Protaras to Host European Open Water Swimming Cup

This weekend, Protaras will take center stage in the world of aquatic sports as it hosts the European Open Water Swimming Cup! The prestigious event will see over 160 swimmers from across Europe—many of them world champions—competing in one of the year’s top open water competitions.

The first stage of the European Open Water Swimming Cup will take place on Saturday, May 3, at the famous Fig Tree Bay beach. On Sunday, May 4, the Protaras International Open Water Marathon will follow as part of the weekend’s program.

The event is being organized in collaboration with the Paralimni-Deryneia Municipality, the European Aquatics Federation (LEN), and the Cyprus Swimming Federation. Swimmers from 16 different countries are expected to participate.

Athletes from countries including Slovenia, Hungary, Poland, Israel, Monaco, France, Croatia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Greece, and Cyprus will compete in the 10-kilometer swim. Cyprus will be represented by Yiannis Ergatoudis and Andreas Gavriel.

The competition is part of the official LEN calendar and one of five events in the European Open Water Cup series. The remaining races will be held in Setúbal, Paris, Barcelona, and Ražanac.

The official opening ceremony will be held on Friday, May 2, at 7:00 PM, featuring team presentations and live performances of traditional music and dance.

Please note: Swimming at Fig Tree Bay will be prohibited from 6:00 AM on Saturday until around 11:00 AM on Sunday due to the races. Some sections of the beach walkway may also be temporarily closed. In addition, the main parking area at Fig Tree Bay will be closed from Thursday, May 1, to Sunday, May 4.