I'm Ponente Bergeggi-Spotorno 2026

On June 14, 2026, the Ligurian coast between Bergeggi and Spotorno hosts a series of open water challenges, offering distances of 400m, 926m, and 1852m. This event, organized by Stile Libero ASD, utilizes the protected marine environment of the Bergeggi Island area, a site where history and geology converge just a few hundred meters from the shoreline. Swimmers navigating these waters pass through a complex marine landscape that has attracted archaeological interest since the late 4th century, when a monastic complex stood on the island’s southern slopes. Today, the seabed remains a repository of cultural evidence, with excavations having recovered Middle Eastern amphorae that testify to ancient maritime trade routes.

Marine life and underwater landmarks

The course takes participants past the 'Franata' dive site, a dramatic geological feature where the seabed plunges from 20 to 30 meters. In these depths, the local ecosystem supports high biodiversity, including the sea anemone Alicia mirabilis, often spotted during the low-light hours. Further along the route, the 'Canalone'—a rocky channel between 7 and 10 meters deep—offers a high probability of sightings, ranging from conger and moray eels to the occasional monkfish lurking near the crevices. The visual experience from the water is punctuated by the silhouette of the iron sculpture known as 'Il Pifferaio', a 1958 work located on the island’s western tip, designed to visually communicate with a stylized goat sculpture positioned on the mainland at Torre del Mare.

For those accustomed to the Ligurian competitive circuit, this June date serves as a primary mid-season benchmark. Athletes frequently cross-reference their training for this event with the conditions found at Albissola Swim Games, which takes place just weeks prior, or the longer distance challenges featured at Varigotti. While the maritime caves of Bergeggi and the nearby Noli—once home to the historical refuge of Saint Eugenius—add a layer of local heritage, the primary focus for participants remains the currents and the technical navigation required around the island’s perimeter. The event remains a central point for those monitoring the seasonal variations of the Ligurian Sea, providing a controlled environment for swimmers to test their performance against the backdrop of the Capo di Vado Lighthouse, which has guided coastal traffic since 1883.