đ Ibiza, Second Stop of the 2026 Open Water World Cup
Santa EulĂ ria des Riu Becomes the Global Epicentre of Open Water Swimming
The island of Ibiza is not just about parties, sun, and the Mediterranean Sea. With increasing strength, it is positioning itself as an internationally renowned sports destination. And the most recent proof comes from the world of swimming: Santa EulĂ ria des Riu will host the second stop of the 2026 Open Water Swimming World Cup, one of the most prestigious competitions on the international calendar organised by World Aquatics, on April 24, 25, and 26.
A Circuit That Passes Through the Most Spectacular Corners of the World
The 2026 World Cup reaches its twentieth edition with four events spread between Africa and Europe: the circuit kicks off on March 27 and 28 in Somabay (Egypt), stops in Ibiza from April 24 to 25, continues in Golfo Aranci (Italy) from May 1 to 2, and concludes in SetĂșbal (Portugal) from June 20 to 21.
An extraordinary journey that takes the best swimmers on the planet from the Red Sea to the Atlantic, with Ibiza shining at the center of that map.
The Return of the Champions to the Island
Santa EulĂ ria hosts this international event for the second consecutive year, and this edition comes with big names confirmed. Among the participating swimmers, the French Marc-Antoine Olivier and Logan Fontaine, world medallists; the Monegasque Lisa Pou; the Australian Kyle Lee; the Italian world champion Dario Verani; the German Lea Boy; and the Japanese Ichika Kajimoto stand out.
On the Spanish front, the event has a special flavour. Paula Otero, MarĂa de ValdĂ©s, Candela SĂĄnchez, and Mateo GarcĂa, regulars at international championships and key figures of the national team, will participate.
And there is a story to defend: in the previous edition, swimmer Ăngela MartĂnez GuillĂ©n achieved her first international podium and the first Spanish victory in an Open Water World Cup, winning the women’s event. Now returns to defend that title.
Why Ibiza Is the Perfect Stage
Santa EulĂ ria des Riu has especially favourable conditions for this discipline, thanks to the quality of its waters, the stability of the sea conditions, and the uniqueness of its coastline.
To that is added the power of a global brand: World Aquatics highlighted that the return of the circuit to Ibiza represents the consolidation of Spain as a reference venue for open water swimming, almost two decades after Seville hosted the last circuit event in 2007.
Beyond Sports: Tourism and De-Seasonalization
The previous edition recorded the participation of more than 700 swimmersâ150 of them eliteâand attracted around 1,400 people, including participants and companions, figures that are expected to be surpassed in 2026.
The event represents a significant boost to sports tourism and contributes to the de-seasonalization, showcasing Ibiza as an ideal setting for practicing sports in a natural environment.
A Discipline on the Rise
Open water swimming is experiencing one of its most promising moments, driven by its international growth, its presence in the Olympic Games, and the rise of outdoor sports. The 2026 World Cup will also serve as a prelude to the 2027 World Cup in Budapest and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
From April 24 to 26, the sea of Santa EulĂ ria des Riu will beat to the rhythm of the world’s best swimmers. Ibiza, once again, at the center of the international sports universe. đ”đââïž
