Exploring the Surf Scene in Marina di Pietrasanta, Italy

Introduction to Surfing in Marina di Pietrasanta, Italy

Marina di Pietrasanta sits on the northern Tuscan coast, nestled between the marble-veined peaks of the Apuan Alps and the warm, clear waters of the Ligurian Sea. It is a place of understated elegant low-key Italian seaside town with a long, pine-backed beach, excellent food and a relaxed, genuine character that sets it apart from the more commercialised resorts of the Versilia coast to the north and south.

The surf here is not what brings most Italians to Marina di Pietrasanta, and yet the beach breaks that form along this stretch of coastline are a consistent and enjoyable surprise. They are real waves, warm water and a surf scene that is small, welcoming and entirely free of the egos and crowds that follow better-known breaks. For anyone looking to combine a genuine Italian coastal experience with time in the water, it is one of the most charming and accessible surf destinations in the country.

A beautiful shot of the local scenery, while a surfer heads into the air. Photo provided by The Pier Surf School.

Best Season to Surf

• Winter Season — November to March: Marina di Pietrasanta’s most consistent surf season. Mediterranean storms tracking across the Ligurian Sea from the west and northwest generate the most reliable and sizeable swells of the year along this stretch of the Tuscan coastline.
• Summer Season — June to August: The Ligurian Sea quietens considerably during the summer months and rideable surf becomes infrequent and unpredictable. On the rare days when wind swell arrives the water is warm and the experience is fun, but summer is not the season to plan a dedicated surf trip.
• Shoulder Seasons — March to May and September to November: The most rewarding window for surfers. Autumn in particular sees the Mediterranean begin generating more regular swell as the summer high pressure breaks down, and the combination of improving waves, warm afternoons and the dramatic backdrop of the snow-dusted Apuan Alps makes it an exceptionally beautiful time to be on this coast. Spring offers the same but from cold to warmth!

A good shot of some a individual riding a fun wave with The Pier Surf School.

The Sandbars of Marina di Pietrasanta

The beach breaks of Marina di Pietrasanta are formed by shifting sandbars that build and reform along the length of the beach depending on the swell direction, wind and tide.The peaks here produce punchy, fun waves that break left and right across a forgiving sandy bottom, making them accessible and enjoyable for surfers across a wide range of ability levels.

The sandbars of Marina di Pietrasanta — Tuscan waves with the Apuan Alps as a backdrop.

Surf Camps and Lessons

The Pier Surf School

The standout surf operation on the Versilia coast, running two bases across this stretch of Tuscany, one of theirs directly in Marina di Pietrasanta make it the ideal school to take a session with. Founded and led by Davide, the school is recognised by ACSI Surfing and offers surf lessons, surf skate sessions, kids camps and surf camps for all ages and ability levels.

It the most complete and accessible surf operation in Marina di Pietrasanta. As their motto puts it…”you cannot stop the waves, but you can learn to ride them”. So for those on the Ligurian Sea, The Pier Surf School gives you the best possible chance of doing exactly that with the dream of catching a session.

The Pier Surf School bringing out a handful of students into some perfect beginner waves.

Three Other Things to Do in the Area

• Pietrasanta Town: A place of marble sculptures, Renaissance churches, independent galleries and excellent trattorias that has been drawing artists and creatives for centuries.
• Carrara Marble Quarries: A short drive into the Apuan Alps brings you to the legendary marble quarries of Carrara, where the same stone used by Michelangelo has been extracted for over two thousand years — a dramatic and genuinely awe-inspiring landscape that is unlike anything else in Italy.
• Cinque Terre: The five iconic clifftop villages of the Ligurian coastline are within easy reach by train from Pietrasanta and make for one of the most spectacular day trips in northern Italy, with dramatic coastal hiking trails, colourful harbours and some of the finest seafood on the Italian Riviera.

A shot of the beaches along Massa. Just north of Pietrasanta.

Conclusion

Marina di Pietrasanta will not appear on any serious surf travel shortlist and it makes no claim to compete with the Atlantic breaks of Portugal or France. What it offers is a genuinely beautiful stretch of Italian coastline where the waves are real, the water is warm, the food is extraordinary and the experience of surfing feels refreshingly removed from anything commercial or crowded.

With The Pier Surf School operating directly on the beach and the full splendour of northern Tuscany on the doorstep, it is one of the most complete and characterful surf destinations in the Mediterranean. Come for the waves, stay for everything else.

A gorgeous shot of Apuan Alps from the mountain tops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience to surf at Marina di Pietrasanta?

Not at all. The sandy beach breaks are forgiving and well suited to beginners, and The Pier Surf School offers lessons for all ages and ability levels directly on the beach.

What is the best time of year to surf here?

Autumn and winter offer the most consistent surf, with October through to February the most reliable window for rideable waves on the Ligurian Sea.

What are the water temperatures like?

Water temperatures range from around 13°C in winter to 26°C in summer. A 3/2mm wetsuit is recommended from October through to April; summer sessions are comfortable in boardshorts or a rash vest.

How do I get to Marina di Pietrasanta?

The nearest airports are Pisa Galileo Galilei, approximately 30 kilometres south, and Florence, around 90 kilometres inland. Marina di Pietrasanta is also well served by train from both cities, with Pietrasanta station a short taxi or cycle ride from the beach.

Is Marina di Pietrasanta suitable for families?

Very much so. The flat, sandy beach, warm summer water and the range of activities available through The Pier Surf School. Including dedicated kids camps, making it an excellent destination for families with children of all ages.

Are there other locations to do a Surf Camp or take a lesson in Italy?

Check out our Surfing in Italy Travel Guide if you’re interested in checking out other surfing locations.