Cinquale

Cinquale is a sandy-bottom beach break in Versilia that works infrequently and generally suits intermediate to experienced shortboard surfers. When conditions align—southwest swell with northeast offshore winds—it produces both left and right-hand waves and can be surfed at any tide stage, though pollution and crowd density during good swells are notable hazards. Winter offers the most consistent swell window, though the spot can produce waves across much of the year during favorable weather patterns.

Versilia's surf culture took root in the early 1970s when two art students from Pietrasanta built the area's first surfboard after watching a surfing film, establishing what would become Italy's primary surfing region. The area produced notable competitors including Nicola Bresciani, who emerged as a pioneer through the 1980s onward with multiple national championships. Viareggio became the regional hub with the first Italian surf club, shop, and organized contests, while Cinquale itself established itself as a major meeting point for surfers across the Versilia coast.

Cinquale sits approximately three kilometers from Forte dei Marmi, on the north side of the town's pier in the Tuscany coastal region. The nearest major airport is Pisa, roughly 38 kilometers inland. The spot remains one of the more recognized gathering points for the broader regional surf community.