Capo Mannu
The Mediterranean's big wave: a powerful reef right below the Sinis headland.
Capo Mannu is a reef below the cape of the same name on the Sinis peninsula. With a north-west maestrale swell, a powerful right breaks that holds a lot of size, considered one of the best waves in the Mediterranean.
It has hosted European tour events and draws Italy's best surfers.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | NW, W |
| Best wind (offshore) | SE, E, S |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 1.5–4 m |
| Best season | October to May |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| Localism | High |
Surf forecast
Loading the forecast…
Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A shortboard on medium days; a step-up or gun in big swell. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Capo Mannu
The water is around 14 °C in winter and 24 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
The autumn-to-spring suit for water at 12–16 °C.
View on AmazonFor water from 17 °C.
View on AmazonA shortboard leash won't hold in waves of several metres.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonRock or urchins on the bottom: protect your feet going in and out.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
A high-level, very competitive peak. If you don't know it, watch first and take the shoulder.
Surfing style
Powerful reef right with long walls and hollow sections.
Hazards
Rock, strong currents and big seas in a maestrale.
Map
Other spots nearby
San Vero Milis (Oristano)
Capo Mannu's little brother, with friendlier waves in the same bay.
Buggerru (Sud Sardegna)
An old mining village in the south-west with reefs that hold the maestrale.
Sassari
A bay of reddish sand between watchtowers, north of Alghero.
Cagliari
Cagliari's big city beach, with soft waves when the scirocco blows.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.