Il Cartello (Ansedonia)

Il Cartello (Ansedonia) is an exposed beach-and-point break on Italy’s west coast that produces left-hand waves. Multiple datasets agree it starts working at under 1m and can hold well beyond 3m, with a longer ride potential commonly described around 50–150m normally and up to roughly 150–300m on better days. The most favorable pattern described is a south-linked swell (including south-southwest) that wraps the point, paired with north/north-east winds that tend to act as offshore flow. One dataset also notes the spot is highly sensitive to swell direction—without the right south or south-east energy wrapping around the point, the wave may not set up properly. Bottom conditions are generally sandy with rocks and boulders near the riding area, and one source warns about currents/rip currents especially near rocks and the cliff during larger swells. Overall difficulty is described as easy to find for access and suitable across all surfers in one dataset, while another dataset characterizes surf ability needs around beginner to intermediate. Crowding is described as typically quiet on weekdays (empty or nearly empty) with only a few surfers on weekends, though one dataset adds that it can become busier during strong weekend swells in winter and mentions swimmer crowds in summer. For conditions, the wave is reported to work across all tides, and at least one dataset states that tide does not noticeably affect surf quality.