Swimmers set to cross El Río in La Graciosa race

If you’re planning to hike down the Famara cliff to Lanzarote’s most isolated beach, the Playa del Risco, for some solitude and tranquility on Saturday, you may want to think again.

That’s because just after midday the beach will be invaded by 500 athletes in swimming costumes, lining up for the Travesia a Nado del Rio. They will then plunge into the sea to swim the 2.6 kilometres to La Graciosa.

The Travesia is the most important race on Lanzarote and La Graciosa, and the small port of Caleta del Sebo will be buzzing all day as swimmers arrive, get registered and then climb onto ferries that will carry them over to the starting point. 

This year there are swimmers from seven countries of all ages taking part, including an 89-year-old man. Even if you’re not competing, it’s one of the liveliest days of the year on La Graciosa, with a terrific atmosphere.