Recco (Genoa Coast)
- Bodyboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Recco is a classic, exposed reef break on the Genoa Coast, known for a reliable right-hander and multiple peaks within the bay. While the spot is fundamentally a reef/boulder environment, there are sandy sections that can make learning more manageable for beginners—particularly when conditions favor the sand bottom rather than the more technical rocky areas. Surf performance is typically good when the swell is coming from the southwest/south, with the wave often peaking as a peeling right. It can start working below 1 m and commonly holds into the 2 m+ range. Rides are usually short (around 30–50 m), and the spot is described as semi-sheltered, with wind often shaping how clean the faces look. Wind conditions are not guaranteed: one source describes wind reliability as low and notes moderate gustiness. North winds are offshore and tend to groom the surf; stronger Southwest storm setups can also bring windsurfing opportunities, though launches are tight and rocky. Wingfoiling is possible but described as challenging because of the rocky bottom and near-shore depth constraints. Safety-wise, rocks, boulders, and reef hazards are central to the spot, and water quality can deteriorate significantly after heavy rain due to outflow from the river mouth (Torrente Recco). Crowding can also be an issue—weekdays may be calmer, while weekends during good swell can be busy—so arrive with extra caution, follow surf etiquette around the main peak, and avoid entering right after heavy rainfall.
- Reliable right-hander with multiple peaks
- Beginner-friendly sand sections vs more technical boulder areas
- Works on all tides
- Consistent, classic surf spot with a reliable right-hander.
- Sandy bottom sections can be more beginner-friendly than the rocky/boulder areas.
- Works on all tides and can start producing at under 1 m with waves holding up beyond 2 m.
- Rocks and reef/boulder sections create a more technical and hazardous environment.
- Water pollution can worsen after heavy rain due to river mouth outflow.
- Crowding can be significant, especially on weekends and during good swell.
- Wind reliability can be low and the bay has depth/launch constraints for non-surf wind sports.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, S, SW
- Offshore directions
- N
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, October, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- The bay is partially sheltered from Northern winds by surrounding hills.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Beach composition reported as sand/pebble; sandy sections are often noted as more beginner-friendly.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Sources describe small to medium surf depending on conditions; reef break commonly starts working under 1 m.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Recco is described with chop (wave face can be affected by local conditions).
- Launch
- Small — Launch is primarily from the cove/pebble-sand area near the river mouth with instant access (walk under 5 minutes).
Through the year
Extremely crowded on weekends during a good swell; quieter on weekdays.
Rainy season peaks in October and November.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Primarily a surf spot; windsurfing mainly comes into play during strong Southwest (Libeccio) storms. Launch can be tight and rocky.
- Sail Sizes
- 4–5.5 m²
Possible in the bay but challenging due to rocky bottom and shallow/depth constraints near shore.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 1.5
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Recco is a quite exposed reef break with a reliable right-hander. Conditions include multiple peaks in the bay. Sandy areas can suit beginners, while rocky/boulder sections (including the left side) are more technical.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- SW, S
- Swell Height
- 0.5–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides — Works on all tides; sources also note rising and falling tides.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered
- Wind Effect
- North winds are offshore and tend to produce cleaner, more groomed faces; offshore-favorable conditions noted.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds well up to around 2 m+, but can get messy with very large, short-period swells.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Often described as good/classic.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Sources range from powerless/short and beginner-friendly to moderately powerful depending on swell.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Slow — Some sources describe peeling with slow peel; one source notes medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Short — Typically short rides; commonly under 50 m.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical rides are around 30–50 m; other notes state short rides (<50 m).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Recco (Genoa Coast) in the full forecast view.
Recco (Genoa Coast) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 1–9 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- NNE20°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 249 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–1.4 m4s period
- Temperature
- 12–20 °C
Over the next 7 days, Recco (Genoa Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 1–9 kts, peaking around 9 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.1–1.4 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
- reef
- water pollution after heavy rain
- large boulders on the bottom
- river mouth debris
- crowded conditions
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is in Genoa, approximately 20 kilometers away. In emergencies, use local emergency services (112).
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — Moderate localism noted; follow standard etiquette and be respectful around the main peak.
Rules of the spot
Standard surf etiquette applies; respect local surfers who frequently use the main peak near the pier.
- Avoid heavy-rain conditions due to possible water pollution and debris near the river mouth.
- Don’t underestimate crowding on good swell days, especially at weekends.
- Water pollution can worsen significantly after heavy rain due to outflow from the Torrente Recco.
- Sandy bottom sections are more suitable for beginners; avoid the left side if you’re inexperienced because of boulders.
- Park in designated areas inland since beachfront parking is limited and strictly enforced.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Genoa
- Nearest Town
- Recco
- Parking
- Several parking options near the bay; limited/strictly enforced beachfront parking with paid lots available in town.
- Access
- Leave highway A-12 Genova-Livorno at Recco and follow indications to the sea; spot is close to the river mouth with instant access (walking distance under 5 minutes).
- Local Language
- Italian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels and guesthouses are available in Recco and neighboring Camogli.
- Food & Drink
- Many bakeries and restaurants located directly behind the beach; Recco is famous for focaccia.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available at local surf schools and shops near the beach.
- Gear Storage
- Available at some local surf schools for members and students.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repair services available through local surf shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Genoa Coast around Camogli and Recco is known for maritime villages, hiking access around Portofino, and strong local gastronomy; surfing culture is concentrated around the Recco area, particularly in winter storm periods.
Stunning medieval abbey in a small cove reachable only by boat or on foot through the Portofino Park.
Extensive trail network offering panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea and Mediterranean scrub.
Defensive 12th-century castle built to protect the village from pirate raids.
Extensive trail network offering panoramic views of the Ligurian Sea and Mediterranean scrub.
Recco is world-famous for 'Focaccia di Recco col formaggio' (IGP status).
The largest aquarium in Italy, located in Genoa’s Old Port.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Recco (Genoa Coast)?
The best overall months at Recco (Genoa Coast) are October, November, December, January, February, March, April, May, June, September. The best wind months are January, February, March, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Recco (Genoa Coast)?
Recco (Genoa Coast) works with N, S, SW winds. Offshore directions are N.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Recco (Genoa Coast)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Recco (Genoa Coast): Windsurfing: 4–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–20 kts.
What skill level is Recco (Genoa Coast) suitable for?
Recco (Genoa Coast) suits these riding levels: Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.