XVI Travesía Solidaria Santa Faz Jorge Crivillés

The 9-kilometer course spans the Mediterranean coastline from Playa del Postiguet to Playa de San Juan, mirroring a traditional inland route taken by walkers, though performed here entirely in salt water. Organized by Club Natación RC7 Alicante, this non-competitive event centers on the endurance and personal commitment of the participants rather than speed. The route is often associated with the career of local swimmer Jorge Crivillés, the first Spaniard to complete the Oceans Seven challenge, whose local influence and focus on charitable goals define the event’s spirit.

Views from the water

Navigating northward from the starting harbor, swimmers pass the sculpture 'El regreso de Ícaro con su ala de surf' by Esperanza d'Ors, installed in 1999, which serves as a contemporary visual marker near the port entrance. As the route progresses toward the headland, the coastline shifts from urban sandy beaches to the jagged limestone of Cabo de la Huerta. This stretch features distinct rocky coves like Calabarda, Cantalares, and Los Judíos, where the sea floor is noticeably more complex than the open bay. Beyond this point, the distant silhouette of the Santa Barbara Castle remains a constant reference on the horizon. While the main focus remains on the coastal transition, the regional maritime history is underscored by the proximity of the ancient Roman port at Lucentum, once a vital trade node before silting altered the shoreline. The protected waters of the Tabarca marine reserve nearby host extensive Posidonia seagrass meadows, reflecting the ecological health of the broader Alicante bay area where this swim takes place.

For those seeking further challenges in the same coastal sector, the XV Travesía Hogueras 2026 offers an alternative at Playa de San Juan in June, while the local calendar also includes the Travesía La Cantera in the nearby Albufereta district. The event remains a central gathering for those focused on distance swimming in the Alicante region.