They are an integral part of Campiglia Marittima‘s identity, as are the stone walls, the colors, the scents of the local flora, and the traditional foods and festivals. These birds arrive scattered in spring and fill the June sky with their acrobatic flights and recognizable screeches, then depart all at once in the second half of July. They are beloved because they bring cheer, marking the beginning of the beautiful season, and they intertwine with our personal stories, fascinating us with their lives as great migrators. Those who know their habits know that they visit our regions in the warm months to breed in places that, like Campiglia, have so far offered ideal nesting sites. Each year they return in search of the same nest and the same partner. They then migrate back to the skies over Africa, spending the rest of the year without ever roosting. In flight they sleep, mate, eat, drink and collect nest materials.

Those who come to Campiglia Marittima can stay at the BB vecchia Fonte and immerse themselves in this unique experience by taking the Swifts’ Walk, a fascinating itinerary through the village streets, perfect for admiring and listening to these tireless travelers of the sky. In June, the village comes further alive with the Swifts Festival, offering guided tours and moments of fascinating discovery.