Authentic Marathon Swim — Marathon
- Distances from 500m to 14.5km
About the race
The Authentic Marathon Swim represents the revival of the authentic marathon swimming route, 2.500 years after it was first accomplished. The event provides swimmers of the modern era with an opportunity of replicating the historical achievement of Skyllias and Hydna by swimming over the shipwrecks of the historical Artemision Naval Battle.
The event takes place at the straits of Artemision, the location of the historical Naval Battle between Greek and Persian forces. It is organized by the Municipality of Istiaia-Edipsos, with Active Media Group responsible for its sports production.
Sources: Μηλιές Ευβοίας · Battle of Artemisium · Artemisium · Nea Sinasos · Artemision Bronze
Course
Children's race held in Pefki, Euboea.
Open water swimming route in Pefki, Euboea.
Open water swimming route in Pefki, Euboea.
Open water swimming route in Pefki, Euboea.
Open water swimming route in Pefki, Euboea.
Revival of the authentic marathon swimming route, passing over the shipwrecks of the historic naval battle of Artemision.
Useful info
Organized by the Municipality of Istiaia-Aidipsos. Multi-day event (July). Includes categories for adults and children. Registration via the official website is required. Please consult the regulations regarding wetsuit usage based on water temperature and the chosen distance.
How to get there
Athens Airport (ATH) at 160km or Volos (VOL) at 100km. Accessible by car via the E75 motorway (Artemision exit). There are no direct train stations; car rental from Athens is recommended. Parking is available at the beaches of Pefki and Artemision, the race start/finish points.
Authentic Marathon Swim — Marathon
Where to stay
Pefki and the surrounding Istiaia-Aidipsos municipality offer a variety of coastal lodging options, ranging from family-run seaside guesthouses and traditional apartments to small boutique hotels overlooking the Euboean Gulf. During the summer race period, expect to find double rooms starting at approximately 70€ to 150€ per night. The area retains a quiet, authentic character, with many properties located within walking distance of the primary race village in Pefki, allowing for easy access to the start and finish lines.
Things to do nearby
Beyond the race, the region offers a mix of historical and natural exploration. You can visit the archaeological sites on Mount Lavrentis to see excavations from the Classical and Hellenistic periods or explore the forested trails that characterize northern Euboea. For those seeking time on the water, the calm bays around the cape are ideal for sea kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Local tavernas in the villages near Artemisio provide opportunities to taste regional products, highlighting the agricultural heritage of the island.
Swimmers
What to see around
1. Agali Gorge (trekking), 2. Drymonas Waterfalls, 3. Edipsos Thermal Springs (historical), 4. Saint David Monastery, 5. Boat excursion to the Lichadonisia Islands (snorkeling).
Comments
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