Racca Point (Quartu Sant'Elena)

Shortboard, Longboard
Best for
Intermediate to Advanced
Skill Level
Chop, Small waves
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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

Racca Point (Quartu Sant'Elena) is an exposed left-hand reef break with a rocky entry and reef hazards. When the swell and high tide line up, surfers can get long rides—commonly around 150 to 300 meters—with good-to-powerful wave quality and a fast, fun character. The wave is described as holding its shape up to roughly 2.5 meters or more, and on the best days it can peel for considerably more distance. The surf recipe is important: multiple sources describe inconsistent surf frequency and strong dependence on the right swell and wind combination. Optimal swell directions are south, southeast, and east, and high tide (often rising to high) is favored to reduce the shallowest reef exposure. Wind from the north to northwest is generally best because it acts more offshore/clean, while being less well-aligned can worsen faces at this exposed launch. Safety is the main constraint. Hazards include rocks and reef plates, sea urchins in rocky crevices, and shallow/variable depth at low tide; mild rip currents may form near the reef edge during larger south-easterly swells. Local guidance emphasizes entering carefully, avoiding the shallowest parts by timing for a rising/high tide, and respecting local riders because the take-off area is relatively small. Access is typically by car, with a short walk from road/parking access near the Capitana/Villasimius street approach. Weekdays tend to be quieter, while weekends can be crowded with local surfers from the Cagliari area. Regional conditions also suggest winter-to-shoulder setups for cold-water surfing (spring suit; winter full suit), while summer can allow lighter protection for short sessions depending on water conditions.

  • Long left-hand reef rides (typically 150–300 m).
  • North/northwest offshore wind can groom faces.
  • Works best on south-to-east swells with high tide.
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing longboardAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Long, peeling left-hand reef waves on suitable days (typically 150–300 m; occasionally longer).
  • Offshore north/northwest winds can produce cleaner, groomed faces.
  • Highly regarded regionally as a classic left when the swell is right.
Heads up
  • Exposed rocky reef hazards (rocks/reef/sea urchins) and shallow/variable depth increase risk, especially for low tide.
  • Spot is hard to get right: inconsistent surf and highly dependent on swell/wind combination.
  • Not suitable for beginners; take-off zone can be small and local riders are present.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
N, NNW, W
Offshore directions
N, NNE, NW, W, WNW, WNW
Wind Range
10–20 kts
Wind Type
Mixed — Wind is highly dependent on the right swell/wind combination; offshore north to northwest is most likely to produce groomed faces.
Reliability
inconsistent
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Reported as light gusts; gustiness varies with conditions.
Best Months
January, February, March, April
Shadow Zones
Coastal hills can shelter the area from strong northerly winds, helping groom waves.

Water & beach

Water Type
Chop, Small waves
Beach
Mixed — Rocky/reef areas with flat rocks and sand in some places.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Medium — Reported as small in general summaries, with surf starting around 1.0–1.5 m and holding up to 2.5 m+; medium-to-small day sizes are common.
Chop Level
Light chop — Water is described as chop, with grooming improving under offshore north/northwest wind.
Launch
Medium — Rocky entry near the shoreline; often requires a short walk from road/parking.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
13–27 °C
Water Temperature
10–33 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan, Feb, Mar: 4/3mm or 5/4mmApr–Nov: 3/2mm or shortyJun–Sep: rash guard or thin shorty
Crowds by Season

Weekdays generally quieter; weekends can be crowded with local surfers.

Storm/Rain Season

Rain is most common from late October through February.

By sport

What to expect for each.

WingfoilingSkill Level

Wingfoiling is possible at higher tides; shallow reef/rocks make it risky for beginners. Foil-friendly conditions reported as limited.

Foil Friendly
Limited — Foiling possible but shallow reef/rocks reduce safety and practicality.
Min Depth
1.5 meters
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

Exposed left-hand reef point/reef break over rocky bottom. Works on appropriate swell and high tide; long lefts are typical on good days.

Reef break
Wave Direction
Left
Optimal Swell
S, SSE, E
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
High — High tide (rising to high) is favored; low tide increases the shallowest hazards.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed left-hand reef break.
Wind Effect
North and northwest offshore winds provide cleaner, groomed faces; exposed to wind when not properly aligned (north/northwest best).
Bigger Swell
Holds shape up to around 2.5 m+; becomes faster and more powerful and can still keep peeling.
Wave Quality
Good — Good wave quality; described as a regional classic.
Wave Power
Powerful — Described as fast, powerful, fun; powerful reef wave when swell and wind align.
Wave Shape
Mixed — Reported as mixed; also described as peeling on better alignment.
Peel Speed
Fast — Sources describe fast/medium-to-fast peeling depending on conditions; aim for the faster lefts on better days.
Ride Length
Long — Normal rides commonly 150–300 m; exceptional days may extend further.
Typical Ride Length
150–300 m
Ride Length Details
Typical/normal rides 150–300 m; exceptional days reported up to about 300–500 m.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Racca Point (Quartu Sant'Elena) in the full forecast view.

Racca Point (Quartu Sant'Elena) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
2–19 ktsGusts 36 kts
Direction
WNW303°
Strongest day
Sat, Oct 2419 kts
Windy days
2/712 kts or more
Waves
0.1–1.2 m2s period
Temperature
15–24 °C

Over the next 7 days, Racca Point (Quartu Sant'Elena) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–19 kts, peaking around 19 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 36 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.1–1.2 m with a period of about 2s. 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
  • Reef
  • Shallow/variable depth at low tide
  • Sea urchins in rocky crevices
  • Reef-edge rip currents can form during larger south-easterly swells
Ability Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetImpact vestLeashBootsWetsuit

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguards reported at the break.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability reported as none by one source for the immediate spot; the broader Gulf of Cagliari area has limited coast-guard coverage.
Emergency Info
Nearest major medical facilities are in Quartu Sant'Elena and Cagliari (rescue described as none/limited by sources).
Localism / Vibe
Mild — Mild localism; respect local riders because the take-off zone is relatively small.

Rules of the spot

Standard surf etiquette applies; respect local riders/take-off zone can be relatively small.

Restrictions
  • Not suitable for beginners due to rocky reef bottom and hazards.
Local Tips
  • Wait for a rising or high tide to avoid the shallowest parts of the reef.
  • Enter the water carefully to avoid stepping on sea urchins in rock pools.
  • Too dangerous for beginners—respect local crew/riders.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Cagliari
Nearest Town
Capitana
Parking
Limited roadside parking is available along the main road and near residential entrances; avoid blocking private driveways. Additional parking near the street access to Villasimius in Capitana is reported.
Access
Requires a car; spot is accessed via the coastal road (SP17) toward Villasimius in Capitana, with a short walk (about 5–15 minutes) from parking/road access.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Italian
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Accommodation
Near — Numerous villas, vacation rentals, and small hotels are available in the Capitana and Flumini areas.
Food & Drink
Bars and restaurants within walking distance along the main coastal road; food/drink available nearby.
Equipment Rental:
No dedicated rental shops at the break; rentals are available in Cagliari or Poetto Beach.
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 Racca Point (Quartu Sant'Elena)?

The best overall months at Racca Point (Quartu Sant'Elena) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are January, February, March, April.

Which wind directions work at Racca Point (Quartu Sant'Elena)?

Racca Point (Quartu Sant'Elena) works with N, NNW, W winds. Offshore directions are N, NNE, NW, W, WNW, WNW.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Racca Point (Quartu Sant'Elena)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Racca Point (Quartu Sant'Elena): Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.

What skill level is Racca Point (Quartu Sant'Elena) suitable for?

Racca Point (Quartu Sant'Elena) suits these riding levels: Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.