
Sardinia 2026
Ciao!
Many of you have asked about another swim trip to Sardinia this year — and it’s happening! The dates are locked in and the itinerary is set. We wanted to share the details so you can start planning ahead. Please let us know if you’re interested or have any questions. We’ll be asking for firm commitments and deposits in the coming weeks, and space is limited. See you in Italy!
-Bobby & Joan
LOCATION
We’ll base ourselves on Sant’Antioco, a small island off the southwest corner of Sardinia.
Travel Tips:
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Fly into Cagliari (via Rome) – inexpensive and about a 45-minute flight from Rome
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Drive from Cagliari to Sant’Antioco: about 90 minutes
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You’ll want to rent a car
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An International Driver’s License may be required (available at AAA for under $25)
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Driving on the island is easy and relaxed
Sant’Antioco is connected to Sardinia by a bridge and is surrounded by crystal-clear water, friendly locals, and amazing food.
ACCOMODATIONS
Most swimmers have had great experiences staying in Airbnbs, and there are also hotel options:
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Hotel Ristorante Moderno (near the harbor)
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Lu’ Hotel Maladroxia (near the Basilica of Sant’Antioco, archaeological site & museum)
In the past, Bobby and Joan have stayed near the Basilica of Sant’Antioco as a point of reference. This year, we’ll be staying in Calasetta. Both areas are great options. Regardless of where you stay, we’ll drive to swim locations and you’ll likely enjoy meals and downtime in your local area.
There are no large resorts on the island — and you won’t miss them.
SWIMMING EXPERIENCE
The opening photo on this page — “8 Reasons to Visit Sant’Antioco Island” — features the location of The Race, held in celebration of Festa di San Maurizio.
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Water temperature: mid-70s (°F)
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Water clarity: beautifully clear
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Swim routes are selected daily by our Swim Guide, Giovanni Jaccobi, based on conditions
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Swims are carefully guided by Giovanni and his team
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Bobby and Joan will also be there for support
Daily swims will range from 2K–4K, with the option to swim more if you’d like. No pressure — swim what you’re comfortable with.
ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS
Monday 9/14
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10:00 AM – Welcome swim on Sant’Antioco (easy local beach swim)
Loose plans for the day; local dinner TBD as people may still be arriving
Tuesday 9/15
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10:00 AM – Local beach swim on Sant’Antioco
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Lunch on your own
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Evening: Giovanni’s legendary “fish fry” — an incredible 8-course meal with wine, our swim guides, and local friends
Wednesday 9/16
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10:00 AM – Swim at Calasetta (Saturday’s race location)
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Lunch in town - Optional hike
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Evening: Roasted pig dinner at a beach shack on the far side of the island — a Sardinian specialty with housemade wine and one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see. This night has been a past trip highlight: casual, special, unforgettable.
Thursday 9/17
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Full day boat charter — sail, swim, and paddle
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4-course lunch onboard
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We’ll visit stunning, otherwise inaccessible areas
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Evening in Carloforte on the neighboring island of San Pietro
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Prix fixe cave dinner (yes, an actual cave!)
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Return to Sant’Antioco by ferry after dinner
Friday 9/18
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10:00 AM – Easy local swim on Sant’Antioco (low-key day before the race)
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Evening group dinner at a favorite local restaurant Saturday
Saturday 9/19
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RACE DAY! - The course is 3K total, set up as three laps of a bay
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Want to swim shorter? Totally fine and encouraged
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This is not about competition - it's about experience
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Post-race: Celebration at one of the finest local wineries featuring unforgettable local tuna and family-vineyard wines
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The festivities of Festa di San Maurizio — including processions and fireworks — follow the race.
Sunday 9/20
For those of you looking for an extra challenge, there is the opportunity to swim Point to Point from San Pietro, which is a distance of 5K.
If you need to travel Saturday, it is possible to reach Cagliari in time for a connecting flight to Rome after the race. For those staying, we’ll enjoy one last nice dinner together.
PRICING
$1,975 swimmers – includes daily escorted swims, race entry, dinners, and boat day
$1,475 non-swimmers – includes boat day and meals
Although swims are scheduled each day, the experience is low-key and distances are always optional. There’s room for everyone. Last year we had several non-Masters swimmers — and some had so much fun they asked to come back! If you have a spouse or friend who doesn’t swim, they’ll still have an amazing time.
$1000 (non-refundable) deposit due during registration to hold your spot.

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