Monate – Italian Open Water Tour 2026

The 2026 edition of the Monate event, scheduled for June 14, offers competitive distances of 926m, 1000m, 2500m, 3000m, 5000m, 6000m, and 7000m. This glacial lake in the Varese province is categorized by its hydrological isolation, as it is primarily fed by underground springs and the Rio Freddo, ensuring high water clarity. The competition follows a strict prohibition of motorboats, a regulation that maintains the lake's calm surface and low pollution levels, providing a distinct environment for long-distance efforts. Swimmers tackling the longer distances will find the water conditions exceptionally stable, though they may encounter non-native species such as largemouth bass or wels catfish during their swim.

A landscape of history and legend

As you navigate the course, the shoreline reveals remnants of a 3,600-year-old history. The Sabbione site features submerged Bronze Age pile dwellings, with wooden remains resting between 2 and 6 meters deep, roughly 50 meters from the shore. The area is also steeped in local lore; the village of Osmate derives its name from the ancient pagan deity Oscio Mater, and early local architecture was built directly atop the ruins of her temple. Historical exploration of the lakebed has also yielded four ancient monoxylon canoes, carved from single tree trunks and dating from the 2nd to the 11th century AD, which were originally crafted for these shallow, tranquil waters. For those looking to continue their season, the region offers several opportunities, including the Traversata dell'Eremo at nearby Leggiuno in July or the Traversata del Trentin in late July.

Visual landmarks

Throughout the swim, the shoreline serves as a navigation guide. The architecture of Villa Baroni provides a striking visual reference with its medieval-style crenellated tower and 19th-century romantic tower that descend toward the water. Further along the parklands, the eclectic design of Villa Solferino marks the landscape, a structure built in 1859 to commemorate the historic conflict. These landmarks, combined with the backdrop of the Monte Rosa massif, define the visual experience of the course.