MARNATON eDreams Begur by Zoggs

The Mediterranean waters off Begur present a variable landscape for the open water swimmer, where early June temperatures typically hover around 19-21°C. While the sea is generally welcoming, the northern currents can intensify near the headlands, requiring a steady rhythm to maintain trajectory during the longer 7000m distance. Swimmers must account for the occasional influence of the Tramuntana wind, which, although less frequent in early summer, has historically dictated the pace and direction of coastal navigation in this region. This annual event, organized by MARNATON, utilizes the dramatic coastline of the Costa Brava as its primary arena, offering distances ranging from 1500m to 7000m.

Historical currents and landmarks

As you navigate the course, the underwater and coastal scenery traces the long-standing struggle for dominance in the Gulf of Roses. The coastline here is defined by the legacy of the Indigetes, an Iberian tribe that once fortified these shores against foreign encroachment. Further along, the looming presence of the Cap de Creus marks the northern boundary of your swim, its jagged, wind-sculpted cliffs serving as a reminder of the raw power of the sea. It is a stark contrast to the nearby Greek and Roman ruins, where the remnants of a 575 BC colony remain etched into the landscape, visible from the water as you approach the coastal sections of L'Escala. This area is also near the site of the 13th-century naval battle led by the admiral Roger de Lauria, whose fleet once maneuvered through these same waters to counter French forces.

For those seeking further challenges in the region, the calendar offers diverse experiences, such as the upcoming 55th Illes Medes-Estartit Crossing or the coastal routes found at the Platja d'Aro Open Water. The environment remains deeply tied to its maritime heritage, from the 17th-century Alfolí de la Sal warehouse in L'Escala, which once fueled the local economy, to the protected Medes Islands marine reserve, a short distance away. The route is designed to keep the swimmer engaged with these historic points, ensuring that every turn provides a perspective on the centuries of maritime history that define this stretch of the Catalan coast.