89ª GEN Roses

The Gulf of Roses in August is defined by the thermal interplay between the Mediterranean sun and the Tramontana wind, which often dictates the character of the water surface. Swimmers entering the bay on race day will encounter temperatures typically hovering in the low-to-mid 20s°C, with the water usually maintaining a consistent density that favors a steady, rhythmic stroke. While the inner bay remains sheltered, shifts in currents near the headlands can introduce subtle lateral pushes; keeping a steady sighting line toward the prominent landmarks of the coastline is essential to managing these shifts. The 89ª GEN Roses 2026, held at the Grup d'Esports Nàutics, continues a long-standing tradition of open water swimming in this strategic maritime basin, offering distances of 250m, 1000m, and 2000m for participants.

Historical landmarks in the water

As you navigate the course, the shoreline serves as a timeline of Mediterranean history. The Greek colonists who founded the settlement of Rhode in the 5th century BC chose this precise spot for its natural harbor, a tactical advantage later exploited by Roman legions during their expansion. The most striking visual reference for any swimmer is the Castell de la Trinitat, a star-shaped fortress completed in 1551 to defend against the frequent incursions of North African privateers, including the naval force commanded by the admiral Barbarossa. Further along the cliffs, the architecture shifts from military to rationalist; the Casa Rozes, designed by José Antonio Coderch, appears as a series of stepped, stone-colored cubes that mirror the rugged texture of the headland itself. Those seeking to test their endurance later in the season might look toward the coastal crossings in nearby Cadaqués, which offer a different, more exposed perspective of the Costa Brava.

Nature and tactical sightings

The southern boundary of the gulf is marked by the expansive Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, a protected wetland zone that once consisted of vast, impassable marshes. While the marshland is now a sanctuary for over 300 bird species, its presence creates a distinct ecological backdrop to the southern end of the swimming area. These waters were also the stage for the 1795 naval engagement between the Spanish Reina María Luisa and the French frigate Iphigenie, a conflict that unfolded across the very expanse now occupied by the event’s buoys. Whether you are aiming for the 2000m competitive distance or the shorter 1000m popular route, the course remains a direct connection to the maritime heritage of the Gulf of Roses.

Fourth oldest in Catalonia

Among the crossings still being held, this is the fourth oldest in Catalonia. It starts and finishes on the club's own beach, la Perola, carries two memorial trophies for club figures, and caps its field at 350 swimmers with the competitive course to be completed within the hour.