Voltri / Riviera Di Ponente / Italy

Voltri is located on Italy's south west coast and is the last industrial suburb of Genoa although it lays claim to a very attractive park and pilgrimage church of the Madonna delle Grazie. The beach here is sandy and a good size and is a suitable spot for surfers of all types who have at least intermediate experience since there are several rocks in the water and around the shoreline. The season runs from April to November although the summer months may be best avoided as it is way too crowded then.

The beach is made up of sand and is quite a good size. There are several rocks on and around the shoreline and in the water. Surfers also need to watch out for urchins and rips. The beach gets very crowded in the summer months of June, July and August and conditions can also be quite flat at that time. You can get here by heading west of Genoa and you will easily see the beach from the road.

Voltri is an exposed point break that only works well when the conditions are just right. The offshore winds are from the north with some shelter here from west winds. The majority of the surf comes as windswells and the best wave angle is from the south west. There is no beach break here and the surf is good at all tidal stages. The summers are warm and you can get by with just a short although you will need a full wetsuit come the winter months.

The beach caters for all tastes and there is a restaurant and a pizzeria. There is also a grill and a music hall which has regular live performances. There is a large free parking lot nearby. You may want to drive into Genoa for an even bigger choice of nightlife.

This spot is not suited to beginners since there are rocks, urchins and rips to be aware of. Also wach out for crowded beaches in the summer and swimmers in the water.