The Cyprus Swimming Federation (KOEK) announced on Monday that a series of European open-water swimming events will be hosted in Protaras this April.
The events will take place in the Fig Tree Bay area of Protaras on April 18-19, 2026. On the first day, the first leg of the European Open Water Marathon Swimming Cup will be held for a second consecutive year in Cyprus, over a distance of 10 kilometres, with the participation of top elite athletes.
The European Swimming Federation has entrusted the hosting of the European Open Water Marathon Swimming Cup to only five cities across Europe, including Protaras.
The Cyprus Swimming Federation notes that Protaras’ inclusion highlights the high level of organisation, infrastructure and credibility of Cyprus in hosting top-level sporting events.
Two years running
According to the Federation, the highly successful and well-organised event held on the island in 2025 was a decisive factor in the renewed assignment of the event to KOEK. At the same time, this year’s event boasts a further two more international events.
On the first day, an 800-metre race will be held for Special Olympics athletes, while on the second day, a 3-kilometre race for veteran athletes will take place. Both events will be held for the first time within the framework of the European Cup, confirming the increased trust of the European Federation in KOEK and Cyprus’s capacity to host high-level competitions.
In addition, on the second day of the races, the Cyprus Swimming Federation will also organise an international 5-kilometre race, further strengthening the competitive programme and the international reach of the event.
Plans to put Cyprus on the swimming map
Finally, the Organising Committee of the races, in close cooperation with local authorities, has drawn up a three-year strategic plan which includes bidding for and hosting European and world open-water marathon swimming events, with the aim of the sustainable development of the sport and the long-term promotion of Cyprus on the international sporting map.
Source: CNA