Traversata di Diomede

The Traversata di Diomede in the Tremiti Islands

The Traversata di Diomede is an open-water swimming event that turns the Tremiti Islands into a hub for sea swimming every spring. The event takes place in the heart of the archipelago, in the municipality of Isole Tremiti—the only entirely insular town in the Province of Foggia and the entire Puglia region, located off the Gargano coast.

The race is named after Diomedes, the legendary hero of the Trojan War who, according to tradition, chose the Tremiti as his final resting place: the islands are said to have been born from the rocks he threw into the sea. This legend inspires a crossing that weaves together sport, myth, and landscape.

A stage of the Italian Open Water Tour

The Traversata di Diomede is part of the Italian Open Water Tour, the national circuit dedicated to long-distance and open-water swimming enthusiasts. Organized by SSD Glaciali in collaboration with the Municipality of Isole Tremiti, the event attracts professional swimmers, master categories, and hobbyists from all over Italy to the Adriatic.

The course cuts through the currents separating the main islands of the archipelago, skimming the profiles of San Domino, San Nicola, and the Cretaccio islet. The clarity of the water, according to the organizers, gives swimmers the sensation of flying over the seabed, amidst sea caves, Posidonia meadows, and the crystalline depths of the Tremiti Marine Reserve.

The Races

The program features various competitions designed for swimmers of all levels, spread over two days: from challenging long-distance trials to shorter crossings and team relays. Races range from half-mile and nautical mile distances to three-kilometer courses and beyond, allowing both competitive athletes and amateurs to participate.

Nature and Sport in a Marine Reserve

Beyond its sporting dimension, the Traversata di Diomede is an opportunity to showcase one of the most beautiful stretches of the Adriatic Sea. The Tremiti Islands are part of the Gargano National Park and host a protected Marine Reserve: swimming in these waters means immersing oneself in an environment of great natural value, surrounded by cliffs, coves, and clear seabeds. The event thus promotes sustainable tourism and the discovery of this Apulian archipelago.