Varazze (La Secca)
Italy's most famous wave: a powerful reef right in front of Varazze's promenade.
La Secca at Varazze is a reef in front of the seafront that, with a south-east or south swell, opens a long, powerful right, considered by many the best wave in Italy. It has hosted national and European championships.
It only works a few days a year, and on those days the peak is packed with surfers from all over northern Italy.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Right |
| Level | Expert |
| Best swell | SE, S, SW |
| Best wind (offshore) | N, NW |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 1–3 m |
| Best season | October to April |
| Crowd | Heavy |
| Localism | High |
Surf forecast
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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; a step-up in big swell. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Varazze (La Secca)
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 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 very competitive peak with highly skilled locals. If you don't know the wave, watch and take the shoulder.
Surfing style
Fast reef right with walls and barrel sections.
Hazards
Rock bottom, currents in big swell and a crowded peak.
Map
Shapers near Varazze (La Secca)
Order a board designed for these waves from a local shaper.
Other spots nearby
Genova
Genoa's urban spot, with rocky peaks in front of the Sturla neighbourhood.
Laigueglia / Andora (Savona)
A right-hand point below the cape, one of the longest waves on the Riviera di Ponente.
Levanto (La Spezia)
The surf beach of the Riviera di Levante, on the doorstep of the Cinque Terre.
Forte dei Marmi (Lucca)
The Versilia beaches by Forte dei Marmi's pier, the cradle of Tuscan surfing.
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Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.