Sea— Portugal

Swim GP - Travessia Lisboa-Cascais

Jul 24, 2027
Distance: 20km

About the race

The Travessia Lisboa-Cascais is one of the premier aquatic ultramarathons in Europe, part of the Swim GP circuit. With a 20 km course, the event attracts a large number of amateur and professional participants, offering a long-distance open water challenge along the Portuguese coast.

Course

20 km

Point-to-point race starting at Belém Dock (Lisbon) in the Tagus River, following the ebb tide for 9km into the ocean, then 11km in the ocean to finish at Pescadores Beach (Cascais). Requires support kayak for safety and nutrition.

Awards

Flower ceremony at 1:00 pm and Team Award Ceremony at 1:15 pm at Pescadores Beach.

Aid stations

Aid stations
4

4 aid stations provided to feed the swimmers' support kayaks.

Useful info

Aquatic ultramarathon event considered one of the most popular in Europe. Registration and technical details are available on the official website swimgp.com or via the timing platform lap2go.com. The races take place in various distance categories.

How to get there

Lisbon Airport (LIS) is 25km away. Cascais train station can be reached from Cais do Sodré (Lisbon) in 40 min. The site is accessible by train (Cascais line) or by car via the N6 (Avenida Marginal). Parking is available at the Cascais Marina and surrounding areas; the use of public transport is recommended due to heavy traffic.

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Swim GP - Travessia Lisboa-Cascais

Where to stay

Lisbon offers a mix of historic boutique hotels near the Belém district and modern apartments along the Cascais coastline. For those preferring a local atmosphere, traditional guesthouses in the narrow streets of Cascais provide easy access to the finish line. Expect to pay between €120 and €250 per night for a double room, depending on proximity to the water and the level of service. Camping options are available further along the Estoril coast, typically ranging from €30 to €60 per pitch.

Things to do nearby

The weekend provides opportunities to explore the region’s maritime heritage beyond the race. You can book kayak or SUP excursions to get a closer look at the coastal forts from the water, or tour the UNESCO-listed monuments in Belém. Local gastronomy focuses on fresh Atlantic seafood, with numerous tasting sessions available in the harbor towns. For a change of pace, the coastal trails between Cascais and Cabo da Roca offer extensive trekking paths with panoramic views over the cliffs.

Swimmers

What to see around

1. Boca do Inferno (iconic rock formation). 2. Cabo da Roca (westernmost point of Europe). 3. Sintra-Cascais Natural Park (trekking and trail). 4. Cascais historic center and beaches (surfing and swimming). 5. Pena National Palace in Sintra (UNESCO heritage site 15km away).

Comments

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