Acciaroli (Pollica)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freeride, Foil
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Small waves
Spot Type
Busy
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Acciaroli (Pollica) is a small-waves beach spot on the Cilento coast with clean water and a sandy, medium-sized launch area (primarily from the main sandy beach). The water clarity is consistently excellent in the area, and the spot’s setup makes it workable for riders who want straightforward beach access and generally light conditions near the shore. For wind sports, the key attraction is the dependable summer thermal flow from the northwest (Maestrale). It typically develops during clear afternoons (about 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM), with good seasonal timing from April through September. Wind can be more variable outside summer, depending on frontal weather patterns. Kitesurfing is the best match, especially for freeride/foil and also wave styles when conditions line up. Typical kite wind range is reported around 12–22 knots, with light gustiness during the thermal. Windsurfing and wingfoiling also suit the afternoon breeze, with enough depth beyond the shore to support foil progression. Safety-wise, you should plan for seasonal crowding and swimmer presence: in July and August the beach becomes very crowded, and local rules may require using designated lanes and avoiding kiting close to shore in swimming areas. For calmer, more manageable sessions, late afternoon is usually best when the thermal peaks; when in doubt, confirm current access and launch rules with local operators and be mindful of umbrellas and other beach users.

  • Clean, small-wave beach conditions
  • Reliable afternoon NW thermal winds in warmer months
  • High water clarity associated with Blue Flag recognition in the region
  • Good setup for freeride and foiling disciplines
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing foilWingfoil freerideWindsurfing freerideWindsurfing foilFamilies
What's great
  • Clean, small-wave environment with reliable summer thermal winds
  • Blue-flag quality water clarity commonly recognized in the region
  • Good conditions for freeride and foil disciplines in the afternoon
Heads up
  • Very crowded in July and August
  • Lanes/access rules may restrict where you can launch or ride during peak summer
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NNW, NW, W, SW, SSE
Wind Range
12–22 kts
Wind Type
Thermal — Reliable NW thermal Maestrale in summer; more dependent on weather fronts in the off-season.
Reliability
High during the summer for thermal winds; more dependent on weather fronts in the off-season.
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
April, May, June, July, August, September
Shadow Zones
The harbor wall can create a small wind shadow if the direction is very tight to the north.

Water & beach

Water Type
Small waves
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small
Launch
Medium — Launched from the sandy beach (primarily Spiaggia Grande).
Launch Difficulty
Moderate

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
13–28 °C
Water Temperature
10–34 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb: 4/3mm or 5/4mmJun–Sep: shorty or lycraMar–Nov: 3/2mm or 4/3mm for spring and autumnDec: 5/4mm for winter
Crowds by Season

Extremely crowded in July and August; peaceful and spacious in spring and autumn.

Storm/Rain Season

Rain is most common from November through March.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Small-waves spot with clean water. Works with sideshore winds from the NNW and SSE sectors; summer thermal winds are typically the most reliable.

WaveFreerideFoilStrapless
Kite Sizes
9–14 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Suitable for windsurfing, especially for freeride and foil enthusiasts during the afternoon breeze.

FreerideFoil
Sail Sizes
5.5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Well-suited for wingfoiling due to consistent side-onshore thermal winds and deep enough water beyond the shore.

Foil Friendly
Yes
Min Depth
2 meters
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingSkill Level

Occasional surfable waves occur during strong South-Westerly or Westerly swells.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
SW, W
Swell Height
0.5–1.5 m
Optimal Tide
All tides
Shelter
Exposed
Wind Effect
South-westerly winds can cause significant chop.
Bigger Swell
Closes out when the swell is too large.
Wave Quality
Average
Wave Power
Soft
Wave Shape
Mushy
Peel Speed
Slow
Ride Length
Short — Quick beach break rides that are often messy with wind.
Typical Ride Length
30–50 m
Ride Length Details
Quick beach break rides that are often messy with wind.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Acciaroli (Pollica) in the full forecast view.

Acciaroli (Pollica) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–11 ktsGusts 19 kts
Direction
NW318°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2411 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.1–1.7 m5s period
Temperature
12–21 °C

Over the next 7 days, Acciaroli (Pollica) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 19 kts. The prevailing direction is NW. Waves run 0.1–1.7 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • swimmers
  • beach-umbrellas
  • offshore-winds
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeashHarness

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Coastguard monitoring is present, with seasonal nautical rescue services active during peak summer months.
Emergency Info
112 is the general emergency number; nearest major medical facilities are in Vallo della Lucania (San Luca Hospital).

Rules of the spot

Avoid kiting close to shore in swimming areas during summer months; use designated lanes when provided (particularly during peak season). Local regulations may require lane use between June and September.

Restrictions
  • No kiting close to shore in swimming areas during summer months
  • Use lanes when provided
Local Tips
  • Best conditions are often in the late afternoon when the thermal wind peaks.
  • Check with local lidos for current access rules as they can change annually.
  • In July and August the beach becomes very crowded—plan your launch/landing space carefully.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Salerno
Nearest Town
Pollica
Parking
Paid parking is available along the road and in designated lots near the beach, though it is very crowded in summer.
Access
From Agropoli along the coast until you reach Acciaroli
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Italian
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous hotels, bed and breakfasts, and holiday apartments are located within Acciaroli town.
Food & Drink
Many seaside restaurants and bars serving local Cilento cuisine.
Equipment Rental:
Available through seasonal water sports centers and regional kite/wind-focused schools.
Gear Storage
Offered by a few regional clubs and specialized schools during high season.
Gear Repair
Basic repair services may be available via local schools; major repairs may require transit to Salerno.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

A family-friendly destination with slow tourism, high-quality local cuisine, and an emphasis on environmental respect; outdoor activities pair well with cultural visits nearby.

Best time to visit: June or September offer the best balance of warm weather, consistent wind, and fewer crowds.
Cilento and Vallo di Diano National ParkEncompassing region

A vast protected area offering hiking, diverse flora, and pristine landscapes.

Archaeological Park of Paestum45 km

Ancient Greek city featuring three of the world's best-preserved Doric temples.

Velia Ruins20 km

The site of the Eleatic school of philosophy and ancient Roman city ruins.

Hiking the Sentiero degli Innamorati10 km

Scenic coastal trekking route offering panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Historical Port of AcciaroliLocal

Local seafood restaurants and bars in a historic seafront area.

Boat excursions to Cape Palinuro35 km

Guided boat tours to see sea caves and the Blue Grotto of Cilento.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Acciaroli (Pollica)?

The best overall months at Acciaroli (Pollica) are April, May, June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at Acciaroli (Pollica)?

Acciaroli (Pollica) works with NNW, NW, W, SW, SSE winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Acciaroli (Pollica)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Acciaroli (Pollica): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–22 kts.

What skill level is Acciaroli (Pollica) suitable for?

Acciaroli (Pollica) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.