La Secca (Moneglia)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
La Secca (Moneglia) is a beach-break surf spot on the Ligurian coast known for fast, peeling waves that show up primarily on South-West swells. When conditions line up, it can deliver ride lengths typically around 50 to 150 meters, with longer sets on the better days. The spot is described as a regional classic, but it is also noted to work only sometimes, so sessions can be hit-or-miss. Wave performance is strongest with SW swell directions and swell size beginning around roughly 1.0–1.5m, with the spot continuing up toward about 2.5m before conditions become significantly more demanding. Peeling characteristics are repeatedly emphasized, but larger swell brings more risk: stronger currents and rip-current potential are mentioned alongside the fact that rocks are present in and around the surf zone. Rocks also become more exposed around low tide, so timing matters. Wind at La Secca is described as generally frontal, with best surf opportunities tied to SW/South setups while offshore influence from the North-East can help. Wind reliability is characterized as low to inconsistent in winter, often depending on Mediterranean storm systems. For planning, the best winter swell window is repeatedly highlighted, and rainfall/storm activity is most frequent later in autumn. Access is straightforward: the launch is essentially a sandy entry with short walking distance near a football camp/nearby campsite area. Crowds tend to be low overall and weekdays are typically quiet, though weekends can become very busy when a good swell arrives. Despite the limited crowd, locals’ presence is an important consideration—respect the local lineup and avoid disturbing others.
- Works on SW swells with left and right waves
- Peeling, fast wave character when conditions are right
- Crowd is usually low; watch for weekend spikes with good swells
- Rocks and currents increase with swell size—plan accordingly
- Peeling, fast waves on South-West swells
- Regional classic reputation for wave quality when it’s on
- Not very crowded overall; weekday crowds are generally few
- Easy to find/near a football camp with short walking access
- Works only occasionally/inconsistently
- Rocks and submerged hazards in the surf zone
- Currents/rip risk increases on larger swells
- Larger waves become challenging above roughly 2m
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, S
- Offshore directions
- NNE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind is described as frontal; best conditions typically involve SW/Southern systems with offshore influence at times.
- Reliability
- inconsistent
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusting reported; wind can rely on Mediterranean winter storm patterns.
- Best Months
- January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- The bay is somewhat sheltered from Northern winds by the surrounding hills.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Sand with sandy/rock-mixed bottom sections near edges.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Also described as medium by another provider; works from about 1.0–1.5m upward.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Water type is described as chop.
- Launch
- Small — Sandy beach entry; access typically quick (<5 min walking). Entry can be narrow depending on tide/season.
Through the year
Quiet on weekdays during winter; can become very crowded on weekends when a good swell arrives.
Rainy weather most frequent in late autumn (October–November). Regional context also notes storm surges and rainfall peak from October to December.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A regional classic beach break that works primarily on South-West swells, producing left and right waves that can be fast and peeling. It can be inconsistent and more challenging with larger swells due to rocks and currents.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — All tides are indicated as workable; best tide movement is also mentioned.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — One view calls it semi-sheltered; another describes it as exposed. Treat as mixed/exposed depending on conditions.
- Wind Effect
- Best with light offshore winds from the North-East or calm conditions; offshore influence from NNE is mentioned.
- Bigger Swell
- Maintains shape up to around 2.5m though currents become significant; challenging above 2m with strong currents.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Regional classic/regional classic wave quality; described as good with occasional better outcomes.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Described as fast and powerful; also characterized as moderate in some spot-specific notes.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling waves are repeatedly described.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Some sources describe medium peel speed; another notes fast peeling.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal rides reported around 50–150m; good days extending to about 150–300m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Normal length commonly 50–150m; good days can reach roughly 150–300m; one source states typical normal rides between 50 and 150m with extension up to 300m.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for La Secca (Moneglia) in the full forecast view.
La Secca (Moneglia) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–9 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- NNE23°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 259 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–1.6 m5s period
- Temperature
- 11–20 °C
Over the next 7 days, La Secca (Moneglia) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.1–1.6 m with a period of about 5s. 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
- Submerged rocks near edges/sea floor
- Rip currents near rocky groynes and the eastern point during large swells
- Localism
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are described as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — One source explicitly indicates no rescue availability at the spot; regional context notes lifeguards may be seasonal on public/private beaches.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major hospital services referenced in Sestri Levante; Italy emergency number is 112.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Localism is noted as a hazard; local guidance emphasizes not disturbing the locals.
Rules of the spot
Respect local lineup/crew; standard etiquette; avoid disturbing locals.
- Designated swimming areas may be restricted during summer months.
- Best conditions can follow a strong Libeccio (SW) wind once it dies down or turns offshore.
- Waves are more exposed around low tide; rocks are also more exposed at low tide levels.
- Spot isn’t very crowded, but it’s best not to disturb the locals.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Moneglia
- Nearest Town
- Moneglia
- Parking
- Limited parking near the football field and along the coastal road; also noted as parking available by car and visible from the road near a football camp.
- Public Transport
- Accessible by train; regional rail connectivity is referenced via the Genoa–La Spezia line with Moneglia station within walking distance of the coast.
- Access
- Near the La Secca campsite; instant access (< 5 min walking distance). Can only arrive by car; spot is visible from the road near a football camp; alternatively accessible by car via coastal tunnels or by train (walking from the coast/eastern end of the beach).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Italian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various hotels and holiday apartments are available in Moneglia.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous cafes and restaurants are within walking distance in the town center.
- Equipment Rental:
- Local surfing equipment rental may be available via local surf shops/surf facilities, though none are located directly at the peak.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage described as limited to local surf clubs and private lidi.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
UNESCO World Heritage site with five iconic fishing villages accessible by train or boat.
Remains of a 12th-century Genoese fortress overlooking the bay.
Coastal trails offering panoramic views of the Riviera di Levante.
Traditional Ligurian eateries scattered throughout the historic center.
Pedestrian-friendly coastal walk with playgrounds and gelato shops.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at La Secca (Moneglia)?
The best overall months at La Secca (Moneglia) are October, November, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at La Secca (Moneglia)?
La Secca (Moneglia) works with SW, S winds. Offshore directions are NNE.
What skill level is La Secca (Moneglia) suitable for?
La Secca (Moneglia) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.