Acque Calde (Savona)

Surfing
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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)
Great for
Surfing shortboardBeginners
What's great
  • 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
Heads up
  • Sea pollution concerns
  • Rocks/industrial features near the shoreline
  • Can get crowded when surf is good
  • Some wind variability (described as low reliability)
Was this description helpful?
Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
14–27 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Mar, Apr: 5/4mm
Crowds by Season

High crowds on weekends and during good winter swells; quieter during mid-week mornings.

Storm/Rain Season

Rainy season typically occurs in November and December.

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed urban beach break with reasonably consistent surf, generally best in winter. Summer tends to be mostly flat. Performs at all tide stages.

Beach break
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.
Forecast

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.

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

  • 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
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitLeash

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.

Restrictions
  • Seasonal swimming zones in summer
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Toilets
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.