Is Surfing the Mediterranean Sea Really Worth It?

If you’re wondering whether surfing the Mediterranean is actually a thing, the short answer is YES.

A longer version of the answer will be covered throughout this blog post. 

But let me tell you right now, I learned to surf in the Med and for the first 3 years of my surfing journey I surfed every single day (well, almost you know..) 

While the waves are nor consistent as it would be in the Ocean. There’s still a lot of good surfing to be found on the Mediterranean coast. 

You probably heard about surfing in Sicily or Sardinia in Italy (my personal favourite)

But there are plenty of other surf spots hiding in plain sight, just waiting to be discovered by adventurous surfers. 

Let’s dive in shall we? 

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So… Can You Actually Surf in the Med?

Yes, you definitely can! 

Here’s the thing, being a Sea, the primary swells that provide solid waves are wind generated swells. As oppuse to ground swells that preformed in bigger body of water like the Ocean.

But what does that mean? 

Well it means a couple of things. Becuase of the size of the Med the swells physically can’t travel long distances. Which means shorter periods. 

Now, if you’re an experienced surfer, you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you’re a beginner, I suggest you have a look at this quick guide to wave reading. 

Keeping it simple, shorter periods usually mean weaker waves. 

Now that doesn’t mean it’s not surfable. As a Mediterranean surfer anything over 7s period is surfable. 

To put this into perspective, if you’re surfing in Portugal you’ll most likely surf swells with at least 10s +. 

The Pros And Cons Of Surfing In The Mediterranean

Here’s a quick comparison list of both good and bad thing about being a med surfer

Best spots For surfing the Mediterranean Sea

There are good waves to be found all over the Med coastline. Here is your starting point:

Spain

Spain’s Mediterranean coast offers small but surfable waves, especially in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, like Mallorca.

You’ll need to chase winter storms, but when they hit, beaches like Barceloneta or Cala Mesquida light up with clean, uncrowded peaks—perfect for longboarders or relaxed shortboard sessions in a stunning cultural setting.

France

Corsica is a hidden surf paradise with crystal-clear water and dramatic backdrops. While the swell is not as consistent as the Atlantic coast, you’ll still find quality beach breaks and point setups.

It’s ideal for surfers who crave adventure, solitude, and the wild Mediterranean feel without the crowds of mainland France.

Italy 

Italy is the mainstream surfing destination for Med surfers.  

Sardinia picks up wind swell from multiple directions, offering surprisingly good surf in places like Capo Mannu.

Sicily adds volcanic scenery to the mix, with fun waves near Catania and Palermo. These islands deliver charm, culture, and an authentic off-the-beaten-path surf trip.

Greece

Greece isn’t just about ancient ruins and island hopping—there’s surf too. Crete gets regular wind swell in winter, while the Peloponnese and Athens’ coastline offer rideable waves when storms roll in.

Conditions are hit or miss, but the backdrops and warm hospitality more than make up for it.

Israel and Lebanon

These Eastern Med gems receive surprisingly consistent swell in winter. Israel’s coastline is packed with surf breaks. While Tel Aviv is known for the surf-beach lifestyle, there are plenty of other sandy bottom waves to ride.  

Lebanon, while lesser-known, hosts powerful winter waves and a passionate local crew. Both countries are cultural hotspots where you can surf and explore within the same day.

When is the Best Time to Surf in the Mediterranean?

While technically there’s surf year-round in the Mediterranean Sea, the best surf season runs from October to March, when low-pressure systems bring storm-generated swells across the region.

These months offer the most consistent wave windows, especially for wind swell setups.

It’s the sweet spot for surfers looking to score rideable waves without battling summer crowds or flat spells.

What to Expect in Summer vs Winter

Summer is mostly flat across the Med, with random short-period swells.

It’s great for other water activtys like snorkelling or swimming mainly. But when the waves do come you just appreciate that moment and go surf!

Winter brings the action, with wind-driven waves and bigger, surfable sets. Just pack some patience and a flexible attitude—conditions can change fast.

Tips for Checking Forecasts in the Med

Use tools like Windy and Surfline to track regional wind and swell activity.

But be ready to paddle out at a moment’s notice, because just as quickly as the waves arrive, they can vanish like they were never there.

Focus on storm systems 48–72 hours in advance, and learn how local wind patterns affect breaks.

Conclusion

Surfing the mediterranean coast is not on the bucket list for most surfers but it should be.

If you approach it with the right mindset (and the right timing), it can reward you with fun waves, wild landscapes, and a surf adventure like no other. 

From Sardinia’s rugged coastline to Tel Aviv’s beach breaks, the Med is full of hidden gems waiting for curious surfers to paddle out.

Happy exploring!