XX Playa de Perbes

The Atlantic waters off Playa de Perbes present a dynamic challenge defined by the significant tidal fluctuations of the Betanzos estuary. As the Lambre, Baxoi, and Xarío rivers converge here, swimmers must anticipate shifting currents that dictate the rhythm of the race. The water is refreshing, typical of the Galician coast by mid-August, and requires a steady, deliberate stroke to navigate the tidal flow that periodically alters the depth along the shoreline.

A landscape of ancient history

As you move through the water, the horizon is anchored by the remnants of the ancient castro culture; hillforts like Loios and Centroña silently oversee the estuary, serving as a reminder of the early coastal settlements that once thrived here. The swim route also weaves through the echoes of the Roman era, where historical records document the presence of an ancient port within the municipality. Further along, the 15th-century Ponte do Porco bridge marks a distinct point in the landscape, famously identified by the carved boar of the powerful Andrade family. Folklore suggests that pilgrims once stroked the back of this stone beast while invoking Saint Andrew to find strength during their arduous journey. While the English Way pilgrimage route historically brought travelers to rest by the nearby Gothic fountain, the modern swimmer finds their own path across these same waters. The coastal environment is occasionally enriched by the natural presence of the O Xuncal marshland, a sanctuary of reeds near the Baxoi river mouth.

Event details

Organized by the Club Marítimo de Perbes, this annual event offers distances ranging from short sessions for children to a 1500-meter main crossing. The race has a long-standing tradition in the region, often coinciding with local maritime customs, such as the period when the Virgin of Carmel procession traditionally honors those lost at sea. With a cap on entrants to ensure safety and quality, the event requires participants to manage their registration through the club's official email channels. The proximity of other regional challenges, such as the Enseada de San Amaro which takes place just two weeks later, makes this part of a demanding late-summer schedule for those testing their endurance in the Atlantic.