The Hotel Sagitario Princesa Playa is hosting the Menorca Open Chess 2026
Menorca will once again become one of the epicentres of international chess with the staging of the 5th Menorca International Chess Open, which will take place from 7 to 12 April 2026. This tournament, which has established itself as one of the most important events on the Spanish chess calendar, will bring together hundreds of players from all over the world in a unique setting: the island of Menorca.
The competition will be held in Ciutadella de Menorca, at two four-star venues located very close to one another. One of them, our 4* Hotel Sagitario Princesa Playa, will also be one of the key venues for the event, hosting matches and activities as part of the tournament programme.
The growing international profile of the Open Chess Menorca has seen the 2026 edition reach record numbers. With 560 players registered and a waiting list open weeks before the start, the tournament confirms its position as one of the most attractive chess events on the European scene.
For full details of the event, the complete programme and the tournament rules, please visit the official Open Chess Menorca website.
An international tournament bringing together players from all over the world
Year after year, the Menorca Chess Open has grown to become a meeting place for professional players, promising young talents and chess enthusiasts. The 2026 edition will bring together participants from over 50 countries, with a particularly strong contingent of internationally titled players.
Among the confirmed names are some of the most interesting figures in chess today, ranging from established grandmasters to young talents who are already making their mark on the international circuit. The participation of players such as former World Rapid Champion Volodar Murzin, American prodigy Abhimanyu Mishra, Grandmaster Sam Shankland, Frenchman Jules Moussard and World Under-20 Champion Anna Shukhman guarantees an exceptionally high standard of competition.
The tournament will also be attended by well-known figures from the world of sport who share a passion for chess, such as the Cantabrian coach Quique Setién, a regular at this type of competition.
All of this makes the Open Chess Menorca an event that goes far beyond a simple sporting competition: it is a true celebration of chess in a stunning setting.
The new Masters Chess Menorca will be held at the 4* Sagitario Princesa Playa
One of the major new features of this year’s event will be the launch of the Masters Chess Menorca, a closed tournament bringing together six leading international chess players. This tournament will take place entirely at the Sagitario Princesa Playa Hotel, one of the event’s host venues.
The format will be a double round-robin, meaning that each player will face every opponent twice. A total of ten rounds will be played in afternoon sessions, with a fast and dynamic pace of play that promises some spectacular games.
The Masters will offer €22,000 in prize money, with €7,000 going to the winner, and will feature highly acclaimed players such as Vladimir Fedoseev, Leinier Domínguez, Nihal Sarin, Pentala Harikrishna, Ruslan Ponomariov and Alexei Shirov.
The staging of this elite tournament as part of the Open Chess Menorca represents a significant step up in quality for the event and reinforces the role of the 4* Hotel Sagitario Princesa Playa as one of the main venues for international chess on the island.
Hotel Sagitario Princesa Playa, one of the tournament venues
The Hotel Sagitario Princesa Playa**** is located in the Son Xoriguer, very close to Cala’n Bosch and just a few minutes’ drive from Ciutadella. Surrounded by over 30,000 square metres of green space, the hotel offers an ideal setting for sporting events and international gatherings.
Its location, just a few metres from Son Xoriguer beach and the Cala’n Bosch marina, allows guests to combine the tournament experience with moments of rest and leisure on the island. Furthermore, the hotel boasts sports facilities, spacious outdoor areas and services designed for those wishing to enjoy Menorca at a leisurely pace.
Ciutadella de Menorca, the perfect setting for the tournament
The town hosting the Menorca Chess Open is Ciutadella de Menorca, one of the most historic and charming places on the island. Formerly the capital of Menorca, it boasts an old town full of medieval alleyways, stately palaces and historic buildings that reflect its aristocratic past.
A stroll through Ciutadella is an unmissable experience for any visitor. The harbour, considered one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean, opens out between whitewashed houses and restaurants overlooking the sea. From there, you can explore the old town as far as the Cathedral, the Plaza del Born or the market, where you can soak up the city’s authentic atmosphere.
The municipality also stands out for its archaeological wealth. In the surrounding area lie some of Menorca’s most important Talayotic sites, such as the settlements of Montefí and Torrellafuda, as well as the famous Naveta de Tudons, a funerary structure unique in the world.
Added to all this are some of the island’s most spectacular beaches, such as Cala Turqueta, Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta, true natural paradises that make this area one of the most attractive destinations in the Mediterranean.
Chess, nature and tranquillity in Menorca
Hosting an international chess tournament in Menorca has a special charm. The island offers a peaceful atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings that help players to concentrate and enjoy the game.
In April, when the Open Chess Menorca takes place, the weather is mild and pleasant. Spring is one of the best times to visit the island: nature is in full bloom, the temperatures are ideal for exploring the surroundings, and the busiest tourist season has not yet begun.
Many players make the most of the tournament days to discover some of Menorca’s most beautiful spots, explore the coastline or simply enjoy the tranquillity that characterises the island.
Discover Hotel Sagitario Princesa Playa, one of the official venues of the Open Chess Menorca 2026, and explore the setting where this international event takes place.
What is the Menorca Chess Open?
The Menorca Chess Open is one of the most important international chess tournaments held in Spain. Every year, it brings together hundreds of players from all over the world on the island of Menorca to compete in an event that combines sport, tourism and culture.
When is the Open Chess Menorca 2026 taking place?
Where is the Open Chess Menorca held?
The tournament takes place in Ciutadella de Menorca, at two main venues: the Hotel MarSenses Paradise Club** and the Hotel Sagitario Princesa Playa**, located in Son Xoriguer, very close to Cala’n Bosch.
What is the Menorca Chess Masters?
The Menorca Chess Masters is an elite competition held as part of the Menorca Chess Open. It brings together international grandmasters in a closed tournament to be held at the Hotel Sagitario Princesa Playa.
Can I attend the Open Chess Menorca as a visitor?
Where can I stay during the Open Chess Menorca?
Accommodation at the official venues is arranged exclusively through the tournament organisers.
Why visit Menorca during the Open Chess Menorca?
The tournament takes place in spring, one of the best times to discover the island. Menorca offers a pleasant climate, spectacular natural landscapes, idyllic beaches and historic towns such as Ciutadella.
