Triple Corona Illas Atlánticas

In the early hours of September 5, 2026, the streets of Baiona hum with the energy of the Atlantic Extreme community. The race is a tradition for those who spend their summers tracing the Galician coastline, gathering at the port to debate currents and tides before heading to the start line. This 15km challenge is the opening chapter of the Triple Corona Illas Atlánticas, a three-year journey spanning 57km across the region's three major estuaries.

The Atlantic horizon

As you depart from Rodas Beach, the Cíes Islands dominate the horizon, their jagged profiles rising from the Atlantic. Your path cuts through the waters of the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, leading you past the Estelas Islands, which have been protected as a Special Conservation Area since 2014. These rocky outcrops dictate the rhythm of your swim, shifting the currents that swimmers must navigate. Further along the coastline, the Monteferro peninsula acts as a natural barrier; its microclimate significantly tempers the northern winds, providing a distinct shelter for the final stretch toward the mainland. Many who seek a more intense endurance test look toward the 20km Desafío Islas Cíes X2 for a different pace in these same waters.

Landmarks of the coast

Navigation is anchored by historical markers visible from the water. As you approach the finish at Ribeira Beach, the 15-meter tall Virgin of the Rock statue atop Mount Sansón serves as a constant visual guide. This monument overlooks the area where, on March 1, 1493, the Pinta arrived to deliver the first news of the discovery of America to the Old World. Closer to the shore, the 13th-century Santa María Collegiate Church stands as a reminder of the town’s defensive past, its fortified walls still commanding the view of the bay. The history of this location reaches back to its ancient foundations, with records linking the area to the influence of Diomedes of Aetolia and later, the conquest by Julius Caesar in 60 AD. The local lore of the 1590 Battle of the Bayona Islands, where a small Spanish force overcame a larger Anglo-Dutch flotilla, remains a frequent topic of conversation among those who swim these channels regularly. The event is supported by a dedicated logistics team, ensuring that safety vessels are positioned to manage the transit across the bay’s distinct maritime traffic lanes.