BEST Fest

Driving south from Palma, the landscape shifts from urban sprawl to the salt-dusted horizons of Colònia Sant Jordi. As you approach the coast, the road narrows, flanked by the sprawling saline basins of the Salines d'Es Trenc, where the tradition of harvesting 'fleur de sel' remains a defining feature of the local heritage. This quiet corner of Mallorca serves as the base for the BEST Fest, an event that transforms the seaside village into a hub for the international swimming community from May 22 to 28, 2027.

Navigating the Mediterranean waters

Once you step onto the sand, the water clarity reveals the extensive meadows of Posidonia oceanica that carpet the seabed, a crucial element for the ecosystem's health and the region's famous visibility. Swimmers during the longer distance events, such as the 10k or 7k, may find themselves passing the jagged silhouette of Na Cabot, a small islet that occasionally disappears beneath the waves during intense Mediterranean storms. Further out, the horizon is dominated by the Cabrera archipelago, a constant visual landmark that connects the race area to the protected maritime zone. Those focusing on the shorter distances, including the 1.5k and 1.9k, will likely navigate closer to the coastline, where the 'Gavina' islet—named for the resident gull colony—marks a turn, while the distant, historic watchtowers built against pirate incursions remind competitors of the coast's defensive past.

Race day logistics

Organized by Best Centre Sports, the festival offers eight distinct race distances ranging from a 500m sprint to a 10km endurance test. This 13th edition follows the format established in previous years, such as the Best Open Water Festival 2026, maintaining a schedule that balances competitive rigor with community gatherings. Participants should note that the proximity to the historic Aljub de la Font Santa—a massive 17th-century rainwater storage structure—highlights the centuries-old focus on water management in this arid region. With the event centering on the village port, daily life in the area remains synced with the rhythm of the tides and the seasonal arrival of migratory flamingos in the nearby salt flats, ensuring that every swim occurs within a protected and highly monitored natural environment.