Varazze
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.
Varazze surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (235°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 270°
- Size range
- 1m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.7m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNE (30°)
- Offshore range
- 350° - 70°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
15°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
7/10
Access: Beach town access. Tourist infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Varazze?
Varazze is a beach break in Varazze, Liguria, Italy, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Varazze?
Varazze picks up swell from the SSW round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.7 to 2.1m. Period matters too: aim for 12s or longer, as anything under 9s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Varazze?
A NNE wind is dead offshore at Varazze, and anything from the N round to the ENE keeps it clean. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Varazze?
Varazze isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Varazze?
The most reliable run of swell at Varazze comes Nov to Feb. There's a second window in Mar and Oct too. Winter storms only. Mediterranean inconsistency.
How cold is the water at Varazze?
The water at Varazze averages around 15°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Varazze good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. It gets busy (crowd 7/10), so mind the pecking order. Rare surf. Crowded when working.
How do I get to Varazze?
The nearest airport on our list is GOA, then it's roughly a 45-minute drive. Beach town access. Tourist infrastructure.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Oct, Mar
Winter storms only. Mediterranean inconsistency.