Villajoyosa strengthens preparations for kayak world championships

Club Nàutic La Vila Joiosa has announced a new partnership with accommodation project Harbor’s Light as preparations continue for the 2026 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships taking place in Villajoyosa this October.

The collaboration aims to support international athletes, teams and visitors arriving for one of the biggest sporting events ever hosted in the municipality, while also promoting Villajoyosa’s maritime heritage and historic centre.

Under the agreement, Harbor’s Light will offer a 15 per cent accommodation discount to championship participants staying in its restored fishermen’s houses located in the old town and Arsenal district.

Tourism and sport combined in Villajoyosa

Organisers explained that the agreement goes beyond the championship itself and is intended to establish an ongoing annual collaboration linked to nautical sport, tourism and cultural heritage.

The initiative reflects growing efforts by Villajoyosa to position itself as a destination capable of combining international sporting events with authentic local experiences and Mediterranean lifestyle tourism.

Harbor’s Light has become known for restoring traditional fishermen’s homes while preserving the architectural identity of the municipality’s historic coastal neighbourhoods.

Club Nàutic La Vila Joiosa said partnerships such as this help create a stronger connection between sporting events and the local economy, particularly for businesses linked to hospitality and tourism.

Villajoyosa prepares for global event

Villajoyosa was selected to host the 2026 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing World Championships thanks largely to its long experience organising international sea kayaking competitions through Club Nàutic La Vila Joiosa.

The municipality has already hosted several editions of the Eurochallenge competition as well as European and Spanish championships in ocean racing disciplines.

Local authorities believe the world championship will significantly strengthen Villajoyosa’s international visibility as a sports tourism destination while generating economic activity for hotels, restaurants and local businesses across the Costa Blanca.

The event is expected to attract athletes, support teams and visitors from around the world, bringing major international attention to the municipality throughout the championship period.

Preparations for the event continue throughout 2026, with organisers aiming to showcase not only Villajoyosa’s sporting infrastructure and coastline but also its culture, gastronomy and historic maritime identity.