Quick facts
- Wave type
- Pebble beach break beside the harbour wall
- Best swell
- SW
- Best wind
- N offshore
- Tide
- Mid
- Best months
- Nov – Mar
- Consistency
- 2/5
- Crowd
- Moderate crowd
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
About this break
Tucked into the Golfo Paradiso east of Genoa, Recco is a short, steep pebble break that comes alive only on bigger south-west swells that push past Portofino. When it works the wave is quick and hollow, breaking close to shore beside the harbour wall, and the session usually lasts as long as the swell peak — a few hours rather than a few days. It is a local wave, best surfed with a bit of patience and a good forecast.
Practical info
Check the forecast carefully — Recco needs more swell than Levanto to break. Genoa is twenty minutes away by train or car.
Hazards
Round pebbles make entries and exits awkward; shore break can be heavy at low water.
Parking
Limited paid parking along the seafront road.
Access
Steps and ramps from the promenade down to the pebbles.
Family friendliness
Not recommended for families or beginners.
Photos
Location
44.3618, 9.1436
Season chart
Months shaded in colour are when this break usually works.
Frequently asked questions
Is Recco good for beginners?
Recco is rated intermediate. It is not the right place for a first session — build up at an easier beach in Liguria before paddling out here.
When is the best time to surf Recco?
Recco works best between Nov – Mar (January, February, March, November, December). Mediterranean swell is short-lived, so watch the forecast and travel on 24 to 48 hours' notice rather than booking months ahead.
What conditions does Recco need?
It needs a SW swell with N offshore wind and works best mid. The wave is a pebble beach break beside the harbour wall.
Is Recco crowded?
Recco is moderate crowd. Consistency is rated 2 out of 5, so the best swells concentrate everyone into the same short window — arrive early and share waves.
How do you get to Recco?
Steps and ramps from the promenade down to the pebbles. Limited paid parking along the seafront road.
Closest breaks
Straight-line distance — useful for a plan B when the wind swings.
Guides featuring this break
Long-form context for planning a trip around it.
This morning's local report
Local expert wanted at Recco
Nobody is calling this break yet. If you surf here regularly, you can own this slot: one 60-second report each morning, and your name, photo and Instagram sit at the top of this page for everyone checking the spot.
- It's volunteer — we have no money and we won't pretend otherwise.
- Your Instagram @ is credited and linked on every report you post.
- Takes under a minute: the form pre-fills from the live forecast.
Live conditions
See live conditionsLive data unavailable right now.
Model data from Open-Meteo marine and weather forecasts. Treat it as a planning tool, never as a substitute for checking the water yourself.
Other spots nearby in Liguria
IntermediateLiguriaLevanto
Levanto is the best-known wave in Liguria and the traditional gateway to Italian surfing. The wide bay at the northern edge of the Cinque Terre catches south-west libeccio swell and organises it into rideable left and right peaks along the sand, with the cleanest banks usually found towards the northern end near the breakwater. On a mid-sized swell with north-east wind the wave is punchy but manageable — hollow enough to be fun, forgiving enough to progress on.
- Best months
- Oct – Apr
- Consistency
- 3/5
- Crowd
- Often crowded
AdvancedLiguriaVarazze
Varazze is the closest thing Liguria has to a world-class wave. When a strong libeccio swell wraps into the bay, a long, fast right-hander peels off the reef at Il Ponte, throwing sections that regularly draw the best surfers in northern Italy. It is a serious wave: shallow, crowded, and unforgiving of mistakes on the take-off. On smaller days the nearby beach and rivermouth banks offer a far friendlier alternative.
- Best months
- Oct – Mar
- Consistency
- 3/5
- Crowd
- Often crowded