Grand Prix Nazionale FIN — Taranto (Finale)

Legend has it that Taras, the son of Poseidon, was saved from a shipwreck by a dolphin sent by his father, a moment forever immortalized in the ancient coinage of this city. Today, as you prepare to enter the Ionian waters for the Mediterraneo Open Water, that same marine legacy remains a living reality in the Mar Grande. Local swimmers often speak of the dolphins near the Cheradi Islands, a thriving population that has returned to these depths as the environment has flourished.

Before you take your place at the start line at the Mon Rêve Ecogreen Resort, consider the history written into the coastline. The Castello Aragonese, built in 1486, stands as a silent guardian, hiding within its walls the 9th-century Byzantine foundations that remind us of the strategic importance these waters have held for millennia. It is a stark contrast to the modern swimming challenge ahead, where you will navigate the same basin that saw the historic 1940 naval strike, a tactical turning point that utilized the very shallows you will soon traverse.

The water and the heritage

As you swim, the city reveals its layers. Look toward the old town to catch the sight of the two remaining Doric columns of the Temple of Poseidon, dating back to the 6th century BC. While you focus on your stroke, you are also following in the wake of local talents like Benedetta Pilato, who transformed her childhood in Taranto into a career as a world champion breaststroker. For those looking to continue their season, the Marine Mile Open offers another opportunity to test yourself in these historic currents on September 12. Whether you choose the 1852m or the 3000m distance, the experience is defined by the unique mix of freshwater from the underwater 'citri' springs and the salt of the Ionian, a combination that has sustained the local mussel tradition for generations. The event, organized by Mediterraneo Sport, brings together this deep-rooted connection to the sea with a professional field on September 19, 2026, marking a final, intense celebration of the season in the heart of Puglia.