Sea— Italy

Traversata Porto San Paolo - Tavolara

Jun 28, 2026
Last edition date
18th edition

At a glance

Last edition date
June 28, 2026
Where
Sea · Spiaggia di Porto San Paolo, Porto San Paolo, Sardegna, Italy
Registration
slowdive.it
Awaiting confirmation of the next edition

About the race

The Porto San Paolo - Tavolara crossing reaches its 18th edition, confirming itself as a classic appointment for open water swimming enthusiasts. The event takes place in the evocative setting of the Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo Marine Protected Area, a natural context of extraordinary beauty that requires maximum environmental respect from all participants.

Loiri Porto San Paolo
Loiri Porto San Paolo · Photo: Gianni Careddu · CC BY-SA 4.0

The event is characterized as a non-competitive gathering, designed to celebrate swimming as the 'king of sports' in an atmosphere of sharing. The crossing requires good preparation and the mandatory use of a personal safety buoy, with careful organization that includes pre-departure briefings, water assistance, and rigorous safety procedures to ensure the well-being of every swimmer during the journey to the island of Tavolara.

Sources: Tavolara Island · Loiri Porto San Paolo

Course

5 km

The event consists of two separate swimming races. The outbound race starts from Porto San Paolo and finishes at Tavolara Island. The return race starts from the island and ends at Porto Taverna beach.

Awards

The crossing is a non-competitive event; there are no awards or rankings.

How to get there

The meeting point is at the Lega Navale Italiana seaside headquarters, on the beach of Porto San Paolo. For swimmers and their families, discounted rates are available on ferries (Tavolara Traghetti), with tickets to be purchased at the kiosk in the parking lot near the meeting point.

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Traversata Porto San Paolo - Tavolara

Frequently asked questions

When was the last edition of Traversata Porto San Paolo - Tavolara?
The last edition of Traversata Porto San Paolo - Tavolara took place on June 28, 2026.
Where does Traversata Porto San Paolo - Tavolara take place?
Traversata Porto San Paolo - Tavolara is a sea swim. Location: Spiaggia di Porto San Paolo, Porto San Paolo, Sardegna, Italy.
How do I register for Traversata Porto San Paolo - Tavolara?
The reference page for registering for Traversata Porto San Paolo - Tavolara is https://slowdive.it/tavolara26.html.

Where to stay

Porto San Paolo offers a range of options that cater to the coastal vibe of the area. You will find small, family-run guesthouses often referred to locally as 'case di pescatori', reflecting the town's maritime roots. For a more comfortable stay, there are boutique hotels overlooking the harbor, while local camping grounds provide a direct connection to the beach. Expect to pay between €120 and €250 per night during the peak swimming season.

Things to do nearby

Beyond the water, the area is defined by its protected marine environment. You can explore the Grotta del Papa, a sea cave containing Neolithic paintings, or join guided kayak and SUP excursions to reach hidden coves within the reserve. The mainland offers scenic trekking paths that provide high-angle views of the Tavolara massif. Evenings are best spent enjoying local seafood and Vermentino wine at the harbor, often coinciding with the cultural events hosted by the village.

Swimmers

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