Pulsano 2000

The local community in Pulsano gathers long before the first heat hits the water. Every August, the Sporting Club Marina di Pulsano transforms the shoreline into a hub for swimmers who return year after year, drawn by the specific currents and the distinct maritime heritage of this stretch of the Salento coast. This annual event is a fixture for those who train in the Ionian, often bridging their season with the nearby Taranto Open Water swim scheduled just weeks prior. The 2000-meter course is designed to follow a path where history remains visible beneath the surface, provided the light catches the seabed correctly.

What you'll see

As you navigate the bay of Lido Silvana, you pass over a submerged landscape that holds the remains of two ancient ships—one Roman and one believed to be Greek. Divers have recovered three Roman anchors from this exact vicinity, marking this as a significant archaeological zone. Along the coastline, two 16th-century Spanish watchtowers, Torre Castelluccia and Torre Zozzoli, frame the horizon. These structures were once part of a strategic defensive network built to protect the Salento coast from Saracen raids, and they serve as prominent landmarks for sighting during the race. Swimming toward the Lido Silvana islet, you encounter the Sorgente Cannedde. This natural spring discharges freshwater directly into the sea, creating a noticeable thermal and salinity gradient that changes the feel of the water as you swim through the mix.

Race day conditions

Organized by AICS, the event demands a steady pace as you move through the varying densities created by the spring. The water temperature in early August remains consistent, though the intersection with the mountain-fed spring near Bosco Caggione provides a cooling effect. The town's connection to the sea is deeply rooted in history, notably the 1480 defense of Otranto where forty Pulsano soldiers lost their lives; this legacy is still honored annually with a procession. For the 2026 edition, participants are expected to register well in advance of the mid-July cutoff to secure their spot in this 2km challenge.