Noli – Italian Open Water Tour

Local tradition in Noli preserves the memory of Saint Eugenius and Saint Vendemialis, who, as the legend goes, escaped Vandal persecution by sailing across the sea on a stone island that eventually docked along this stretch of the Ligurian coast. The Bishop of Carthage is said to have spent his final years on that very island, and his relics were later enshrined in Noli, leaving a connection between the town and the water that remains palpable. This historical gravity adds a layer of depth to the Noli stage of the Italian Open Water Tour, scheduled for September 13, 2026. Swimmers preparing for the race will find themselves navigating the same harbor that hosted Pope Alexander III in 1162, who chose this exact site to celebrate an Easter mass within the island's small abbey during his exile.

Historical ruins and the open sea

As you move through the course, particularly during the 7000m Hard Swim, you are not merely swimming in the open sea; you are traversing a site of documented antiquity. Excavations in the southern part of the island have unearthed Middle Eastern amphorae and the foundations of a 4th-century paleochristian church, physical evidence of the maritime trade routes that once converged here. The water itself is marked by the presence of the 'Pifferaio', a welded iron sculpture installed in 1958 at the island's western tip, which serves as a navigational point for those tracing the coastline. For the long-distance athlete, the route offers more than just distance; it presents a test of endurance through the 'Canalone', a rocky channel where depths between 7 and 10 meters often host conger and moray eels. Those familiar with the local racing circuit will find this stage a distinct departure from the atmosphere of the Miglio Cerialese, which takes place in April. Whether you are entered in the 926m Smile Swim or the more rigorous 7000m challenge, the event is defined by the logistics of the Spiaggia dei Pescatori, a natural harbor that has served as a safe port for centuries. The temperature of the Ligurian sea in mid-September typically remains conductive to performance, though the exposure to the currents of the Ponente sea requires steady navigation from the start line.

Race day logistics

The Noli event is the final chapter of the 'Trittico dei caruggi', a cumulative classification that includes earlier stops in Genoa and Camogli. Participation involves technical support managed by the organizers to ensure safety across the marine environment. For those looking to refine their gear, rental options are available through local partners. The event draws a committed field of swimmers, focused on the transition from the seasonal training in the spring to this final autumn test. The start line on the sand of the Spiaggia dei Pescatori remains the focal point of the weekend.