Swimming holidays are the ultimate

The pale-blue copper domes of the **Church of Our Lady of the Rock** stood out vividly as we swam across the Bay of Kotor from the charming fishing village of **Dražin Vrt**. Along the way, we encountered shoals of Adriatic fish—sardines, mackerel, and sprats—as well as sea anemones and urchins. The water was crystal clear, shimmering in shades of Caribbean blue, and when I lifted my head, I was greeted by the breathtaking panorama of surrounding mountains.

This enchanting experience marked the first day of a swimming holiday in and around Montenegro’s fjords. Unlike a typical beach vacation, this adventure involved traveling by swimming in a group, with a boat following to transport our gear from one location to the next. A swimming holiday is the epitome of slow travel, allowing us to glide through the water from island to island and cove to cove, pausing for lunch in historic towns or quaint fishing villages before returning to the sea to continue exploring the coastline.

For a while, no matter how far we swam, the church perched on a rocky islet in the middle of the bay seemed to remain just out of reach. The swim itself was exhilarating, with clear, warm waters and the dramatic backdrop of jagged mountains. But the true reward was reaching the islet, steeped in legend. According to local lore, seamen once found an icon of the Madonna and Child on a rock here. In gratitude for safe journeys, they vowed to add a rock after each voyage, gradually creating the landmass that now supports the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

This unique blend of history, nature, and adventure made the swimming holiday an unforgettable experience, offering a deeper connection to Montenegro’s stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

“Swimming gives you a unique eye-view on the world because you are seeing it from ground or sea level,” says **Ella Foote**, editor of *Outdoor Swimmer Magazine* and author of the book *How to Wild Swim*. “But it’s also that so much of the world developed around a body of water. Most major towns and cities grew up around rivers or alongside the coast, especially when water was the main method of transportation. In the modern world, we have lost what was an all-important connection with water, and it’s fascinating to rediscover it and approach a new place from the water that surrounds or runs through it.”

Our group—perhaps best described as “a goggle” of swimmers—consisted of 15 people from around the globe, ranging in age from 20 to 60-something. What united us was a shared love of swimming, though our abilities varied widely. Some were reasonably competent pool swimmers, while others were open-water veterans or seasoned triathletes.

This diversity added to the richness of the experience, as we supported and encouraged one another while exploring Montenegro’s stunning fjords and coastline. Swimming together allowed us to reconnect with the water in a profound way, seeing the world from a fresh perspective and rediscovering the timeless bond between humans and the natural world.

We were divided into three groups based on similar swimming speeds, each identifiable by different-colored swimming caps. Each group was accompanied by a small inflatable boat, while a larger boat transported us and our gear to and from each swim, serving as a base for lunch, changing, and anyone needing a break. On average, we swam around 5km a day—a challenging distance requiring stamina and strength. However, knowing I could opt out and rest on the boat at any time made the challenge feel more manageable.

Leisure swimming has a long history in the UK, from Prince Henry Frederick Stuart, the older brother of Charles I, who tragically died after contracting typhoid while swimming in the Thames, to the Victorians who popularized sea-bathing resorts. Yet, perhaps the most iconic swimming “pioneer” was the romantic poet **Lord Byron**.

In 1820, a 22-year-old Byron swam across the **Hellespont**, a tumultuous four-mile strait in Turkey now known as the Dardanelles. This swim, from Troy in Greece to Gallipoli, connects Europe with Asia and is steeped in Greek mythology, famously associated with Leander’s nightly swims to meet his lover.

“I’d read Byron’s accounts of his travels and the Hellespont swim and decided that’s what I wanted to do for my 30th birthday,” said **Simon Murie**, the founder of **SwimTrek**, the world’s first swimming holiday business. Inspired by Byron’s adventurous spirit, Murie created SwimTrek to offer others the chance to explore the world through swimming, combining adventure, history, and a deep connection to the water.

This unique approach to travel allows swimmers to experience destinations from a fresh perspective, rediscovering the timeless bond between humans and the natural world while embracing the joy of slow, immersive exploration.

“I found that the hardest part was not the swim itself but getting the necessary permissions, working out the route, and finding a boat to accompany me,” said **Simon Murie**, founder of **SwimTrek**. “I realized I couldn’t be the only swimmer wanting to swim from place to place, but I suspected many were put off by the logistics. So, I decided to set up a business that would handle all that, leaving swimmers to train and turn up.”

And so, 21 years ago, SwimTrek was launched from its base on the UK’s south coast in Brighton, though the concept initially met with mixed reactions.

“Our first-ever trip was swimming from island to island in the Greek Cyclades,” Murie recalled. “I had done all the preparation and booked accommodation, but on our first night, the hotel owner had given all our rooms away. She couldn’t grasp the concept that we would actually be swimming there!”

Despite the early hiccup, the issue was resolved, and SwimTrek has since grown exponentially. From taking 100 swimmers to four locations in its first year, the company now serves more than 3,000 travelers across 40 destinations worldwide in 2024. SwimTrek’s success has also inspired other companies to enter the market. Some offer a similar range of trips and destinations, while others, like **The Big Blue Swim**, specialize in a handful of Greek islands.

SwimTrek’s innovative approach has transformed the way people experience travel, combining adventure, history, and a deep connection to the water. By removing the logistical barriers, SwimTrek allows swimmers to focus on what they love most—exploring the world from a unique, immersive perspective.