Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim
- Distance: 6.5km
About the race
The Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim is an iconic annual event where swimmers cross from Asia to Europe in Istanbul. The Bosphorus Strait, one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, is closed to traffic for this event. Participants join a mass start to swim the 6.5km course. This SwimTrek package includes race entry, accommodation, and guided support.
Course
The race starts at Kurucesme Cemil Topuzlu Park, where participants board ferries to the start point. The 6.5km course follows the Bosphorus Strait from Asia to Europe, taking advantage of current-assisted waters.
Awards
- Age group awards
Awards ceremony held at the finish line.
Previous editions
Since 1989
How to get there
Fly to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen (SAW). Transfers between accommodation and race village provided by SwimTrek.
Bosphorus Cross-Continental Swim
Where to stay
Participants typically stay in hotels in the Beşiktaş or Ortaköy districts, offering proximity to the race village and ferry transit points. Options range from restored historic mansions turned into boutique hotels to modern international chains along the waterfront. Expect to pay between €150 and €350 per night during the peak August event weekend, depending on the proximity to the Bosphorus shore.
Things to do nearby
The weekend centers on the intersection of maritime culture and urban history. Visitors often engage in guided private boat tours to study the strait's currents, explore the local fish markets, or take ferry trips to the Princes' Islands. Cultural immersion includes visiting Ottoman-era palaces, attending performances by Whirling Dervishes, or trekking through the historic neighborhoods of Beyoğlu and Karaköy to view the Byzantine and Genoese heritage sites overlooking the water.
Swimmers
Comments
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