Wild Zone Bed & Surfing

For anyone who thinks surfing in Italy is an oxymoron, think again.

On my visit to Italy last summer, my family and I were invited to spend our last night in the amazing city of Bracciano at Wild Zone Bed & Surfing, a tidy, little bungalow that seemed much more likely to be found in Santa Cruz than 30 minutes north of Rome.

Barbara Minotti and Sacha Marziali, who own Wild Zone, an adventure company and surf school, recently made the bungalow on their stunning property available to travelers.

They also took us on an amazing off-road excursion in the “Surfari” to romp beneath hidden waterfalls deep in the backroads of Lazio, inaccessible by most vehicles.

Wild Zone offers surf lessons, surf school and camps, stand-up paddleboard instruction, kite surfing, and yoga in an airy, bright, new studio. The studio has great vibes and made me want to organize a yoga retreat!

The bungalow is nestled among lush gardens, with stone sculptures, privat nooks for quiet reflection, and welcoming patios to enjoy a meal or kick back with a cool drink.

Barbara and Sacha are consummate hosts — picking up our crew from the beach, hoisting our luggage in and out of the jeep, bringing us freshly baked pastries in the morning, and even driving us to the train.

When you’re weary from the museums, churches and sites of Rome, head to Wild Zone Bed & Surfing in Bracciano for a completely different type of Italian adventure. This place is a true gem.