Castellabate Open Water Swimming Races - FIN National Grand Prix

Open water swimming at home in the Gulf of Castellabate

Every year, at the beginning of July, the stretch of sea in front of Santa Maria di Castellabate transforms into a large open-air race course. The Open Water Swimming Races organized by the Circolo Nautico Punta Tresino have become a staple of the FIN National Grand Prix, the Italian Swimming Federation's circuit dedicated to open water swimming, bringing hundreds of athletes from all Italian regions to the municipality of Castellabate, in the province of Salerno (Campania).

The formula is simple and highly effective: circular routes marked by buoys, comprehensive water safety, and a wide enough range of distances to allow both young competitive swimmers and masters to find their ideal race. The result is a weekend where competition blends with the discovery of one of the most evocative stretches of the Cilento coast.

Distances and categories

• Marine Mile (1.8 km) — the opening event, the most accessible, designed for youth and masters;
• 3 km — the intermediate distance, valid for the FIN national circuit;
• 5 km — the flagship race of the weekend, a seasonal test for top-tier athletes.

Rankings are drawn up separately for competitive and master categories, both male and female. Participation is reserved for FIN-registered athletes, and registration takes place through the federal portal, closing before the race date.

Swimming inside a Marine Protected Area

What makes this event truly special is the race course: the waters of the Santa Maria di Castellabate Marine Protected Area. Clear water, protected seabeds, and a coastline shape that offers natural shelter make the course technically balanced, with stretches of open sea alternating with more protected sectors. It is no coincidence that the event has become a benchmark for open water swimming in Southern Italy over the years.

The event is held under the patronage of the Municipality of Castellabate and the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park: an explicit bond between the race and the protection of the marine and coastal environment, which here is not just a slogan but the very reason why one can swim in such clean water.

Organizers

Behind the event is the Circolo Nautico Punta Tresino, a historic reference point for water sports in the area, supported in the organization by the Peppe Lamberti Nuoto Club. Giovanni Pisciottano, from the Circolo Nautico, summarizes the spirit of the initiative: combining sport, local promotion, and social inclusion through a calendar of events that accompanies the entire summer season.

A whole summer dedicated to open water

The FIN Grand Prix is the heart of a much broader program that, in 2026, also included:

• the 15 km international Gran Fondo Italia circuit on June 28, starting at 7 AM from Baia Arena and arriving on the beach of the Lago district;
• a stage of the CSI Italian Championship for open water swimming over 1.5 and 3 km distances, in the waters of the Lago district;
• the first stage of the UISP Campanian Open Water Trophy, on July 11, with events over 400m, 800m, the marine mile, and 3 km for beginners, absolute, and master categories;
• an inclusion project between September and October, dedicated to water sports for children with autism, carried out with the Municipality of Castellabate and Castellabate a Vela.

Between one race and another

Santa Maria is the seaside district of Castellabate, while the ancient village climbs the promontory behind the coast. Between races, it is worth climbing up to the historic center, strolling along the promenade, and treating yourself to Cilento cuisine, featuring blue fish, olive oil, and local inland products. For those arriving from outside the region, the race weekend is also an excellent opportunity to discover Cilento at the start of the beach season, when the beaches are not yet crowded.