Calasetta 2026

The ferry ride from Portovesme to Carloforte serves as a rhythmic introduction to the race, cutting through waters that have seen centuries of maritime history. As you approach the island of San Pietro, the profile of the coast emerges, marking the starting point of the 4700-meter crossing toward Calasetta. This route across the channel is more than a simple swim; it is a passage through a corridor once patrolled by galleys during the 1323 naval battle of Canyelles, where Pisan and Aragonese fleets contested these very currents.

Historical currents and coastal landmarks

Navigating this stretch, you will pass the vicinity of Capo Altano, where the remnants of WWII military batteries stand as silent observers on the cliffs. These fortifications were constructed to defend the strategic industrial interests of the Sulcis region, a rugged landscape that commands attention from the water. Further along, the dramatic geological formations of the Costa Crobetana rise to 107 meters, creating a stark contrast with the depths below. You may notice the silhouette of the Isola dei Meli—or Su Scogliu Mannu—an uninhabited sanctuary where cormorants and seagulls nest on the rocky outcrops. This area is historically linked to the presence of the Eleonora’s falcon, a raptor that led ancient Phoenician and Greek mariners to dub the surrounding islands the 'Island of Accipiters'.

Navigating the Sulcis waters

Throughout the journey, the memory of 17th-century Barbary pirate raids lingers in the local geography, specifically at the sites near Monte Dolorosu, a grim reminder of the vulnerability of these shores. While swimming, you will likely encounter the structures of the Su Pranu tuna fishery, an industrial complex that once defined the life of the tonnarotti. For those seeking a different pace, the SulciSwim 2025 offers an alternative look at these currents, while the Traversata Carloforte-Portoscuso provides another perspective on the channel's dynamics. The race day logistics are handled with precision by Abbracciamoli APS, ensuring safety across the crossing to Calasetta. Beyond these historical markers, the Ghinghetta lighthouse continues its century-long watch, and the burial caves of the Bonnanaro culture at Punta Niedda highlight the deep human antiquity of this coastline.