XXIV Travesía Popular a Nado Illa - Port de Benidorm

The water here is a deep, consistent Mediterranean blue, tempered by a specialized local microclimate that keeps temperatures mild through the end of August. Protected by the surrounding massifs of the Sierra Helada, Sierra Cortina, and Puig Campana, the bay acts as a natural basin that buffers the coast from harsh eastern winds. Swimmers often find the surface remarkably calm, allowing for a steady rhythm that feels far removed from the high-density urban environment rising just meters from the shoreline. The bay is effectively a cradle of 3,000 hours of annual sunlight, where the water stays warm enough that the 3.6-kilometer distance feels like a smooth, continuous glide rather than a battle against the elements.

A skyline from the water

As you navigate the course, the perspective of Benidorm shifts radically from the typical tourist view. From the water, the city asserts itself as the "New York of the Mediterranean," with the 202-meter Intempo building and the Gran Hotel Bali serving as massive, vertical navigational markers. This density of skyscrapers creates a surreal, angular horizon that stands in sharp contrast to the rugged, protected cliffs of the nearby natural park. High above the cliffs, the large cross erected in 1962 remains a constant, stark white point of reference, originally placed to overlook the beaches during a period of significant social change regarding local dress codes. Looking back toward the coast, you can spot the remnants of the 16th-century watchtower, the Torre de les Caletes, standing guard over the same craggy terrain that defines the park’s boundary.

Race logistics

This event is the 24th edition of the Travesía Popular a Nado Illa - Port de Benidorm, scheduled for August 30, 2026. The 3.6-kilometer route is limited to 300 participants, a cap set to manage safety and logistics effectively, with an entry fee of 24 EUR. The start line is defined by the bay's unique geometry, which has been a hub of maritime activity since the Roman era, evidenced by the nearby archaeological site at Teso de la Cala. For those seeking additional competition in the region, the calendar offers the Travesía Heartbreak Benidorm in July, which presents a different pacing and tactical challenge. While local myths speak of the giant Roldan carving the nearby island into existence, the modern swimmer is more likely to focus on the clear sightlines provided by the proximity of the Punta del Canfali fortress, which still holds the rocky promontory dividing the main beaches.