Lanzarote and La Graciosa Celebrate 30 Years of the El Río Swim Crossing
Lanzarote and La Graciosa have celebrated a major milestone in the sporting calendar, with the Travesía a Nado El Río reaching its 30th edition on Saturday 19 September 2026.
The famous open-water swimming event links the north of Lanzarote with La Graciosa, with swimmers setting off from Bajo el Risco in the municipality of Haría before finishing at Caleta de Sebo on La Graciosa. The course is officially listed at around 2.6 kilometres, although the exact distance or start point can be adjusted depending on sea and tidal conditions.
This year's race was won by Natalia Sasu in the women's category and Herminio Fernández in the men's category. María Wood and Lily Gopar completed the women's podium, while Álvaro Cabrera and Diego Vázquez took the other two men's podium places.
The 2026 edition attracted around 500 swimmers and included competitors from seven countries, 11 Spanish provinces and five Canary Islands. That international and inter-island participation underlines how the El Río swim crossing has developed from a local sporting event into a recognised open-water swimming challenge.
A new event for younger swimmers was also introduced this year. The Travesía Chinij@ gave children from Lanzarote and La Graciosa the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of El Río in a shorter, participation-focused swim. The initiative is designed to introduce younger generations to an event that has become part of the sporting identity of the islands.
For spectators and visitors, El Río is also an interesting example of how Lanzarote and La Graciosa come together for major events. The main activity is centred around Caleta de Sebo, while the competitors are transported by boat to Bajo el Risco before the start. A significant safety and support operation is required at sea, with volunteers, emergency services, maritime authorities, Guardia Civil personnel and other organisations involved.
The 30th anniversary was marked not only by the race itself but also by special recognition for some of the people and organisations that have supported El Río throughout its history. The Real Club Victoria was recognised as the original organising club when the event began in 1993, while former race director Francisco Bello García was also honoured posthumously. The Ayuntamiento de Teguise, Líneas Romero, the Cofradía de Pescadores de La Graciosa, Puertos Canarios, Emerlan, Club Marlines and other organisations were among those recognised for their long-term involvement and support.
One of the most memorable moments of the day involved veteran swimmer Ricardo Armas Orihuela, who at 89 years old once again completed the crossing.
The Travesía a Nado El Río began in September 1993, when around 50 swimmers took part in the first crossing. Since then, it has become one of the best-known swimming events in Lanzarote and the wider Canary Islands. The race takes place within the waters of the Chinijo Archipelago, an area known for its exceptional marine environment.
Although the 2026 race has now finished, the event is already looking ahead. Organisers have announced that the 31st edition of the Travesía a Nado El Río is scheduled for 9 October 2027.
For anyone looking for unusual Lanzarote events, local sporting traditions or reasons to explore the north of the island and La Graciosa, El Río is certainly one to put on the calendar. It combines sport, scenery, community involvement and the unique setting of the channel between Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
An AI Geneated Image has been used for this Article.
