LXXXV Puerto de Motril

Legend speaks of mariners who navigated the Alboran Sea by the stars, finding shelter in the natural coves long before the stone piers of Motril were laid. Today, swimmers follow that same trajectory, albeit within the defined lanes of one of Andalusia's primary commercial hubs. The race begins in the heart of the Port of Motril, a setting where the industrial rhythm of freight vessels dictates the timing of the day. Because the course occupies an active maritime zone, the start times for the various categories—10:00 for the older age groups and 11:00 for the younger ones—are subject to adjustment based on port traffic, a reality that forces every participant to remain attentive to the organizers' calls on the morning of the event.

Race day conditions

This 1600-meter crossing is held annually on August 15th, aligning with the local festivities. The water temperature in the Mediterranean at this time of year typically sits in the mid-twenties, providing a consistent environment that allows for a strict 'no wetsuit' policy. This rule, enforced by the Real Club Náutico de Motril, creates a level playing field where the focus is entirely on stroke efficiency and tactical positioning against the backdrop of the port's infrastructure. With a registration fee of 12 EUR, the event maintains a community-focused atmosphere while ensuring professional timing and water safety coverage.

The environment

Swimming inside the port offers a unique perspective of the Costa Granadina, where the arid hills descend sharply into the sea. Unlike open-ocean swims where currents can be erratic, the harbor breakwaters provide a relatively sheltered basin. Swimmers often find that the main challenge here is not the swell, but the internal navigation between the buoys as they circle the inner docks. The presence of the Guadalfeo river delta to the west influences the sediment and water clarity, a detail those familiar with the coastal geography of Granada will recognize as they sight their next turn toward the finish line.