Surfing in Sicily, Italy – Surf Spots, Cefalu, and Guide
Sicily is a rugged Mediterranean powerhouse that offers way more than just cannoli and cinema history, but rather some of the best surf spots for beginners and Meditteran, such as Cefalu, hence this guide to surfing in Sicily was born. So tune into this guide to learn more about the island and some beginner spots and get a feel for the local energy with this clip;
Introduction to Surfing in Sicily
Sicily sits right in the heart of the Med, acting like a massive catcher’s mitt for any energy moving across the sea. The main reason you head here is the variety. You have everything from sandy beach breaks to volcanic reef setups that can actually hold some size. The island is surrounded by the Tyrrhenian, Ionian, and Mediterranean seas, which means there is almost always a coast that is working depending on the wind direction.
The typical swell is wind-driven, but because the distance the wind blows is decent, the waves can get punchy and fast. You can find decent waves fairly frequently during the winter months, with the northern and western coasts being the most consistent. Even if the charts are looking flat, this place is a blast. You are surfing near active volcanoes and ancient ruins, and the food alone is worth the flight. It is a fun, laid-back scene where the vibe is more about the stoke of being in the water and working to progress past a beginner and intermediate level.
Best Season to Surf in Sicily
The North Coast is the most reliable zone when the winter storms start brewing in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It catches those big NW swells that wrap around the island. The West Coast around Trapani also gets hit hard by the Mistral winds, turning the coastline into a playground of points and reefs.
Conversely, the East and South coasts need a bit more luck, usually relying on strong easterly or southerly winds to turn on. These spots can be world-class for a few hours before the wind shifts, so you have to be ready to move fast.
Best for Beginners
Summer and early autumn are great for those just starting out. The water is warm and the waves stay in the waist-high range, making it easy to learn the basics at spots like Cefalù without much stress.
General Recommendation
Prime season is definitely October through March. This is when the Mediterranean wakes up and delivers the most consistent sessions, though you will need a good 3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit to handle the winter chill.
Best Surf Spots and Beaches
We will break down this into the best beginner waves, and then general recommendations for those intermediate or a little more advance. Those, will be separated by their respective Sicily regions!
Best Beginner Waves
Spiaggia di Cefalù
A beautiful bay with a sandy bottom that produces long, easy-rolling waves perfect for longboarding and first-timers.
Playa di Catania
This is a huge stretch of sand that picks up plenty of swell but keeps it manageable for beginners to practice their pop-ups.
General Recommendation
- Palermo: Spiaggia libera, Lungomare, Santa Lucia, Il Moletto, Praiola, Isola Delle Femmine, Magaggiari, Ciammarita, Torre Muzard
- Trapani: Faro, Cornino, San Vito
- Agrigento: San Marco, Ciminiera, Il Reef, Ponente, Backdoor
- Ragusa: Marina Di Modica, Punta Braccetto
- Syracuse: Morghella, Portopalo, Il Reef Dell’Sola, Syracuse South, Baia Arcile
- Catania: Playa di Catania, Spiaggia della Plaia, Catania – La Playa, Torre Archirafi
- Messina: Giardini Naxos
Surf Schools and Camps
A legendary spot on the south coast that offers a full beach village vibe with coaching for multiple board sports.
Based in Palermo, these guys know the north coast better than anyone and offer great local insight for travelers.
A solid option for those looking to improve their technique in a friendly environment with professional instructors.
General Expenses
Traveling Sicily in 2026 is still relatively affordable compared to Northern Europe. A solid meal at a local trattoria will run you about 20 Euro. A decent hotel or AirBnB can be found for 70 to 100 Euro a night. Car rentals are essential for chasing swell and are reasonably priced if booked in advance.
Other Things to do in Sicily
Food: Street Food Tour in Palermo is the move. You have to try Arancini and Panelle. It is cheap, filling, and exactly what you need after a long paddle.
Location to Hike: Mount Etna is a must. You can trek across volcanic landscapes on an active volcano. In the winter, you can actually ski here and then drive down to the coast for a surf.
Cultural Event: The Feast of Saint Agatha in Catania is one of the biggest religious processions in the world. If you are there in February, the city explodes with energy, fireworks, and massive parades.
Conclusion on Sicily
Sicily is a dream for any surfer who wants to score waves in a place with soul. It might not be as consistent as the Atlantic, but the culture, the volcanic landscapes, and the quality of the waves when they show up make it an all-time trip. It is perfect for a strike mission. Go for the waves, stay for the cannoli. Send it for the session.