Triple Corona - Cíes-Baiona

In Baiona, the morning of the Triple Corona Illas Atlánticas carries a distinct rhythm. The local community gathers along the shoreline, echoing a seafaring tradition that stretches back centuries. This annual event, organized by Atlantic Extreme, transforms the town into a hub for long-distance swimmers who arrive to challenge the currents of the Galician coast. Participants often return year after year, drawn by the unique opportunity to navigate the protected waters of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia. The 15-kilometer course begins with a beach start at Rodas, offering a perspective of the archipelago that few get to experience from the water level.

Navigating history and nature

As you leave the Cíes Islands, the horizon is defined by the Cíes and the nearby Estelas Islands, the latter having been a Special Conservation Area since 2014. These islands serve as more than just markers; they dictate the flow of the water and the intensity of the swim. The route takes you past the Monteferro peninsula, where a specific microclimate provides a natural shield against northern winds, a geographical quirk that has influenced local settlement patterns since the town's ancient founding by Diomedes of Aetolia in 140 BC. History feels ever-present here; as you approach the finish at Ribeira Beach, you are effectively following the maritime path of the Pinta, which arrived in Baiona on March 1, 1493, marking the town as the first in the Old World to learn of the discovery of America.

Visual landmarks at sea

Throughout the 15km effort, you will find visual anchors that help maintain your line. High above the coast, the 15-meter stone sculpture of the Virgin of the Rock on Mount Sansón remains a constant guide, standing 100 meters above sea level. Closer to the harbor, the fortified silhouette of the Santa María Collegiate Church, a 13th-century Romanesque structure, stands as a testament to the town's defensive past. The area’s history of maritime conflict is equally tangible, with the 1590 Battle of Bayona Islands occurring just off the coast you are crossing. While some swimmers might consider a shorter challenge like the XXII Travesía a Nado Ría de Vigo in August, those committed to the 15km distance find that the interaction between the open ocean and the sheltered bays creates a dynamic environment. The race is held on September 12, 2026, and is open to those prepared for the open-water conditions typical of these Rías.