Acque Calde (Savona)
- Shortboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Acque Calde (Savona) is an exposed sandy beach break near Vado Ligure, known for unusually warm water in winter thanks to discharge from a nearby power station. That warmth is a big part of why the spot is often favored in colder months, even though summer conditions are typically less lively. Wave-wise, it’s described as reasonably consistent and capable of working at all tide stages. The break is generally on the exposed side, with short, punchy waves that peel and break over sand. Offshore wind grooming is described as important for best results, and the spot is commonly framed as a beginner-friendly option. Safety is a primary concern: the sea is specifically noted as polluted, and sources also mention rocks/industrial structures around the shoreline. Crowding can build when conditions are good, and there’s also mention of mild rip-current formation near a rocky jetty during larger swells. Treat the lineup like an urban, traffic-prone environment (and expect industrial proximity near the access area). In terms of timing, the most favorable period for surfing is winter, with a further emphasis that autumn and early spring can also offer good sessions. For access, the spot is easy to find by driving between Savona and Vado Ligure and parking close to the shoreline near the power-plant/rivermouth area.
- Warm water discharge makes winter sessions more comfortable
- Sandy urban beach break with surf at all tides
- Beginner-friendly wave characteristics
- Parking is generally straightforward (but weekends can fill up)
- Warm water year-round due to nearby power-plant discharge (more comfortable in winter)
- Beach break with reasonably consistent surf
- Works across all tide stages
- Beginner-friendly conditions are commonly described
- Sea pollution concerns
- Rocks/industrial features near the shoreline
- Can get crowded when surf is good
- Some wind variability (described as low reliability)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, S, SE
- Offshore directions
- N, NNE, NNW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Frontal systems associated with Ligurian/Savona wind patterns; spot-level sources describe a frontal wind regime.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- October, November, December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- The harbor wall provides some protection from North and North-East winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Often small, with working swell ranges described as roughly 0.5–1.5 m for best surfing.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach with a gentle slope.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Easy launch from a sandy, gently sloped beach.
Through the year
High crowds on weekends and during good winter swells; quieter during mid-week mornings.
Rainy season typically occurs in November and December.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Exposed urban beach break with reasonably consistent surf, generally best in winter. Summer tends to be mostly flat. Performs at all tide stages.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- SSE, SE, SW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- Works best with offshore North or North-East winds which groom the swell.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when the swell exceeds 2 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Average wave quality; reasonably consistent surf with shorter, punchier waves.
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Waves break over a sandy bottom and are generally short and punchy.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Short — Short rides; typical wave runs are described as punchy.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves are generally short and punchy, breaking over a sandy bottom.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Acque Calde (Savona) in the full forecast view.
Acque Calde (Savona) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–12 ktsGusts 28 kts
- Direction
- NNW333°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2412 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–1.0 m4s period
- Temperature
- 12–20 °C
Over the next 7 days, Acque Calde (Savona) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 28 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. Waves run 0.1–1.0 m with a period of about 4s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
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
- polluted sea
- rocks in the bottom
- crowds
- proximity to industrial harbor traffic
- pollution concerns after heavy rain
- mild rip currents near the rocky jetty during larger swells
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Savona Hospital is the nearest medical facility.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the locals in the lineup.
- Seasonal swimming zones in summer
- Respect the locals.
- Be aware that the sea here is polluted.
- If crowds build up during good swell, plan entry/exit calmly and stay aware of lineup traffic.
- Name relates to warm water discharge from a nearby power plant, which can make winter sessions more comfortable.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Savona
- Nearest Town
- Vado Ligure
- Parking
- No problems with parking; street parking is available along the beachfront road, though it can fill up quickly on weekends.
- Access
- Easily accessible via the SS1 Aurelia road between Savona and Vado Ligure. Exit highway at Savona and reach Vado Ligure; park just in front of the wave. The spot is located just in front of a power station near the rivermouth.
- Local Language
- Italian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Hotels and apartments are available in Savona and Vado Ligure.
- Food & Drink
- Several beach bars and restaurants are located directly on the Zinola promenade.
- Equipment Rental:
- Limited rental options on the beach; bring your own gear if possible.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Acque Calde (Savona)?
The best overall months at Acque Calde (Savona) are January, February, March, October, November, December. The best wind months are October, November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Acque Calde (Savona)?
Acque Calde (Savona) works with SW, S, SE winds. Offshore directions are N, NNE, NNW.
What skill level is Acque Calde (Savona) suitable for?
Acque Calde (Savona) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.