Il Sale (Livorno)
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced to Expert
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Crowded
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Il Sale (Livorno) is a rocky reef/point break producing both left and right waves over flat rocks. The surf is described as hollow, fast, and powerful—while wave quality is often treated as a regional classic. Sessions typically start working around 1.0–1.5 m swell and can hold up to 3 m+ on larger days. The most favorable wind direction for wave shape is reported as East to North-East, which behaves as offshore at the spot and helps groom hollow barrels. The best swell is reported from the West to South-West, which matches both the seasonality and the hollow, powerful character of the break. The tide reference is mid (with additional indication that mid/high tide can work), and the wave can remain playable across rising and falling tides. Safety is a major concern: entry and exit are difficult on slippery rocky sections and the spot can involve rip currents and undertow, especially when swells build. Hazards mentioned include rocks/reef, sea urchins, and strong currents. Localism is also emphasized, and the lineup can be extremely crowded on weekends and busy when the wave is on. Overall, the spot is best treated as an advanced/expert surfing location. Recommended preparations include protective clothing and footwear suited to rocky access, plus careful planning for entry channels and timing with the swell. When conditions are rideable, expect a highly competitive and crowded lineup behavior and prioritize safe, respectful water conduct.
- Hollow, fast, powerful wave with both left and right options
- Offshore East to North-East wind supports barrel shape
- Autumn–winter swell window reported as best
- Powerful hollow point/reef break producing both left and right waves.
- Works reliably in the autumn–winter swell window with offshore East/North-East winds reported for grooming.
- A regional classic wave with ride lengths often usable on good days.
- Rocky access with tricky entry/exit and high injury risk (slippery rocks, sea urchins, sharp reef sections).
- Rip currents and undertow possible.
- Heavily local and extremely competitive lineup behavior; crowded when the swell is rideable.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, NE
- Offshore directions
- E, NE
- Wind Type
- Gradient — East to northeast wind regime reported for surfing conditions.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Reported light gusting during some sessions.
- Best Months
- October, November, December, January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- Coastline provides some shelter from north winds.
- Thermal Window
- Other · Afternoon · Months: Jun, Jul, Aug · Dir: E, N · Summer thermal breezes are reported for the wider area, but are described as usually detrimental for surf quality at the spot.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocky reef/flat rocks.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Sources describe it as flat-to-medium depending on conditions, with swell working starting around 1.0–1.5 m and building to 3 m+.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Chop is not quantified, but wind/currents can affect water state; beach is exposed.
- Launch
- Small — Difficult entry points due to rocks; timing with the swell is required.
Through the year
Very frequent in the summer; peak crowds on weekend days when waves are rideable.
Autumn and winter see the most storm activity and swell.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Reef/point break over flat rock producing both left and right waves; respected for powerful hollow shape and requires expert-level handling of the rocky hazards.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, SW
- Swell Height
- 1–3.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Mid and high tide referenced; rising and falling tides also noted as working.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef break.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore-preferred East or North-East winds are reported to groom the wave into hollow barrels.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size well and can become very heavy on larger swells (beyond around 3 m).
- Wave Quality
- Good — Reported as a regional classic; wave quality described as good.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Hollow, fast, and powerful wave described for the spot.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Hollow barrels reported.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Fast, hollow takeoffs reported.
- Ride Length
- Short — Normal rides are short; good day length reported as 50–150 meters.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Short rides (<50 m) are typical; good day ride length reported as 50–150 m. A source also references ~100 m typical on good days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Il Sale (Livorno) in the full forecast view.
Il Sale (Livorno) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–15 ktsGusts 26 kts
- Direction
- NE47°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2515 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–2.0 m4s period
- Temperature
- 11–21 °C
Over the next 7 days, Il Sale (Livorno) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 26 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.2–2.0 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
- Rocks
- Sharp reef/flat rocks
- Rip currents
- Undertow
- Sea urchins
- Localism
- Crowds
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported at the spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional rescue coordination described as limited; emergency number is 112 and a primary medical facility in Livorno is referenced.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital referenced: Ospedale di Livorno.
- Localism / Vibe
- Heavy — Localism reported as heavy; respect the local hierarchy and surf lineup behavior.
Rules of the spot
Respect the local lineup and wait your turn in the lineup; follow local surfers’ guidance and respect surf priorities.
- Not recommended for beginners due to rocky access hazards, currents, and heavy local competition.
- Be very careful during entry and exit because the rocky areas are slippery and timing with the swell matters.
- Watch the locals for the best entry channels.
- Conditions can be extremely crowded when waves are rideable—plan your entry/exit accordingly.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Livorno
- Nearest Town
- Livorno
- Parking
- Arrive by car needed; parking details are not specified but access depends on it.
- Access
- About 1 km north of the Livorno harbour; short walk of 5–15 minutes after arriving by car.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Italian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various hotels and guesthouses in Livorno and Antignano referenced.
- Food & Drink
- Several bars and restaurants located along the waterfront within walking distance.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental referenced in surf shops in Livorno city center.
- Gear Storage
- Not specifically provided for this exact spot; regional context references storage by local associations for longer-term visitors.
- Gear Repair
- Board repair services referenced via surf shops in Livorno.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Iconic checkerboard waterfront terrace with panoramic views of the Tuscan archipelago.
Aquarium on the seafront with Mediterranean and tropical marine life.
16th-century fortification at the entrance of the Medici Port.
Day trips to islands such as Gorgona and Capraia depart from the main port.
Historic quarter known for canals and traditional seafood restaurants serving Cacciucco.
Large urban park with green spaces and play areas for children.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Il Sale (Livorno)?
The best overall months at Il Sale (Livorno) are October, November, December, January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Il Sale (Livorno)?
Il Sale (Livorno) works with E, NE winds. Offshore directions are E, NE.
What skill level is Il Sale (Livorno) suitable for?
Il Sale (Livorno) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced to Expert.