Celebrating its seaside tradition on Spain’s south coast, the Roquetas Chess Festival 2026 runs from 2-7 January 2026 in Roquetas de Mar (Almería), Spain. Centered at the festival’s long-time venue, the Hotel Bahía Serena, the week features the XXXVII International Open, the XIII U2150 Open, and a festive Blitz “Eve of Magi” tournament—offering classical FIDE-rated chess, rating-banded competition, and a lively winter chess holiday by the Mediterranean.

Known for welcoming conditions and a strong international turnout, the festival’s schedule allows players to combine serious over-the-board play with relaxed seaside walks and Andalusian hospitality. Spacious halls, clear regulations, experienced arbiters, and on-site amenities create a smooth tournament experience for titled professionals, ambitious club players, and families traveling together.

🗓️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

• International Open: Classical FIDE standard, 90′ + 10″/move from move 1.

• U2150 Open: Classical time control; section-specific regulations published by the organizer.

• Blitz “Eve of Magi”: Festival blitz side-event (evening, single-day).

• Pairings with Swiss-system software; tie-breaks (e.g., Buchholz/Sonneborn-Berger) per regulations; default time and bye requests per notice board.

📂 Sections / Groups

📅 Schedule

International Open (2–7 January 2026)

Blitz “Eve of Magi”

XIII U2150 Open

(Where exact start times are not published, the time column is intentionally omitted.)

📝 Registration

• Entry is managed directly by the festival organizers via the official website and published forms.

• Provide FIDE ID, federation, and current rating at entry; section placement must respect rating limits (U2150).

• Early entry is recommended; late-entry surcharges or section caps may apply.

• Standard refund, bye, and default policies follow the festival regulations displayed on-site and online.

👥 Organizer

Club de Ajedrez Roquetas — the festival’s organizing club, with decades of successful editions and a reputation for professional tournament management and player-friendly logistics. The team coordinates arbiters, hall setup, live communications, and hotel liaison, and supports titled-player participation and group delegations.

• 📧 Emails: roquetaschessfestival@gmail.com • clubajedrezroquetas@gmail.com

• ☎️ Phone: +34 661 751 378

• 🌐 Website: https://openderoquetas.com/new/

🏨 Venue

Hotel Bahía Serena
Avenida Playa Serena 67, Urbanización Playa Serena
04740 Roquetas de Mar, Almería, Spain

A beachfront hotel-conference property with large, bright halls used for the festival playing area. The venue offers on-site catering during rounds, lift access and step-free routes, and convenient indoor spaces for analysis and rest between games. Its location in the Playa Serena district places players near the promenade, cafés, and essential services—ideal for families and companions.

🛎️ Accommodation

• On-site hotel (recommended): Hotel Bahía Serena provides the most convenient option, minimizing travel and maximizing comfort between rounds. Players typically book bed-and-breakfast or half-board to match the round cadence.

• Nearby options: Additional hotels and holiday apartments are available across Urbanización Playa Serena, many within short walking distance. Early booking is advised for sea-view rooms and multi-bed family units during the holiday period.

• Practical tips: Ask about late check-out on the final day, quiet-floor rooms, and player meal times aligned to round intervals.

🚗 How to Get There

• By air: Fly to Almería (LEI); transfer to Playa Serena by taxi or pre-booked shuttle (approx. 20–30 minutes).

• By road: Access via A-7 motorway; follow local signs to Urbanización Playa Serena. Hotel parking and nearby public parking are available.

• By public transport: Regional buses connect Almería city with Roquetas de Mar; from the bus stop, short taxi or local bus to Playa Serena.

Bring your best classical game to the Roquetas Chess Festival 2026—a winter week of competitive chess, smooth organization, and Mediterranean seaside vibes in Andalusia.