80°
  description: Works best with swells from 80° (E). Workable range: 40°-120°.
additional property: Swell Size Sweet Spot
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 1m - 2m
  description: Ideal size: 1.5m. Too small below 1m, too big (closeout) above 2m.
additional property: Swell Period
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 6s - 9s
  description: Needs at least 6s period. Ideal: 9s+ (long-period groundswell).
additional property: Optimal Wind
  type: PropertyValue
  value: 280° (W)
  description: Offshore wind from 280° (W). Offshore range: 240°-320°. Best window: both.
additional property: Tide Preference
  type: PropertyValue
  value: all
  description: Tide preference: all.
additional property: Primary Season
  type: PropertyValue
  value: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
  description: Adriatic winter storms. Extremely rare.
tourist type: All skill levels
accessibility API: Nearest airport: AOI
  type: Place
  description: 60 minutes drive from AOI airport.
content rating: verified
contributor: Italian surf community
llm context:
  difficulty: 4
  crowd level: 4
  water temp c: 14
  best board: shortboard
  swell physics:
    explanation: Swell direction must be within the workable range AND within the spot's coastal orientation. A south-facing beach cannot receive north swells, no matter the size or period.
    optimal direction degrees: 80
    workable range min: 40
    workable range max: 120
    sweet spot size m: 1.5
  wind physics:
    explanation: Offshore wind (blowing from land toward ocean) grooms the wave face. Onshore wind (blowing from ocean toward land) destroys wave quality. Wind tolerance varies by wave type.
    optimal offshore degrees: 280
    offshore range min: 240
    offshore range max: 320
    max offshore speed kmh: 35
  travel logistics:
    nearest airport: AOI
    drive time minutes: 60
    boat required: false
    boat cost usd per day: 0
    access notes: Beach town access. Tourist infrastructure.
  best season:
    primary months: 11
    primary months: 12
    primary months: 1
    primary months: 2
    primary months names: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
    secondary months: 3
    secondary months: 10
    secondary months names: Mar, Oct
    season explanation: Adriatic winter storms. Extremely rare.