Travesía de Lecrín 2026

The water here carries a distinct, sharp coolness, a direct result of the meltwater cascading from the Sierra Nevada peaks that loom over the horizon. As you move through the central basin of the Embalse de Béznar, the environment feels dominated by this high-altitude influence; the reservoir, fed by the Ízbor River, acts as a vast, suspended mirror reflecting the slopes of the highest range in the Iberian Peninsula. Swimming here during the annual event organized by the Diputación de Granada and the University of Granada, you are essentially traversing a critical hydrological artery of the Andalusian landscape, a basin holding millions of cubic meters of mountain runoff that sustains the valley below.

Historical echoes in the valley

Looking toward the shoreline, the landscape shifts from raw nature to human history. Near the village of Chite, the remnants of a Moorish-era fortress watch over the water. These ruins serve as a stark reminder of the time when this valley, known as 'Iqlim', functioned as a strategic gateway controlling the transit to coastal sugar plantations. Further along the course, the vista is anchored by the sanctuary of the Cristo del Zapato, which sits atop the hill overlooking Pinos del Valle, providing a permanent visual reference point from the water surface.

Strategic crossings

This valley has always been a corridor of transit. Swimmers passing through the reservoir encounter the shadow of the historic Tablate Bridge, which for centuries served as the mandatory passage between Granada and the coast. The bridge spans a deep, imposing ravine that feeds into the reservoir, underscoring the rugged topography that defines the region. The event, held annually on the last day of May, offers distances of 500, 1500, and 3000 meters. The logistical complexity of organizing a swim in this major water management site is reflected in the event's coordination, ensuring safety across these distances while allowing participants to experience the unique 'region of the sugar cane' from an perspective that most travelers on the nearby roads never witness.