Travesía Vuelta a la Escollera Alicante

The area surrounding the Plaza de Gabriel Miró was once known as the 'Plaza de las Barcas', a site where small vessels could dock directly to unload their daily catch. This historical connection to the sea persists today, as modern swimmers gather at the Muelle 12 Zona Volvo to embark on the Travesía Vuelta a la Escollera. The transition from the square’s centennial Ficus trees and the 1918 'Aguadora' fountain to the open water marks a shift from urban heritage to the Mediterranean currents that have shaped Alicante for centuries.

Navigating the port legacy

As you leave the harbor, the perspective of the city changes entirely. Rising 169 meters above the coastline, Mount Benacantil acts as a constant navigation point, mirroring the role it played for mariners approaching the bay in antiquity. The race, which serves as a key leg in the local open water series, draws energy from the city's maritime identity, including its long-standing role as the departure port for The Ocean Race. While the course remains within the protected waters of the bay, the environment beneath the surface is defined by the resilience of the local ecosystem. Swimmers may occasionally spot the dense Posidonia oceanica meadows that thrive in these waters, serving as a vital nursery for local species.

Those looking to balance their calendar with different types of sea challenges will find the race at La Cantera in June or the traditional winter crossing at Postiguet on their radar. The Travesía Vuelta a la Escollera, scheduled for August 2, 2026, offers distances of 300 and 4000 meters with entry fees ranging from 20 to 22 EUR. The organization, led by the Concejalía de Deportes and Club Natación Aquatic Alicante, provides a timing chip for all participants to ensure accurate tracking across the finish line near the Azorín Library. Whether navigating the harbor entrance or observing the limestone cliffs from the water, the experience is framed by the same coastal geography that once hosted the ancient port of Lucentum.