Italy has a lot to offer for water sport lovers, especially those who want to have a go at surfing, scuba diving or snorkelling in the Mediterranean. Whether you're a beginner and just want to have some fun, or serious about your water sport, Italy has a scuba diving, snorkelling or surfing beach for you. Today we're taking a look at some of the best places for water sports in Italy, so that you can get planning your summer holiday in the sun, including the best places to surf, scuba dive and snorkel in Italy.
Surfing in Italy
Surfing in Italy has gained popularity in recent years, thanks to its beautiful coastline and reliable waves. Although Italy might not be as renowned as some other surfing destinations across the world, it still offers great surf spots for all levels of surfers.
Therefore, there's no need to move to California or Australia to surf, as there are a number of great beaches for surfing in Italy. The Mediterranean waves on some of the country's beaches will provide you with a great surfing experience, both for beginners and pros.
What is the surfing capital of Italy?
The surfing capital of Italy is Buggerru. Located on the southwestern coast of Sardinia, Buggerru is renowned for its consistent waves and beautiful beaches, making it a top destination for surfers. The area offers a variety of surf spots suitable for different skill levels, attracting both local and international surfers. Buggerru's vibrant surf culture and the stunning natural landscape further solidify its status as Italy's premier surfing destination.
The best surfing beaches in Italy
The best beaches for surfing in Italy are generally found in Sardinia, especially the south of the island. Thanks to the constant winds that make waves up to 9 feet (3 metres) high the whole year round, Sardinia is undoubtedly the best place for surfing in Italy. We particularly recommend the famous Capo Mannu which is located 30km from Oristano. Also on the south coast of the island, the charming Cala Cipolla is a paradise of waves and landscapes.
Another well-known destination is Levanto in Liguria, famous for its strong waves, the different types of seabed and for the variety of winds (Libeccio, Maestrale and Scirocco) which is music to the ears of any surfing enthusiast. With all of this in mind, Levanto is making a name for itself as one of the best places for surfing in Italy.
What is the best season to surf in Italy?
The best season to surf in Italy is during the autumn and winter months, from September to March, when the Mediterranean Sea experiences more consistent swells. Autumn (September to November) is ideal, offering warm weather and steady waves suitable for all skill levels. Winter (December to February) brings the biggest and most powerful waves, perfect for experienced surfers, although the cooler temperatures require wetsuits. Spring (March to May) can also provide good surfing conditions, but they are more variable. Summer (June to August) generally offers smaller and less consistent waves, making it better suited for beginners. Overall, autumn and winter provide the best surfing experience in Italy, particularly in renowned spots like Sardinia and Liguria.
Another great place for surfing in Italy is found in the region of Lazio, where we recommend heading to Santa Marinella, Italy's most internationally known surfing beach which is widely known as the surfing capital of Italy. Head to Banzai surf school and get some tips for riding Italy's waves.
Diving in Italy
Is scuba diving good in Italy?
Scuba diving in Italy is excellent and is home to a diverse range of underwater experiences. Italy's crystal-clear waters offer fantastic opportunities for both scuba diving, with numerous diving spots that cater to divers of all levels. The island of Sardinia, for example, is known for its rich marine life and underwater caves, while the Aeolian Islands, off the coast of Sicily, are famous for their volcanic landscapes and vibrant underwater ecosystems.
The best scuba diving in Italy
The Italian peninsula is full of charming places for scuba divers, making it a difficult task to recommend the best destination to go scuba diving in Italy. Italian waters have something for everyone, including shipwrecks, caves, sunken walls and beautiful sea life.
The region of Liguria, and in particular the protected marine natural area of Portofino, just a few miles from Genoa, is undoubtedly one of the unmissable destinations for diving lovers, thanks to the wealth of corals, barracudas and natural beauty on offer. There are also manmade beauties to discover underwater there, like the world-famous “Christ of the Abyss” in San Fruttuoso.
Another great place for scuba diving in Italy can be found by visiting Elba Island in Tuscany. Here, you can pay an underwater visit to Punta della Madonna, while another must-see is Lampedusa, thanks to its crystal-clear waters and the wide variety of fish. These Italian waters truly hold their own with many of the most popular scuba diving destinations in the world, definitely putting Italy on world scuba diving map.
Snorkelling in Italy
Is there any good snorkelling in Italy?
Unlike scuba diving, snorkelling requires shallow, clear waters. Fortunately for avid snorkelling enthusiasts, Italy offers some unique and fascinating places to visit.
The best snorkelling in Italy
Snorkelling in Italy is becoming more popular and looking at the places best for snorkelling in Italy, these include the Miramare Protected Marine Reserve in Trieste (in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia) where you can see a wide range of wildlife consisting of molluscs, crustaceans and bony fish.
Italy continues to put itself on the snorkelling map back on Elba Island, with its rocky sea floor, clear Tyrrhenian waters, countless species of fish and a kaleidoscope of colours. This island is also one of the best places for snorkelling in Italy.
Heading to Naples, you can't afford to miss the fascinating underwater archaeological park of Baia di Pozzuoli. Experience a truly unique underwater world and visit a sunken Roman city with villas, statues and buildings of enormous archaeological value.
Finally, we also recommend snorkelling in the Aeolian Islands, whose biosphere has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You will be amazed by the wonderfully colourful world under the waves populated by mysterious creatures that will leave you breathless, including starfish, thousands of fish and coral reefs.
These are just a few examples, but Italy's extensive coastline offers numerous other snorkelling opportunities, with something to suit every preference and skill level.
No matter which water sport destination you choose in Italy, the country's coastline has something for everyone. When participating in water sports in Italy, remember that it's important to follow safety guidelines, consider weather conditions, and respect the environment to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience in many of the best places for water sports in Italy .
Cherry blossoms in Italy 2025: the best places to visit
Cherry blossoms, known as "fiori di ciliegio" in Italian, are admired for their beauty and symbolism in Italy. While Italy may not be as famous for its cherry blossoms as countries like Japan, there are still several regions where these delicate flowers bloom, offering stunning displays during the springtime.
The 3 best natural spas in Valle d'Aosta, Italy
Valle d'Aosta in Italy is one of the most captivating destinations for those seeking a rejuvenating spa experience. Surrounded by natural beauty and thermal springs, the region encircled by the Alps offers more than one option for those looking to relax and recharge. Discover some of the best and most famous spas in Valle d'Aosta, where you can soak in a hot bath while touching the snow with your hands.
Ideas for renovating your home in Italy: tips and inspirations for every need
Buying a home in Italy and renovating it to suit your family's needs is a decision that should never be taken lightly. It’s all too easy to go from feeling overwhelmed to achieving complete satisfaction. This is because navigating the right approach to managing the renovation process without losing your sanity can be challenging. In this guide, we’ll offer simple ideas for renovating your home, breaking down each step you can take to turn your house into the home of your dreams.
Venice Carnival 2025: all the traditions and the full programme
The Venice Carnival is one of the most iconic and renowned events in the world. With its traditional masks, lavish costumes, and a unique atmosphere that captivates the entire city, it is one of the most beautiful carnival celebrations in the world. If you want to take part this year, here’s everything you need to know about the Venice Carnival 2025 and how to plan your visit.
Carnival in Italy 2025: the best and most famous places to celebrate
Carnival in Italy is a vibrant and lively celebration held in the weeks leading up to Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and reflection before Easter. As its dates are determined by the lunar calendar, Carnival varies each year but typically falls in February or March. When is Carnival in Italy in 2025? This year Carnival is Italy will take place during the last 2 weeks of February and in some cases in March as well.
Valentine's Day in Italy, Spain and Portugal: history and traditions
The countdown is on for Valentine's day 2025, celebrated all over the world on 14th February, and we're getting in the mood for the most romantic day of the year.
The Italian cities with the worst air quality according to Legambiente
The year 2030 is fast approaching, marking a significant shift in environmental sustainability within EU member states. Yet, according to Legambiente, there is still much to be done in Italy. The Mal'Aria 2025 report lists the worst Italian cities for air quality, identifying 25 cities that exceeded the legal limits for PM10 over the past 12 months. Here’s the list.