Why choose Sicily for a surfing holiday

Who says you have to travel to the coast of California or some exotic island to go surfing? Italy also offers a number of places where you can have fun riding the waves: one of these is Sicily. With its hundreds of kilometres of coastline, this region is one of the most fascinating destinations in the whole of the Mediterranean for lovers of this sport. 
Surfing in Sicily is the best choice for anyone looking for a wide variety of landscapes and conditions to suit all levels of experience, from complete beginners to the most seasoned surfers.

As well as the quality of the waves, what makes surfing in Sicily so special is the setting in which each session is enjoyed: heading out into the water with a volcano in the background or riding the waves alongside the sea stacks are experiences that transform a simple trip out to sea into a journey of discovery throughout the region.

In this guide, we will take you on a journey to discover the best spots for surfing in Sicily, with a focus on the main resorts along the east coast, from Catania to the Gulf of Naxos and Syracuse: you will find information on the key features, the level of difficulty and useful tips to help you choose the spot best suited to your needs.

The best surfing spots in the Catania area

So, where can you go surfing in Sicily? We will start with the Catania coastline, which offers plenty of opportunities to ride the waves during tidal surges driven by the Levant, Gregale and Sirocco winds. From the long Playa beach, perfect for learners, to the picturesque sea stacks of Aci Trezza and the beach at San Giovanni Li Cuti, every spot around Catania offers a different yet equally memorable experience.

La Playa in Catania

One of the most famous surfing spots in Sicily is La Playa, Catania’s central beach and the perfect destination for enjoying a wide range of sporting activities, from riding the waves on your surfboard to windsurfing, not to mention snorkelling and beach volleyball matches. 

La Playa is an extensive golden sandy beach, stretching for 18 km from Agnone Bagni, in the province of Syracuse, to the southern outskirts of Catania. It embraces several seaside villages and, as well as being popular for its various sporting activities, is also known as a favourite destination for both tourists and locals for its nightlife.

Why go surfing at La Playa: 

• A sandy seabed that makes it less risky for beginners.

• Plenty of parking spaces and services.

• Surf schools and equipment hire facilities.

• Regular waves during tidal surges from the east and south-east.

• Directly accessible from the centre of Catania and the airport.

Recommended level: beginner and intermediate, as well as learners.

San Giovanni Li Cuti

The heart of the city of Catania is home to one of Sicily’s most iconic spots: San Giovanni Li Cuti. This small beach of black volcanic sand is surrounded by basalt cliffs and offers an extraordinary and much-celebrated setting: it is probably the island’s most picturesque urban surf spot.

The waves here are less frequent than at Playa, but during the most intense tidal surges, the full potential of this area really emerges, with its point break very close to the rocks; for this very reason, a good level of skill is recommended.

Why go surfing in San Giovanni Li Cuti:

• A spectacular panorama with views of Mount Etna.

• An authentic atmosphere.

• A historic hotspot for the Catania surfing community.

• Easy to get to without a car.

Recommended level: intermediate or advanced.

The sea stacks of Aci Trezza

If you want to go surfing in Sicily, you simply must stop off at Aci Trezza and admire its famous sea stacks: an area renowned for its great historical significance, with the rocks having been designated as part of the Sicilian Region’s Strict Nature Reserves in 1998. A spectacular and adventurous setting that thrills water sports enthusiasts. 

For fans of mythology, there is also a little morsel of trivia linked to this place. The Odyssey recounts the legend of the origin of this area: the sea stacks of Aci Trezza allegedly arose from the wrath of the Cyclops Polyphemus, who is said to have hurled the enormous boulders in an attempt to stop Odysseus from escaping.

Why choose the sea stacks of Aci Trezza:

• A unique setting steeped in historical charm.

• Spectacular views of Mount Etna and the Riviera dei Ciclopi.

• Crystal-clear waters and a natural environment of great beauty.

• An experience that offers an alternative to the classic sandy beach breaks of eastern Sicily.

Recommended level: intermediate and expert surfers.

Surfing in Giardini Naxos

If you are wondering where to go surfing in Sicily, one essential destination is Giardini Naxos. It is situated about 8 km from the town of Taormina and, until the 1970s, was a small fishing village: over time, it has developed into a central destination on the east coast, and today it is renowned as one of the most popular and highly regarded seaside resorts. 

Here, the stunning cobalt-blue sea and the ever-clear sky provide the ideal backdrop for a great surfing session: among the famous beaches of Giardini Naxos are Porticciolo Saia beach and Schisò beach.

Schisò Beach

Schisò Beach is the main spot for wave surfing in the Gulf of Naxos. Situated in the southern part of the bay, it is well exposed to tidal surges driven by the Levant and Gregale winds and can produce orderly, easily readable waves during the autumn and winter months.

The presence of an ample sandy beach makes this spot accessible even to less experienced surfers, whilst the view, dominated by Taormina and Mount Etna, helps make every session particularly appealing.

Why choose Schisò Beach:

• A prevalently sandy seabed.

• Good exposure to weather systems originating from the Ionian Sea.

• Waves suitable for beginner and intermediate surfers.

• Ease of access and availability of tourist facilities nearby.

• One of the most scenic spots in eastern Sicily for surfing.

Recommended level: beginner and intermediate.

Porticciolo Saia Beach: the most secluded spot in the Gulf of Naxos

Porticciolo Saia beach is one of the spots least frequently mentioned in tourist guides but, at the same time, much loved by local surfers when conditions are right. Indeed, the coastline’s distinctive shape and the natural shelter provided by the bay means that surfers have to wait for the winds to blow from the south-east, creating tidal surges that are fun to ride.

Why choose Porticciolo Saia: 

• A quieter and less crowded atmosphere.

• An excellent setting.

• Ideal for quick sessions during winter tidal surges.

• Frequented above all by the local surfing community.

Recommended level: intermediate.

Where to go surfing in Syracuse

Continuing along the eastern coast, the final stop on our surfing trip in Sicily takes us to Syracuse: here, the coastline becomes more varied, alternating long sandy beaches and rocky stretches that offer more technical waves. It is precisely because of this variety of conditions that the Syracuse area is regarded by many local surfers as one of the most well-rounded in eastern Sicily.

Fontane Bianche: the surfing capital of the Syracuse area

The beach at Fontane Bianche is probably the best-known surf spot in the province of Syracuse and is one of the best beach breaks in south-eastern Sicily. The long, light-coloured sandy beach and the even seabed encourage waves to form during Scirocco tidal surges, although a bit of patience is required to wait for the perfect day. 

Why choose Fontane Bianche:

• An ideal spot for learning.

• An entirely sandy seabed.

• Schools and instructors in the area.

• Easy access, even for families.

• Enjoyable sessions throughout most of the winter season.

Recommended level: beginner and intermediate.

Arenella: gentle waves and a relaxed atmosphere

Arenella is about a 15-minute drive from Syracuse and is a beach that generally offers calmer conditions than Fontane Bianche: the waves tend to be less powerful and are therefore particularly suitable for initial rides and for those learning the basics of the take-off and how to manoeuvre the board.

Why choose Arenella:

• A spot suitable for surf schools.

• Shallow waters and a sandy seabed.

• An ideal setting for families.

• Less crowded waters than in the leading spots.

Recommended level: absolute beginners.

Punta Asparano: the most technical spot for surfing in Syracuse

Punta Asparano is one of the spots most favoured by local surfers during the big winter tidal surges. The presence of rocky seabeds and reefs generates faster and more powerful waves than the beach breaks in the area.

When the conditions are right, this stretch of coastline can offer some of the best waves in eastern Sicily.

Why choose Punta Asparano:

• More powerful and high-performance waves.

• A spot popular with experienced surfers.

• An unspoilt natural setting.

• Great potential during the most intense storms.

Recommended level: intermediate, advanced and expert.

Ognina and Plemmirio: the wildest surfing in eastern Sicily

The stretch of sea between Ognina and Plemmirio offers several entry points that are used by local surfers during the most powerful tidal surges. There is no single, identifiable spot, but rather a series of small bays and rocky outcrops which can behave differently depending on the direction of the swell.

Why choose Ognina and Plemmirio:

• A spectacular natural setting.

• Crystal-clear waters.

• Places little known to mass tourism.

• High potential during the winter.

Recommended level: Expert and local surfers.

Where to stay for a surfing holiday in Catania

The Palace Catania | UNA Esperienze is the ideal hotel for a stay in Catania to enjoy a few days in one of Italy’s most beloved cities: situated on the very central Via Etnea, this hotel is ready to welcome you for your surfing holiday in Sicily. Here you will find rooms and suites featuring contemporary furnishings and enhanced by details that reflect a strong connection to the local area, such as Militello ceramics.

Furthermore, at its restaurant with a panoramic terrace, the Etnea Roof Bar & Restaurant, you can enjoy an aperitif or sample traditional local dishes while enjoying a unique view of the city and Mount Etna!

Where to stay between Taormina and Giardini Naxos

If you have been enchanted by the beaches of Giardini Naxos, the UNA Hotels Naxos Beach Sicilia is the perfect place to stay for a few days in this resort, set at the foot of Mount Etna, surrounded by a lush citrus grove which, during the warmer months, enchants guests with its fragrances. 

This resort is ideally situated for accessing the main beaches and offers a wide range of facilities to suit every need: for example, it features no fewer than four swimming pools, including one Olympic-sized pool and two dedicated to children. The area features a bar, sun loungers and parasols, so you can relax whenever you like.

However, UNA Hotels Naxos Beach Sicilia also caters for sports enthusiasts: here you will find a range of facilities, including padel courts, tennis courts and football pitches, so you can have fun and keep fit while staying at the hotel. If, on the other hand, you would like to treat yourself to a rejuvenating experience, you can make use of the Wellness Centre and the special treatments it offers.

Lastly, the private beach: accessible directly from the resort, it is perfect for enjoying the splendid atmosphere of the Gulf of Naxos in peace and quiet.

Where to stay to explore Syracuse and south-eastern Sicily

Situated just a short walk from the sea, the UNA Hotels One Siracusa offers 44 spacious and luxurious rooms and suites, ideal for a stay that combines convenience, comfort and elegance.

Among the many services on offer, we would like to highlight the renowned Akademia restaurant: here, with a mix of classic dishes and modern interpretations, you can savour refined dishes that evoke the most authentic flavours of Sicily’s east coast. The highlight of the hotel is the Sky Roof Bar, which, from sunset onwards, is a place for relaxation, socialising and events, offering guests the chance to enjoy a good drink while admiring the Syracuse skyline.

 
You will also find a spa and wellness centre where you can enjoy a rejuvenating experience, featuring a hammam carved into the rock, a Thalasso pool, a salt cave and a fitness room, allowing you to alternate a good workout with moments of total physical and mental regeneration.

Whether you are a keen surfer or you have always dreamt of taking up the sport but have never found the perfect spot, eastern Sicily is the ideal destination for you. From Catania to Giardini Naxos, all the way to Syracuse: choose the best base for your surfing trip and enjoy the summer riding the waves, surrounded by the region’s unique scenery. Book your stay at one of the UNA Italian Hospitality properties and set off to discover the best spots along Sicily’s east coast.