Bay of Kotor hosts X-WATERS swims on 26-27 September
Published on 09/27/2026 at 07:57 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael MĂĽller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Bay of Kotor hosts X-WATERS Montenegro 2026 in Risan on 26 and 27 September 2026, placing the open-water competition in the same maritime landscape known locally as Boka Kotorska. The event begins at Risan Public Beach and uses courses across the bay, including routes linked to Perast and two historic islands.
X-WATERS Montenegro 2026 brings races to Risan
The organiser lists X-WATERS Montenegro 2026 as a round of the X-WATERS World Championship 2026. Its programme runs from Saturday, 26 September, to Sunday, 27 September 2026, with Risan Public Beach identified as the venue in Montenegro.
The opening evening includes registration and a briefing for the night swim, followed by the 750-metre night start at 8pm on 26 September. On 27 September, the schedule includes children’s and 500-metre starts, a one-mile race, and 7-kilometre and 4.5-kilometre courses. The organiser’s Montenegro event programme also lists an award ceremony at 6pm.
The longer courses make the bay itself part of the event. The 4.5-kilometre route starts from Perast and finishes at Risan, while the 7-kilometre course begins and ends at Risan and passes between St George and Our Lady of the Rocks.
Bay of Kotor setting connects swimming with heritage
The race route sits within a landscape that combines sheltered water, steep mountains and historic coastal settlements. The organiser describes the 4.5-kilometre course as passing around Our Lady of the Rocks, an artificial island opposite Perast, while St George is home to a Benedictine abbey.
That sporting route crosses part of a protected cultural landscape. UNESCO identifies the Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor as occupying the inner south-eastern portion of the bay, with two connected bays surrounded by mountains rising to nearly 1,500 metres. The World Heritage Centre records the property’s UNESCO World Heritage status, including Kotor and Perast.
The connection between the event and the heritage setting is especially clear in the course design: competitors do not simply use Risan as a start and finish, but swim towards islands and settlements that form part of the bay’s historic visual character. UNESCO also describes the region’s architecture, settlements, palaces and monastic ensembles as integrated with the surrounding terraced landscape.
Visiting Bay of Kotor: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- X-WATERS Montenegro 2026 is scheduled for 26 and 27 September 2026 at Risan Public Beach, with the longer swims connecting Risan and Perast.
- The organiser’s schedule places the 500-metre, one-mile, 4.5-kilometre and 7-kilometre starts on 27 September 2026; the night 750-metre swim is scheduled for 26 September 2026.
- Risan is the practical base for the event. The organiser advises reaching Montenegro through Tivat and continuing to Risan by local bus or taxi.
- The 4.5-kilometre course includes a transfer from Risan to Perast before the swim, while the 7-kilometre course starts and finishes at Risan beach.
- The route involves open water and marked courses around islands. The event page identifies St George and Our Lady of the Rocks as features of the longer swims.
- Montenegro’s official language is Montenegrin and its national currency is the euro.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
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Frequently asked questions about Bay of Kotor
When does X-WATERS Montenegro 2026 take place at Bay of Kotor?
The event is scheduled for 26 and 27 September 2026, with races based at Risan Public Beach.
What is the Bay of Kotor?
It is a natural harbour on Montenegro’s Adriatic coast and includes the UNESCO-listed Natural and Culturo-Historical Region of Kotor.
Where is Bay of Kotor and how do you get there?
The event venue is in Risan, Montenegro. The organiser advises travelling via Tivat and continuing to Risan by local bus or taxi.
