Chiavari-Entella

Chiavari-Entella is a surf spot on the Liguria coast of mainland Italy, near the town of Chiavari, at the mouth of the Entella River. It’s a river-mouth beach break with a mostly sandy bottom, which makes it one of the more approachable waves in the area.

What it’s like

• Wave type: Beach break / river-mouth setup
• Bottom: Sand
• Best for: Beginners to intermediate surfers, depending on swell size and conditions
• Typical vibe: Local, mellow, and highly dependent on weather and swell direction

Surf conditions

• Works best with NW swells and favorable wind conditions, often offshore northerly winds.
• Because it’s on the Ligurian Sea, surf is usually smaller and less consistent than major Atlantic or Pacific surf regions.
• When a good swell hits, it can produce clean, short-period waves that break both left and right.

Things to know

• The spot can be affected by river outflow, which may change sandbars and wave quality.
• Crowds can build when conditions are good, especially since quality surf in northern Italy is relatively limited.
• Water can be cool, so a wetsuit is usually needed much of the year.

Best season

• Autumn and winter are generally the best periods for surf in Liguria, thanks to stronger storm activity and more frequent swell.
• Spring can also work, while summer is often smaller and less reliable.