X-WATERS Antalya 2026 brings together 750 athletes from 21 countries at Konyaaltı Beach between 1–3 May. With Bengisu Avcı, the support of Corendon Airlines, and its multi-layered race format, Antalya is strengthening its global showcase in sports tourism.
Antalya carries its new, sea-shaped showcase in sports tourism to the global arena
The press conference of the international open water swimming race X-WATERS Antalya 2026, to be held at Antalya Konyaaltı Beach between 1–3 May 2026, took place at Antalya Sailing Club. During the meeting held prior to the organisation, all details regarding the race were shared, while important messages contributing to Antalya’s sports tourism vision were delivered.
X-WATERS Antalya, which will be held this year with the participation of hundreds of athletes from different countries, will bring together swimmers of all levels on the unique course of the Mediterranean with 5K, 1 Mile, 500 metres, 2x1K relay race and children’s courses. Participants will experience not only their athletic performance but also a unique experience intertwined with nature.
National open water swimmer Bengisu Avcı, who successfully represents Türkiye in the international arena, will also be among the athletes at X-WATERS Antalya 2026. Avcı’s presence, who also attended the press conference, further elevates the sporting strength and inspiring story of the organisation.
Brought to life through strong collaborations
X-WATERS Antalya is realised through the cooperation of the Turkish Swimming Federation, the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA), local authorities and the private sector. Corendon Airlines, among the main sponsors of the organisation, aims to contribute to the development of sports tourism while strengthening Antalya’s identity as an international sports destination. Orca Türkiye Distributor Mayavelo also took part as a main sponsor of the race.
Organisation officials, sponsor representatives and prominent names from the sports world attended the press conference.
Antalya is becoming a hub for open water swimming
X-WATERS Türkiye Race Director Onur Şentürk stated at the meeting:
“As X-WATERS, we believe in the unifying power of sport and continue to bring athletes together in national and international organisations every year. This year, it is a special excitement for us to hold the open sea swimming race in Antalya, at a globally recognised location such as Konyaaltı Beach. Bringing together 750 athletes from 21 countries here shows that this organisation is growing and progressing on the right path. Sharing this excitement in Antalya, our home, is particularly valuable for us. We invite all residents of Antalya and sports enthusiasts to join this excitement at Konyaaltı Beach between 1–3 May,” he said.
National open water swimmer Bengisu Avcı, who successfully represents Türkiye internationally, will also be among the athletes at X-WATERS Antalya 2026. Avcı’s presence, who also attended the press conference, further enhances the sporting strength and inspiring story of the organisation.
Bengisu Avcı: “Racing in Antalya is always very special”
National open water swimmer Bengisu Avcı stated:
“Racing in Antalya is always a very special experience for us. As athletes dedicated to open water sports, the protection and cleanliness of the seas are of great importance to us. It is very valuable that organisations like X-WATERS support these values. I believe this race will continue to grow each year with increasing participation,” she said.
Strong support for sports tourism from Corendon Airlines
Pınar Pehlivan, Senior Manager of Corporate Communications and Marketing at Corendon Airlines, one of the main sponsors of the organisation, stated:
“Hosting an international organisation like X-WATERS in Antalya, at a globally prominent location such as Konyaaltı Beach, is a great excitement for us. This organisation, which brings together 750 athletes from 21 countries, strongly demonstrates the unifying power of sport. As Corendon Airlines, realising this organisation in our home, Antalya, has a special meaning for us,” she said.
Race week experience: an atmosphere beyond sport
X-WATERS Antalya 2026 offers not just a race but a multi-layered experience for participants. Throughout race week, the official merchandising collection meeting athletes at the Expo Area will bring the spirit of the event into daily life with specially designed T-shirts, buffs and beach towels, while the Official Race Guide (Racebook) will provide athletes with all details from course maps to technical meeting times, from kit distribution to safety rules. The finisher medal inspired by the currents of the Mediterranean will await athletes at the finish line; and on 2 May, the race excitement will meet music at Konyaaltı Beach with a performance by DJ Mehmet Çınar.
X-WATERS Antalya offers a holistic experience
Organised with the motto “Swim in the Mediterranean dream,” X-WATERS Antalya 2026 invites athletes not only to a race but to become part of a special dream where they will swim on one of the most impressive routes in the world. With courses suitable for all levels, the organisation will bring athletes together in Antalya between 1–3 May.
In the races starting and finishing at Konyaaltı Beach; there will be a 5 km race (two laps of 2,500 metres) testing endurance and condition, a 1 mile race offering a short but fast-paced challenge, a 500-metre course ideal for those who want to experience open water swimming, a 2×1 km relay race highlighting team spirit, and safe and enjoyable X-KIDS 200 m and 50 m courses for children. All courses are designed counterclockwise, with the first buoys positioned approximately between 20 metres and 390 metres depending on the course; in the relay race, athletes complete the changeover with physical contact on the beach. Detailed route information will be shared with participants during the technical briefing before the race.
X-WATERS Antalya transforms into an unforgettable life experience beyond sport for its participants, combining breathtaking coastal views, a world-class organisational structure and a strong community spirit that brings together athletes from different countries with the nature, culture and hospitality of Antalya.
World-renowned sports photographer Wagner Araujo at X-WATERS Antalya
Legendary sports photographer Wagner Araujo, who immortalises the most iconic moments of the open water swimming and triathlon world, will be at Konyaaltı Beach as part of X-WATERS Antalya 2026. Araujo, who captures the determination of athletes and the mesmerising power of nature at prestigious competitions worldwide, will this time photograph the story of X-WATERS Antalya.
The grand gathering in the Mediterranean begins
With its unique atmosphere where sport, nature and experience come together, X-WATERS Antalya 2026 will bring athletes and sports enthusiasts together at Konyaaltı Beach between 1–3 May.
