III Travesía María de Valdés — Fuengirola

Born in the coastal heartbeat of Fuengirola in 1998, María de Valdés has transformed local dedication into international excellence, standing as the patron and inspiration for the annual event that bears her name. Her journey from the local shores to the Olympic stage defines the spirit of this race, which invites swimmers to test themselves in the same Mediterranean waters where her career began.

Historical currents and landmarks

As you navigate the course, you are swimming through layers of maritime history. The shoreline is dominated by the Sohail Castle, a 10th-century Moorish fortress that has stood as a guardian over the mouth of the Fuengirola River for a millennium. Further along, the rocky outcrop of Punta de Calaburras presents a more silent historical witness. Here, the seabed hides the Pecio de las Columnas, a 1st-century BC shipwreck site where Roman and Punic amphorae remain embedded in the sand. Closer to the surface, the rocks of the point bear deep vertical marks, interpreted by researchers as scars carved by the keels of ancient vessels that struggled to navigate these treacherous shallows. Today, the 29-meter high lighthouse at the point provides a safer passage, flashing every five seconds to guide modern traffic.

Race day and local heritage

Taking place on August 29, 2026, the event offers distances of 3850m, 800m, and 300m. The 3850m route is a technical challenge, serving as a stage for the Spanish Open Water Cup. The logistics are structured to accommodate these varying levels, with registration fees ranging from 3€ for the shortest distance to 35€ for the competitive long-distance event, which includes timing chips. The race atmosphere is deeply tied to the local identity, echoing the legacy of the scholar Abdul Rahman Al-Suhayli, whose influence remains woven into the historical fabric of the castle and the town itself. For those looking to compare regional challenges, this event shares the competitive calendar with the XXVI Travesía a Nado Bajondillo-Carihuela, held on the same day. Whether you are aiming for the podium or a personal milestone, the waters of Fuengirola offer a swim marked by both athletic rigor and ancient coastal history.