Golfe de Lava
A sandy bay north of Ajaccio, more sheltered than Capo di Feno.
The Gulf of Lava is a sandy bay north of the Parata point, about twenty minutes from Ajaccio. It gets the west swell slightly filtered, so its waves are usually more manageable than Capo di Feno's.
It's a good option on days when the exposed spots are too big.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | W, NW |
| Best wind (offshore) | E, SE |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 0.5–2 m |
| Best season | October to April |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | Low |
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 funboard, shortboard or fish. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Golfe de Lava
The water is around 13 °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 AmazonThe safest, easiest board to learn on here.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
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
Few people.
Surfing style
Beach break.
Hazards
Rocks at both ends of the bay.
Map
Other spots nearby
Ajaccio (Corse-du-Sud)
Corsica's most famous spot: a wild beach west of Ajaccio, open to every swell.
Casaglione / Coggia (Corse-du-Sud)
The mouth of the Liamone river in the Gulf of Sagone, with very good sandbanks.
Algajola (Haute-Corse)
The long beach of a Balagne village between Calvi and L'Île-Rousse.
Palasca (Haute-Corse)
An unspoilt beach among the dunes at the foot of the Agriates desert.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.