La Chiesa

Nestled in the seaside town of Nettuno, La Chiesa is a mellow beachbreak that serves as a reliable Plan B when nearby Lido Garda and Marinaretti turn chaotic or shoulder-to-shoulder. With a distinctly laid-back vibe, this stretch of sand offers a welcome escape for surfers seeking a no-fuss session away from the fray. The spot fires best on a southeast swell, though south and southwest pulses can still conjure playful, rideable waves. It holds up to around 3 feet (0.9 meters), breaking cleanly over a forgiving sand bottom and peeling both left and right—perfect for mixing up your line. For prime conditions, look for a light north wind; the break handles low, mid, and high tide equally well, making it a versatile option throughout the day. La Chiesa is a go-to for beginners, offering a gentle environment to refine pop-ups and wave reading without the intimidation of heavier surf. Being a popular beach destination, it can get packed on weekends and through the summer months. To maximize your peace and wave count, aim for off-peak hours—early mornings or late afternoons. Respect the lineup, share the stoke, and you’ll find this Italian gem delivers the goods when you need them most.

Best Surf Season (December - February)

The heart of the Italian winter brings the most consistent, surfable energy to La Chiesa. Average swell heights climb to around 1m (3ft) and wave periods reach their annual peak near 5.8s, driven by a more active Mediterranean low-pressure regime. While these are not long-period Atlantic swells, the mix of south/southeast swell and the highest frequency of offshore north and northwest winds in the year (up to 29% in December) produces clean, punchy waves that are fun on small days. Water temperatures are cool (13-16°C) and you will need a good winter wetsuit, but the seasonal trade-off is worthwhile. The most reliable windows appear as cold fronts sweep eastward, swinging winds to the north and northwest behind them.