Best Surf Spots In The Mediterranean- All You Need To Know 

Ever wondered what the best surf spots in the Mediterranean Sea are? While the Med is not the first place that pops into mind when thinking of a surf trip, it’s a great place to catch some waves and enjoy a rich culture. 

Some of you might be thinking, wait, surfing in the Med? Since when? Is’t really worth the flight? 

As I covered in my previous blog post, YES, it’s totally worth it to surf in the Mediterranean. 

Think finishing a surf session in Sicily and grabbing a perfect Italian pizza while still in your wetsuit!  Yes, that’s the vibe. 

This post will focus on the most popular surf spots in the Med, because, with a sea as fickle as the Med you need to be in the right place at the right time! Otherwise, you’ll miss it! 

Ok, let’s talk! 

One OF The Best surf spots in the Mediterranean – Sardinia 

Sardinia is an Italian island located south-west of Rome. The constant Mistral wind is the major factor in the quality and quantity of waves on the Sardinian coast. 

The Mistral is a powerful, cold wind that blows from the north or northwest, sweeping down from southern France into the Gulf of Lyon in the northern Mediterranean Sea. 

Spots like Buggerru, Portixeddu, and Capo Mannu deliver solid waves in winter.

The West Coast is mostly wild and untouched. leaving a great deal of unexplored surf breaks. 

I recommend renting a car for the best chance of scoring waves. 

If you go there in wintertime (Peak surf season, low tourist season), you can find amazing deals on car rentals! 

I paid 5 euros a day for the car and then another 5 euros for insurance. That’s 10 euros a day to rent a car! To me, that was amazing at the time. 

Oh, and did i mention a flight cost me 22 Euros? Yup, winter is the best! 

Spanish Mediterranean- Barcelona

Barcelona is home to several beaches, but only a few offer good conditions for surfing.

Barceloneta is the most central, with rentals nearby and mellow swells perfect for surfers of all levels.

Bogatell is slightly less crowded and also offers calm waters, while Llevant, the furthest out, rarely gets any big surf unless storms roll in.

For more powerful and consistent waves, you’ll need to venture outside the city.

Castelldefels to the south is ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers, with long, spacious stretches and regular swells. 

Másnou, located north, attracts experienced riders and can get crowded when the surf is good. 

Most spots are fairly easily reachable by train, making day trips from Barcelona a great option to catch some decent waves on the Mediterranean coast. 

More Than Ancient Ruins Greece- Crete

Greece is known for its blue rooftops, lazy beach days, and ancient history, but did you know you can also surf there? 

Yes, the Island of Crete, specifically the island’s west coast, has a lot of potential. 

While you won’t score any barrels or head hight waves, the novlty of catching waves in a place like Crete is worth it! 

Come winter, westerly wind swells roll in strong, delivering shoulder-high waves over mostly sandy bottoms, though some rocks do creep into the lineup.

Falasarna, sitting on Crete’s wild western edge, is a jaw-dropping spot with golden sands, mountain backdrops, and even ancient ruins nearby. 

Further south, Palaiochora faces directly west and can catch the occasional clean swell during winter storms. It’s best suited for beginners and intermediates, but with no local rentals or surf schools, you’ll need to bring your own gear or join a surf tour.

The East Side- Israel

Sitting on the east side of the Mediterranean, Israel gets a fair bit of swell year-round. While most of the year it’s small to meduim size waves (sometimes completly flat) it’s still on the surfing map. 

It hosts the surfing championship in Netanya. 

Their are many beaches to explore in Israel. If you’re heading north then Haifa is your best bet. 

With places like Nirvana Beach, The Peak, and Backdoor being the most popular beaches in town. 

Further south, you’ll find Bet Yanay, Natanya, and Tel Aviv. These are all places with great quality waves. 

In Tel-Aviv, check out Hilton Beach for a perfect right-hand reef break suitable for advanced surfers. It’s known to be one of the best places to surf in Israel. 

Just south of Tel Aviv, Maravi Beach is a sandy stretch known for its winter swells and fun, surfable waves in the warmer months. It’s one of the more consistent spots in the area, with both lefts and rights breaking near the stone jetties.

Travel North To- Lebanon 

Now, I’ve never surfed in Lebanon, although it’s literally 2 hours from my hometown, Haifa. But I know for a fact that there are really good waves to be found. 

All the swell coming towards the Israeli coast hits the Lebanese coast without any interruption and with the same force. 

For the best chance of scoring waves, hit the town of Jiyeh. It offers a wide bay with beach breaks that could rival those on the Atlantic Coast.

Byblos, a UNESCO-listed city dating back to 5,000 BC, has a west-facing beach that draws both tourists and surfers.

Nearby, Batroun—another ancient coastal town—hosts a tight-knit surf scene with small coves that produce fun, clean waves for all levels.

The surf culture in Lebanon is booming with men and women from all ages, religous and belifes gathering to celebrate the true freedom of riding waves. 

Best Time To Surf In The Mediterranean

The best time to surf in the Mediterranean is during the winter months, from November to March.

This is when strong wind systems and winter storms generate more consistent swells across the region.

While summer can occasionally bring rideable waves, especially in spots with local wind swell, winter is when the Med truly comes alive for surfers chasing clean, powerful sets.

Conclusion

Don’t let the lack of ocean fool you—the best surf spots in the Mediterranean are packed with surprises.

Whether it’s Sardinia’s rugged perfection, Israel’s urban surf scene, or the chill waves of Greece and Spain, this region offers enough stoke to keep any wave hunter satisfied.

So next time you’re chasing waves across Europe, take the road less paddled—you might just score your next favorite break.