XI Travesía La Sardina 2026 — Santurtzi

Legend speaks of a group of English monks fleeing persecution who found sanctuary in the Somorrostro Valley, establishing a monastery that would eventually blossom into the town of Santurtzi. This historical origin story colors the experience of every swimmer arriving at the port, where the silhouette of the Mount Serantes—a 452-meter limestone sentinel—dominates the skyline. As you prepare for the water, you are stepping into a landscape defined by the Urgonian limestone geology of the coast, a rugged terrain that slopes toward the estuary and shapes the very channel you are about to navigate.

Navigating the Estuary

The XI Travesía La Sardina is intrinsically tied to the pulse of the Nervión River. The main 11km event, a highlight of the Spanish Open Water Cup (TOUR 500), begins in Bilbao and carries you toward the bay, following the path engineered by Evaristo Churruca to tame the historically treacherous Portugalete sandbar. The currents here are the product of this massive hydraulic intervention, creating a dynamic environment that demands respect. As you swim, the Vizcaya Bridge serves as a colossal landmark, its iron structure spanning the river mouth as a UNESCO-recognized reminder of the region’s industrial transformation. For those looking to calibrate their season, this race offers a distinct test of endurance compared to the Travesía del Club Deportivo Bilbao, which takes place earlier in the summer.

A Deep Sea Heritage

Upon reaching the port, the connection to maritime tradition is immediate. The 1964 monument to the 'Sardinera' stands as a tribute to the women who once defined the local economy, their legacy mirrored in the ongoing tradition of rowing and swimming races that remain central to the town’s identity. The event caters to all, from the 700m popular race held within the safety of the port—where the water is calmer and shielded from the bay's variables—to the 3km Sestao-to-Santurtzi crossing. Whether competing in the elite 11km field or the shorter distances, the swim concludes in a harbor where the rhythm of the tides and the long-standing seafaring culture dictate the pace of the day.