I’m still not entirely sure what I was thinking when I convinced my husband and my three grown-up kids to join me on a Swim Trek holiday in the Egadi Islands off Sicily.
A week of early mornings, kilometres of swimming, boats, saltwater and being together 24/7…
What could possibly go wrong?
We arrived on Favignana Island just in time for the 5pm briefing, a welcome beer, introductions and dinner at Il Bettola.
Everyone was excited.
Everyone was ready.
And then… we started swimming.
Day 1 – The Wheels Start to Wobble
Amazingly, everyone completed the first swims.
Groups were allocated — my husband was delighted to be promoted to the fast group thanks to his “performance-enhancing equipment”: fast pants and flippers. One of the grown-up kids joined him, while the other two sensibly settled into the middle group.
Then reality hit.
The boat ride home was rough, the sunscreen situation was a disaster, and the boys discovered that Mediterranean sun is not to be underestimated.
One reached full “crispy chip” status.
Dinner was cancelled.
The third grown-up kid made it to dinner but left early with a migraine.
A strong start… but the wheels were definitely wobbling!
Day 2 & 3 – Survival Mode
One grown-up kid was still recovering, another decided swimming was optional and joined the boat trips for moral support only.
Meanwhile, the rest of us kept going.
Day 3 delivered the biggest challenge — a 4.2km swim in cooler-than-expected water.
Even I admitted defeat and put on my wetsuit for the second half.
Sometimes warmth wins.
Or you can see it another way….If you are going to use precious luggage space by packing The Swim Set wetsuit you do have to wear it!!
Day 4 – The Family Returns
Miraculously, the whole team was back.
We caught the hydrofoil to beautiful Marettimo — a tiny, quiet island where we swam from the castle back to the beach we had stayed on the week before.
Beautiful blue water, sun-lit caves and access to beaches that can only be achieved by boat.
Afterwards?
A very important recovery session…
Beer o’clock overlooking the harbour.
Day 5 – A Challenge
The wind pushed us to the south side of Favignana, where we found incredible coves and that impossible Mediterranean blue.
Our first swim had the current behind us and we flew through 2.5km.
Then came the decision:
Turn back for lunch?
Or swim back through the current?
Some wisely chose the boat.
The rest of us took on the challenge.
My BBC swim buddy and I discovered that getting back onto a boat in a strong current is less “graceful swimmer exit” and more “human washing machine.”
We survived.
Lunch was delicious.
Then we abandoned serious swimming and spent the afternoon playing in the water like kids.
Perfect.
The Final Swim
The last morning was an easy 800m harbour swim.
Out of three grown-up kids, only one joined in.
Guess which one?
The Verdict
The standout swimmer was definitely my husband.
Every swim.
Every day.
Right beside me…
Well, mostly beside me.
Flippers on.
Fast pants ready.
Our BBC swim buddy named his style:
“Fashion.”
The whole family completing this trip was a huge achievement.
There were laughs.
There were eye rolls.
There were moments where everyone questioned my holiday planning.
But we did it.
The Swim Trek team congratulated us for attempting something pretty unique — a family holiday built around swimming together.
Will there be an Episode 2?
I’m still waiting for my three grown-up kids to answer that question…
The deafening silence says a lot. 😂
And a fave spot.... if you decide a family swim trek is what your family is needing..
Restaurants
A Leva - other side of island - go there for sunset drinks and aperitif snacks.
La Bettola - went there twice…great pasta
Sotto Sale - up market
Osteria del sotto sale - sister restaurant to Sollo Sale. Less fancy
Ritmo cocktail Dinner - simple dishes from tuna steaks schnitzel
Archetipico
Casablanca - good pizza, sushi and many other dishes
Beach Club
Lido Punta Burrone - get there by e-bike
Hotel
Il Mullino- bit of a walk but good and clean accommodation. Good for Swimtrek standards.
Bars
Camparia - excellent vibe. Upmarket with great outdoor space. Next door there is a great store selling clothes and homewares.
Ex Macello - good if you need a tv to watch the World Cup.