One sea. Two beautiful islands.On the crossing with the Vladswim team, 2026
The distance
12–14 km
Expected swim time
3–6 hours
Water temperature
22–26°C
Preparation
3–5 months
More than a crossing
A swimming challenge. A Mediterranean holiday.
Imagine swimming between two countries in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Between Sardinia in Italy and Corsica in France, the Bonifacio Strait offers one of Europe's most spectacular open water adventures.
Part of the Seven Leisure Swim Challenges in Europe, this unforgettable crossing combines a swim, a holiday, and the chance to experience two beautiful islands in a single day.
On 4 July 2026, Coach Vlad and five Vladswim swimmers completed the 13.5 km crossing from Corsica to Sardinia in 3 hours and 55 minutes. It quickly became one of our favourite swims—and one we highly recommend for an unforgettable European summer.
3h 55m4 July 2026 · 13.5 km Coach Vlad + five Vladswim swimmers
Shared goals. Great company. Memories that stay with you.
A journey to remember. An achievement to celebrate.
Official RUN2SWIM completion certificates for Vlad and Frederick Mravec. 4 July 2026 · 13.5 km · 3 hours 55 minutes · Team crossing, skins.
Vlad Mravec
Frederick Mravec
Why you'll love this swim
The journey is every bit as special as the finish.
01 / TWO COUNTRIES
Italy to France, by swimming
Set off from Sardinia and reach the shores of Corsica under your own power.
02 / MEDITERRANEAN BLUE
Clear water. Stunning scenery.
Enjoy beautiful Mediterranean water and island views throughout the crossing.
03 / SUMMER SWIMMING
A warm-water adventure
A wonderful summer challenge for experienced open water swimmers.
04 / ISLAND LIFE
Stay a little longer
Beautiful beaches, fantastic food, charming villages, and a relaxed atmosphere.
05 / YOUR NEXT CHALLENGE
Build your marathon experience
A rewarding crossing for swimmers preparing for longer marathon swims.
06 / SHARED ADVENTURE
Make memories together
Combine your swimming goals with friendship, travel, and the joy of discovery.
Know your crossing
The swim, at a glance.
From Sardinia to Corsica. Baha will confirm the exact start and finish points and plan the crossing around a suitable weather window.
Location
Bonifacio Strait Sardinia, Italy → Corsica, France
Start
Sardinia, Italy Exact location to be confirmed by RUN2SWIM
Finish
Corsica, France Exact location to be confirmed by RUN2SWIM
Swim timing
June 2027 June 2027 · Exact date to be confirmed
Distance
Approximately 12–14 km
Water
Typically 22–26°C
Duration
Expected swim time: 3–6 hours
Conditions
Generally calm Mediterranean water, although wind can create more challenging conditions. The crossing depends on suitable weather.
Support
A support boat is required. One boat comfortably supports up to four swimmers, subject to the organiser's arrangements.
Across the Bonifacio Strait
Your swim. Two Mediterranean islands.
Our planned June 2027 adventure takes you from Sardinia, Italy to Corsica, France, crossing the spectacular Bonifacio Strait.
Start island
Sardinia · Italy
The crossing
Bonifacio Strait · Mediterranean Sea
Finish island
Corsica · France
Illustrative route map. The map shows a 12–16 km crossing range; the planned swim is approximately 12–14 km. Baha and RUN2SWIM will confirm the exact route and distance according to the weather and crossing arrangements.
Sardinia → Corsica · Planned June 2027 swim
The people behind your crossing
Meet your support team.
Baha Demirci · RUN2SWIM · Main swim organiser
Baha Demirci
RUN2SWIM · Main swim organiser
Baha Demirci is the main organiser of the Bonifacio Strait Swim through his swim program, RUN2SWIM. He coordinates the crossing and local swim support, helping you plan your Mediterranean adventure.
Choosing a suitable weather window
Organising the support boat
Planning the crossing and swim-day logistics
Recommending additional local swims during your stay
When contacting Baha, please mention that you were referred by Vladswim.
Coach Vlad · Swim preparation
Vlad helps you prepare with a personalised swim plan, technique feedback, pacing, nutrition guidance, and coaching support. For preparation and joining the Vladswim group, use the June 2027 interest button.
Our 2026 swimmers with the local support team in Sardinia.
Bonifacio Strait preparation program
Arrive prepared. Swim with confidence.
A successful crossing begins with smart preparation. We recommend 3–5 months of training, depending on your current swimming ability and experience.
Coach Vlad will guide you with a structured program designed to help you enjoy both the journey and the swim itself.
01 / BUILD
Endurance & efficiency
Build endurance for a comfortable 12–14 km swim while improving your swimming efficiency.
02 / PRACTISE
Pacing & fuelling
Develop pacing strategies and practise your nutrition and hydration plan.
03 / PREPARE
Confidence & logistics
Strengthen mental preparation and work through your swim-day planning and logistics.
What you'll receive
Personalised swim preparation plan
A complete, step-by-step training program designed for your experience and goals.
Weekly swim sessions
Know exactly what to swim with structured pool and open water sessions.
Weekly distance targets
Progress safely while building the endurance needed for the crossing.
Swim intensity guidelines
Understand when to swim easy, moderate, and hard for the best results.
Video stroke analysis
Expert technique feedback and practical corrections to improve efficiency.
Recovery & nutrition guidance
Learn to fuel your body, recover properly, and stay healthy through preparation.
Coaching support
Regular guidance, motivation, and feedback from Coach Vlad throughout your preparation.
Find your next goal
Is this swim right for you?
You're ready for your first international marathon swim
You enjoy warm-water open water swimming
You're preparing for longer channel swims
You love combining swimming with travel
You want an unforgettable Mediterranean adventure
Join the Vladswim adventure
Swim Sardinia to Corsica in June 2027.
Every year, Vladswim organises swimming adventures around the world. Join us for a crossing that brings together friendship, beautiful scenery, and the joy of swimming in one of Europe's most spectacular locations.
