Spiaggia di Ciraccio (Procida)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Shallow, Ocean
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Spiaggia di Ciraccio (Procida) is a medium-sized sandy beach on Procida’s west-facing coast with clean water and a shallow near-shore profile. The spot is characterized by two large offshore tufa rock formations (Faralloni), which are visually striking but increase navigational complexity and require extra attention during setup, edging, and any upwind/downwind transitions. For wind, conditions are shaped by Maestrale (NW) / frontal influences and, in warmer months, a predictable afternoon thermal sea breeze. Reports indicate an afternoon thermal window in summer (approximately 1:00 PM–6:00 PM) developing from the West to Northwest, which can improve ride opportunities when timing aligns with onshore directions. Wind is described as mostly onshore for the favored directions; approaches outside onshore tend to be wind-shadowed by the island and can also be further affected by the cliff behind the beach. Kitesurfing is possible but generally limited: summer bathing crowds and seasonal restrictions reduce access, and some providers note that summer thermal winds can be too weak for reliability in practice. Off-season conditions (autumn/spring) are typically preferred because wind is more consistent and the beach is less crowded. When kitesurfing, prioritize onshore options (not wind-shadowed directions), keep clear of swimmers, and account for offshore rocks. Safety-wise, hazards include swimmers during summer months, offshore Faralloni stacks, and maritime traffic (ships/ferries/hydrofoils) in the nearby channel. Rescue availability is reported as limited and lifeguards are seasonal. If you go, plan for space constraints—especially around high tides or storm surges when the beach narrows—and use conservative navigation tactics around the rock formations.
- Afternoon thermal sea-breeze window in summer (roughly 1:00 PM–6:00 PM)
- Mostly onshore favored directions; off-onshore tends to be wind-shadowed
- Offshore Faralloni rocks are a key hazard and feature
- Clean, shallow small-wave beach profile
- Clean water and shallow, small-wave shoreline profile
- Afternoon summer thermal sea-breeze window can create consistent conditions for experienced timing
- Iconic offshore tufa rocks (Faralloni) add scenic character
- Best wind approaches are mostly onshore for safer downwind-to-beach orientation when timing/direction match
- Significant summer swimmer presence leads to strict seasonal access/restrictions for kitesurfing
- Offshore rocky stacks (Faralloni) require careful navigation
- Ships/ferries/hydrofoils add maritime traffic risk
- Wind can be wind-shadowed by island/cliff and summer reliability can be low
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NW, NNW, W, WNW, SW, NW
- Offshore directions
- S, SSE, SE
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Maestrale (frontal Maestrale/NW) sea breeze is frequent in the afternoon; also influenced by Libeccio (SW) systems. Summer thermal sea breezes are often too weak for reliable kitesurfing.
- Reliability
- low during summer; moderate to high in autumn/winter storm cycles
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts reported.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, November, December
- Shadow Zones
- Wind shadow from island/cliff reduces wind strength on land and can create marginal conditions off onshore; inland cliffs/buildings can add turbulence for certain north-easterly approaches.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Shallow, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand described; volcanic dark sand mentioned.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small waves reported; generally a small-wave environment.
- Launch
- Medium — Long but narrow beach; volcanic dark sand; gentle profile with no major obstacles noted in one source, but Faralloni offshore are a key feature for riders.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Providers differ: one source rates easy; another rates moderate due to beach narrowing and operational factors.
Through the year
Extremely crowded June–August; quiet and more suitable for sports from October to April.
November to February (rain/storms most frequent).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Scenic and challenging, with kitesurfing best suited to onshore conditions. Summer use is limited by heavy swimmer presence and wind reliability; off-season sessions are more feasible when the beach is empty. Offshore Faralloni rocks require careful navigation.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Good freeride/small-wave sessions when westerly winds are established.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7.5 m²
Possible but riders must be mindful of the offshore Faralloni stacks and seasonal depth variations near shore.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil friendly conditions reported, with attention to shallow zones.
- Min Depth
- Approximately 1.5 meters past the initial shallow zone
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Spiaggia di Ciraccio (Procida) in the full forecast view.
Spiaggia di Ciraccio (Procida) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–13 ktsGusts 21 kts
- Direction
- NNW344°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2413 kts
- Windy days
- 1/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–1.3 m4s period
- Temperature
- 13–21 °C
Over the next 7 days, Spiaggia di Ciraccio (Procida) is forecast for daytime winds of 2–13 kts, peaking around 13 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 21 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. Waves run 0.1–1.3 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
- Swimmers (especially June–September)
- Offshore rocky stacks (Faralloni/Faralloni di Ciraccio)
- Ships/ferries/hydrofoils in the channel between Procida and Ischia
- Maritime traffic in the area
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards are seasonal (summer).
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited; coast-guard coverage with Procida port station and water-rescue routed via national emergency number.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital: Ospedale Gaetanina Scotto di Perrotolo on Procida. General emergency number: 112 (national). Coast-guard coverage is available via Guardia Costiera with routing via the national 1530 water-rescue line.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism friction reported.
Rules of the spot
Kitesurfing conditions and beach access are seasonal due to heavy bathing presence. Respect swimmers, avoid crowded areas, and use any designated launch lanes/areas where present.
- No designated kite zone; beach is shared with swimmers.
- Kitesurfing is generally prohibited during the summer bathing season (typically June to September) except through designated launch lanes, which are often absent here.
- Wind is mostly fully on shore; directions other than onshore are wind-shadowed by the island.
- There is a cliff behind the beach that can reduce wind strength on land.
- Kitesurfing is best when the beach is empty/less crowded; avoid sessions when swimmers are present.
- Park in the Chiaiolella area and walk over to Ciraccio for better access (as noted by one provider).
- Expect the beach to narrow with high tides/storm surges (navigation/space management).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Naples
- Nearest Town
- Procida
- Nearest Airport
- Naples International Airport (NAP) (~40 km including ferry transit)
- Parking
- Limited parking near Via Cavone; larger lots are found near the port of Chiaiolella. Many visitors arrive via ferry from Naples (Beverello or Calata Porta di Massa) to Marina di Procida.
- Public Transport
- Ferry and hydrofoil connections from Naples (Molo Beverello) or Pozzuoli; local island transport via small buses and taxis.
- Access
- At the end of Via Cavone on Procida’s west side; can be reached walking from Chiaiolella beach south of the Faraglioni. Also accessible via stairs from the main road or by walking along the shoreline from Chiaiolella.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Italian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Accommodation is available on Procida, especially around areas like Marina Grande and Chiaiolella.
- Food & Drink
- Chiosco bar with aperitivi; beach bars and restaurants along the stretch between Ciraccio and Chiaiolella.
- Equipment Rental:
- Wind/kite rental services are reported as limited on the island.
- Gear Storage
- Dedicated commercial storage isn’t widely available; most riders store gear at their accommodation.
- Gear Repair
- Major repairs typically require traveling to the mainland for specialized surf shops.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Procida is an authentic island in the Gulf of Naples with strong maritime character and notable historical/cultural landmarks, alongside beach time and coastal scenery.
Oldest and most famous fishing village on the island, known for vibrantly colored houses stacked on top of each other.
Fortified medieval village at the highest point of the island, featuring Palazzo d'Avalos and the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo.
Paddling tours around the island’s volcanic cliffs and caves.
Traditional seafood restaurant located near the Ciraccio beach area.
A well-equipped beach area suitable for families with children.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Spiaggia di Ciraccio (Procida)?
The best overall months at Spiaggia di Ciraccio (Procida) are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Spiaggia di Ciraccio (Procida)?
Spiaggia di Ciraccio (Procida) works with N, NNE, NW, NNW, W, WNW, SW, NW winds. Offshore directions are S, SSE, SE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Spiaggia di Ciraccio (Procida)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Spiaggia di Ciraccio (Procida): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Spiaggia di Ciraccio (Procida) suitable for?
Spiaggia di Ciraccio (Procida) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.