II Travesía La Tiñosa

The II Travesía La Tiñosa, scheduled for August 1, 2026, serves as the opening stage of the annual Lanzarote Open Water Swimming Cup. Based in the historic fishing port of Puerto del Carmen, the event offers four distinct race distances—400m, 800m, 1500m, and 3000m—all starting and finishing at the sheltered El Poril cove. Given the oceanic conditions of the Atlantic, wetsuits are mandatory for all participants to ensure safety and thermal protection. The registration fee of 20 EUR covers the technical race kit, which includes a timing chip, bib number, commemorative medal, and a technical t-shirt.

The volcanic horizon

As you swim away from the harbor, the coastal landscape reveals the unique topography of the islands. To the south, the sharp volcanic peaks of Papagayo create a rugged backdrop, while the clear silhouette of Fuerteventura remains visible across the channel throughout the longer courses. The sea surrounding this stretch of coastline is a significant habitat for various marine species, including the elusive Ziphiidae family, which are frequently monitored by local researchers due to the deep-water trenches nearby. The waters at the base of the cliffs are also known for the Playa Chica diving sites, where the volcanic seabed supports a high density of marine biodiversity that swimmers can often observe in the clearer shallows.

A port with a history

Swimming from the El Poril beach, you are effectively traversing the heart of what was once a vital node for the barilla trade. In the centuries following the colonial conquest, this port was instrumental in exporting ash-based products to Europe, forming the backbone of the island's maritime economy long before tourism became the primary industry. The transformation of this landscape is punctuated by the presence of the Hotel Los Fariones, which opened in 1967 as one of the island's first major tourist structures, signaling the shift from a local fishing village to a global destination. For those pursuing the full circuit, this event complements other regional challenges like the San Juan swim in Arrecife held earlier in July, or the longer-distance formats found during the season. Whether you are aiming for the competitive 3km or the shorter 400m dash, the race provides a direct connection to the volcanic and maritime heritage of Lanzarote.