We meet for a short walk to the crystal clear waters of Punte Tegge for an acclimatisation swim. After this, there is a coaching session where the guides will focus on open water technique and video your stroke, both above and below water, which will be reviewed later in the evening over drinks. After lunch and a chance to relax, the afternoon is given over to an enchanting coastal swim from the tranquil bay of Cala Francese to Punte Tegge.

After a short boat ride to Isola Santo Stefano, we start on its west coast by la Fiumata and swim a round Roma Island with its glorious statue dedicated to all seafarers, finishing off in the beautiful Valtur Bay. After lunch we take a short walk, which allows you to take in the panoramic views from the island. We then swim south out of the bay past Punta San Giorgio along the coast finishing in Cala di Vela Marina.

A short boat journey takes you west for our first crossing; La Maddalena to Spargi. It’s a great swim as we finish at the tranquil beach of Cala Canniccio underneath the island’s wooded slopes. Spargi is known for its majestic rock formations and ancient shipwrecks on the seafloor. After lunch the second swim is either around the smaller neighbouring island of Spargiotto or a coastal swim down the north west coast of Spargi finishing at Cala Piscioli.

We start the day with the crossing from Spargi to Budelli. It’s a fantastic swim, with dolphins often spotted in this area. Following lunch, there is another opportunity for the guides to provide a further stroke analysis and technique coaching. The afternoon swim and walk is within the remote archipelago of Santa Maria, Budelli and Razzoli islands. The water here could be described as more closely resembling a swimming pool as the sea here is enclosed on most sides by the three islands.

It’s time to travel east to Isola Caprera, the home of the General and politician Giuseppe Garibaldi. From here, we enjoy a stunning coastal swim from Spiaggia Tahiti, characterised by its fine white sand to Cala Brigantina. Following lunch we take a short walk to Batterie di Punta Rossa where you can explore the barracks and gun emplacements of this ancient fort. The afternoon is given over to a crossing and a full circumnavigation swim of Isola Porco.

We take a leisurely morning swim in the local bay before breakfast to conclude a journey around the Maddalena archipelago.

Equipment Checklist

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions.

SwimTrek will supply swim hats. We will have a limited supply/range of flippers, rash vests and wetsuits available on the trip, however we cannot guarantee sizes for all. If you have your own flippers, rash vest or wetsuit, we would recommend you bring these with you in order to maximise your enjoyment of the trip. Please note that SwimTrek will provide water and electrolyte drinks in shared water bottles on your safety boat. If you prefer to use your own drink bottle, please feel free to bring one along.

Swimming Distances

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as sea lice, jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Walking Distances

Note: All the walks on the islands are carried out on recognised trails and paths but can be a bit overgrown. Long trousers and walking shoes are advised. The longest walk during this trip will be 2km.

Group Size and Boat Support

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort.  Boat support on this trip includes one main boat and two inflatable boats to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides and a local boat pilot. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

The easiest way to get to the start of your trip is to fly into the international airport in Olbia. It lies 50km south of Palau, the gateway port to Maddalena. Another option is Alghero Airport which is situated just over 100km south-west of Palau.

While we have outlined various travel options below, they are subject to change and should be used as a guide only. We suggest that you use the following websites to search for alternative flight and ferry options for this trip.

Flights SkyScanner / Geasar

Ferries Delcomar

Whichever route you choose to take, we recommend confirming your flights and other travel arrangements as early as possible in order to avoid price rises and availability issues.

Travelling to Olbia

A small selection of the airlines which fly into Olbia are included below.

SwimTrek Transfer from Olbia Airport

The transfer departs from Olbia Airport on Saturdays at 17.15. To book a place please inform the SwimTrek office. The cost of this service is approx. €40 per person and payable locally on departure. For the above service to run there need to be at least 3 guests booked onto this service. If your travel plans don’t coincide with the time of the private SwimTrek transfer, we advise using the following transport options.

Return transfers can be arranged on location.

Bus Transport from Olbia Airport to Palau

Direct buses depart from Olbia Airport roughly every two hours and you can buy your tickets from the tourist office information desk inside the airport. Ask at the ticket office for the Turmo Travel bus stop. Fares can also be paid on board and cost approximately €7. The bus journey takes about 1 hour. For the above service we recommend visiting Gruppo Turmo Travel prior to your departure.

Shuttle from Olbia Airport to Palau

Transportation can be arranged through Shuttle Direct. The cost varies depending on how many people share and the time of the season. The journey takes approximately 45 minutes - 1 hour.

Ferries from Palau to Maddalena

Regular ferries depart from Palau to Maddalena throughout the day and evening and depart roughly every 15 minutes during peak season. Tickets need to be purchased at the Ferry Office on the harbour front before sailing. Prices are roughly €6-8 for a single journey and it takes approximately 20 minutes to reach Maddalena Harbour. Once published, up-to-date timetables can be found at: Delcomar.

Maddalena Port to Hotel Miralonga

The hotel is situated 1km west of Maddalena Harbour. We recommend catching a taxi from the harbour to the hotel (5-10 minute taxi ride). Prices of taxis can vary, however, as a guide, this journey should cost no more than approximately €15.

Accommodation

Our accommodation for the duration of the trip is at the comfortable Hotel Miralonga. Located around 1km west of Maddalena Harbour the Miralonga is just a few minutes walk from the water, the hotel offers spacious rooms, a swimming pool, bar and restaurant with terrace for you to enjoy dinner or a drink at the end of each day. Standard Rooms are offered on a twin share basis, with a limited number of single supplements available. There are seaview rooms available in the hotel but these are on request and there is a supplemental charge (please call and ask).

If you would like to extend your stay in Sardinia and need to book additional nights’ accommodation before or after your trip, please contact the hotel directly via: info@miralonga.it

Meals

All breakfasts and lunches are included in your trip price, however dinners are at your own expense. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore and experience the local cafes and restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip. The average price of two-course dinner plus drinks in Maddalena is €25-€30.

Extra Expenses

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as dinners, drinks, entertainment, souvenirs, etc. The local currency in Italy is the Euro (€).

Passports and Visas

Italy is part of the European Union. Non-residents of Italy require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of most countries, including all E.U. member states, U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter Italy. Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Vaccinations

There are currently no essential vaccination requirements for Italy, however it is advisable to re-check this information eight weeks before you travel. You should also ensure that your immunity to tetanus and polio is up-to-date.