Procchio (Elba Island)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Shortboard, Families
Best for
Beginner to Intermediate
Skill Level
Chop, Mixed
Spot Type
Moderate
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Procchio is a sandy north-coast bay that is mainly a summer surf area, with the surf character shifting toward a point-break setup when the right swell and wind align. Wave direction can produce both left and right options, though normal rides are often short (<50 m) unless conditions are ideal. Overall wave quality is described as good, with moderate power. The main safety considerations are localized: rocks at the point/edges of the bay mean surfers need to be attentive when positioning and when lines drift. During stormier periods, rip currents can become a factor. In summer, crowds can increase and water activities may be regulated to protect swimmers—use designated launch channels and respect swimming-area restrictions during peak hours. Wind and surf quality are tightly connected. Surf tends to be best when winds are low or offshore/light and when North through West swells are present; sources also note that onshore winter wind makes the spot difficult and very cold. For wind sports, the area is also described as versatile: thermal sea-breeze influence is typical in summer (often building into the afternoon window), and wind/wave activities are possible across different seasons depending on conditions. In terms of timing, summer months are the most consistent for beach conditions and family-friendly access, while cooler months are suggested for wind/swell opportunities with more variable weather (including increased rain). Water temperatures range from the mid-teens in winter up to the mid-20s in late summer, supporting seasonal wetsuit changes.

  • Point-break character with rights and lefts on North/NW/West swells
  • Easy launch from a wide sandy beach
  • Seasonal lifeguards and clear summer restrictions for shared water use
Great for
Surfing shortboardFamiliesBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Reliable summer beach-to-point break setup for surfing with both lefts and rights
  • Wide sandy bay and easy launch access
  • Good support infrastructure for multiple water sports (amenities and schools/rentals)
Heads up
  • Rocks at the point create a hazard when surfing
  • Winter surf can be hard due to onshore wind and very cold conditions
  • Rip currents can occur during storms
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W, S, SE, N, NW, ESE
Wind Range
12–25 kts
Wind Type
Regional pattern includes Maestrale (NW) / Tramontana (N) and reliable summer sea-breeze influence; spot-level sources conflict on wind direction naming (see windDirection and noGoDirections).
Reliability
Moderate; depends on Mediterranean frontal systems in winter and thermal patterns in summer.
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Reported as light gusts in general conditions.
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September
Shadow Zones
Southern winds can be offshore and gusty due to hilly inland terrain.

Water & beach

Water Type
Chop, Mixed
Beach
Sand — Sand with rocks at the point/edges.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Small — Surfers commonly report working sizes from under 1 m up to around 2 m+.
Chop Level
Moderate chop
Launch
Small — Instant near-shore access; also described as a wide sandy beach with ample space.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
14–26 °C
Water Temperature
10–32 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 5/4mmApr–Nov: 3/2mmJul, Aug: shorty or lycra
Crowds by Season

Extremely crowded with tourists in July and August; quiet and peaceful in the off-season (October to May).

Storm/Rain Season

Rain more frequent from October to February; late October through December is noted for best balance of wind/waves but also stronger weather.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingSkill Level

Possible outside the summer bathing season; northern winds are onshore, making it more suitable for intermediate riders.

FreerideFoil
WindsurfingSkill Level

Popular windsurf spot on Elba’s north coast; works well with Mistral (NW) and Tramontana (N) winds.

FreerideWaveFoil
Sail Sizes
5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Reported as excellent for wingfoiling due to deep water and consistent summer thermal breezes; sandy launch is accessible.

Foil Friendly
Yes — Foil-friendly conditions reported.
Min Depth
1.5m
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Sandy north-coast bay with a point-break character on North/NW/West swells, producing rights and lefts; frequently short rides unless conditions are ideal.

Point break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
N, NW, W
Swell Height
0.5–2 m
Optimal Tide
Low, Mid — Also noted as falling tide.
Shelter
Exposed — Open exposure to weather/wind setups is indicated; wind direction strongly affects surf quality.
Wind Effect
Best with light offshore South winds which groom the swell; onshore winds in winter can make it hard to surf. Best conditions also mentioned for low wind or glassy setups.
Bigger Swell
Holds size up to about 2 m; beyond that it can become messy.
Wave Quality
Good — Quality described as good.
Wave Power
Moderate — Also described as 'ordinary' power.
Wave Shape
Peeling — Mixed shape reported in some descriptions; peeling noted on point-break setup.
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Medium — Normal rides are under 50 m; can reach ~150 m on ideal days.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Short (<50 m) normally; 50–150 m on good/ideal days.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Procchio (Elba Island) in the full forecast view.

Procchio (Elba Island) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–15 ktsGusts 25 kts
Direction
NE39°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2415 kts
Windy days
1/712 kts or more
Waves
0.1–1.2 m3s period
Temperature
15–21 °C

Over the next 7 days, Procchio (Elba Island) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–15 kts, peaking around 15 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 0.1–1.2 m with a period of about 3s. 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

  • Rocks at the points
  • Crowds in summer
  • Rip currents during storms
Ability Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashBootsWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Lifeguards are seasonal.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is limited (region overseen by local maritime authority; exact on-beach rescue coverage not specified for Procchio).
Emergency Info
Nearest hospital is in Portoferraio, approximately 15 minutes away. Use the European emergency number 112.
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Mild localism reported.

Rules of the spot

During the summer season (June to September), water sports are generally restricted to designated launch channels and prohibited in swimming areas during peak hours. Launch channels must be used.

Restrictions
  • No kitesurfing in swimming zones during summer
  • Use designated launch channels during peak hours in summer
Local Tips
  • Watch for the rocky point on the right side of the bay when surfing.
  • The best surf conditions often follow a strong North wind once it starts to die down and turn slightly offshore.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Portoferraio
Nearest Town
Procchio
Nearest Airport
Marina di Campo Airport (EBA)
Parking
Several paid and free parking lots available within walking distance; parking also near the beach.
Public Transport
Accessible via Elba’s island bus network; a car or scooter recommended.
Access
Instant access (< 5 min walk) from the village; easily accessible by car via the main island road (SP24).
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Italian
Amenities

What's on the beach

Showers
Toilets
Changing rooms
Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Camping
Fresh water
Accommodation
Nearby town — Numerous hotels, apartments, and a nearby campsite in Procchio; accommodation also in/near the village.
Food & Drink
Restaurants and beach bars/pizzerias located directly on the beach and in the village.
Equipment Rental:
Rental for surfboards, windsurf gear, and SUP is available at local beach clubs; additional wind sport rentals reported via water sports centers.
Gear Storage
Available at some local water sports centers during the summer.
Gear Repair
Minor repairs for windsurf and kitesurf gear can be handled by local schools (minor repairs noted).
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Elba Island offers a blend of history and clear water with a rugged interior for hiking and outdoor activities.

Best time to visit: June and September (also noted as late spring May–June and early autumn September–October for wind sports and fewer crowds).
Elba north coast beachesregional

Scenic coastal views and white-sand beaches along Elba’s north coast.

Procchio beachfront diningin Procchio

Beachfront bars and restaurants along Procchio’s shore.

Napoleon's Residences10 km

Villa dei Mulini and Villa San Martino where Napoleon Bonaparte lived during his exile.

Portoferraio Fortresses12 km

Medici-era fortifications including Forte Stella and Forte Falcone.

Elba coastal trailsregional

Coastal hikes and cliff walks around Elba’s northern coast.

Elba boat excursionsregional

Boat excursions and snorkeling in clear waters.

Mount Capanne Cable Car15 km

Cable car taking visitors to the highest peak on Elba for panoramic views.

Procchio Beachin Procchio

Safe sandy beach with easy water entry, ideal for children.

Elba Aquarium8 km

Mediterranean aquarium in Marina di Campo.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Procchio (Elba Island)?

The best overall months at Procchio (Elba Island) are May, June, July, August, September.

Which wind directions work at Procchio (Elba Island)?

Procchio (Elba Island) works with W, S, SE, N, NW, ESE winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Procchio (Elba Island)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Procchio (Elba Island): Windsurfing: 5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.

What skill level is Procchio (Elba Island) suitable for?

Procchio (Elba Island) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Beginner · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.