#17BARCELONA [Costa Brava]

Stepping off the train in S’Agaró, the sharp scent of salt spray and pine needles immediately announces your arrival on the Costa Brava. The transition from the bustle of transit to the quiet rhythm of the bay is seamless, setting the tone for a weekend where the Mediterranean landscape dominates your field of vision. This stretch of the Catalan coast is far from a simple backdrop; it is a region steeped in technical innovation and ancient maritime lore.

Historical currents in the water

As you navigate the Saturday loop, consider that these depths hold more than just marine life. Beneath the surface, the legacy of Ictíneo II remains a silent pioneer; Narcís Monturiol’s 1864 invention changed how humans interact with the underwater world, launching the first combustion-powered submarine right here in the region. Further along, the coastline is haunted by the myth of the Argonauts, where local legend claims the wreckage of the ‘Barca Nona’—the ninth ship of Hercules—lies hidden near the heights of Montjuïc, anchoring the city’s founding in these very tides. Swimming through the bay’s rock passages, you are effectively tracing the same waters that have defined regional maritime identity for centuries.

Race day orientation

Focusing on the task at hand, the event offers a structured challenge: 7km on Saturday and a 10km marathon on Sunday. The proximity of the course to the Torre del Rellotge serves as a constant navigation marker, a structure that once guided vessels into port and later acted as a reference point for the scientific definition of the meter in 1791. While you push through the 16.65km total distance, remember that the sediment-rich floor you swim over includes the historic island of Maians, now fully integrated into the mainland. The water, expected to hold between 20-22°C, provides a comfortable environment for this effort, though the occasional reminder of the past persists, such as the site where a 70-kilogram Civil War-era bomb was secured near San Sebastián beach. If you are looking to round out your season, the LXXV Travessia Badalona Nedant takes place in nearby waters, offering a different pacing for those committed to the regional circuit. Whether you are aiming for the full weekend or a single stage, these coastal passages demand steady focus, with the finish line at the hotel beach marking the final point of your journey.