X-WATERS Черногория

The Bay of Kotor, often termed the southernmost fjord in Europe, hosts this multi-distance event on September 27, 2026. Swimmers can choose from six distances ranging from a 50m dash for children to a 7km endurance challenge. Registration fees vary between 39.9 and 199.9 EUR, and the use of a wetsuit is mandatory if water temperatures hover around 16°C. The logistical complexity of shuttling participants to the start line in Perast for the longer distances is reflected in the entry structure, ensuring a secure point-to-point passage through the bay’s unique geography.

Historical currents and landmarks

Navigating these waters means traversing a submerged river canyon, a geological formation sculpted by ancient tectonic shifts. As you swim, you pass the Our Lady of the Rocks, a man-made island constructed from sunken ships and stones. This site remains a silent witness to the 1654 defense of Perast, where local citizens successfully repelled an Ottoman assault, an act of defiance that earned them a legendary sword from the statesman Petar Zrinski. Looking toward the shore, the Baroque facade of Palace Bujović stands as a reminder of the maritime wealth that once defined this region.

Strategic waters

Ancient history permeates the coastline, particularly in Risan. In the 3rd century BC, the Illyrian Queen Teuta retreated to the fortified settlement of Rhizon, finding protection within its naturally inaccessible geography against the encroaching Roman forces. Modern-day swimmers follow these same strategic channels, occasionally catching sight of the Sopot karst spring. During periods of heavy rainfall, this massive source erupts into a 20-meter waterfall, discharging up to 200 cubic meters of water per second directly into the bay. Whether you are navigating the night swim or the long-distance circuit, you are moving through a landscape that has served as a refuge and a stronghold for over two millennia.