Best Fest: The Complete Open Water Festival Experience

Best Fest, in Colonia de Sant Jordi, is a prestigious festival celebrating its tenth anniversary in the crystal-clear waters of Colonia Sant Jordi, Mallorca, where temperatures range between 20.2°C and 21°C.

With a privileged location between Cap de Ses Salines, the island of Cabrera and the beach of Es Trenc, Best Fest Mallorca offers you a full week of competition with 10 exciting events. From sprints to aquatic marathons, you'll find races for all levels, including the 5km Colonia Classic, 1.5km, 7km and even 10km swims. Whether you're an elite swimmer or an amateur enthusiast, you'll find your perfect open water challenge here.

What is Best Fest and why should you take part?

Best Fest is much more than just a swimming competition. We are talking about the first 7-day open water swimming festival in the world, a unique event that is held yearly in Mallorca and that has conquered the hearts of swimmers from all over the world.

History and evolution of the festival

Celebrating its 11th edition, Best Fest has established itself as one of the most awaited events in the open water swimming calendar. Since its beginnings, this festival has grown in both popularity and prestige, to the point of being recognised by the Daily News magazine as the best place in the world for open water swimming.

The 2025 edition will be celebrated from the 24th to the 30th of May, maintaining its traditional format of a week full of aquatic activities. Over the years, the festival has evolved to offer seven spectacular events that combine competition, fun and the incomparable natural landscape of Mallorca. In addition, Sharon Van Rouwendaal, double Olympic champion in open water, will be taking part, demonstrating the level and international relevance of the event.

Best Fest in Colonia Sant Jordi, a privileged location

If you are looking for a paradise for open water swimming, you won't find a better place than Colonia Sant Jordi. All events take place in the beautiful waters surrounding this town, famous for its stunning beaches such as Es Dolç, Es Carbo and Es Trenc.

The area between Colonia Sant Jordi and the Cabrera archipelago was the first marine conservation area in Spain, a protected environment that offers crystal clear waters and a unique marine ecosystem. The golden sandy beaches and turquoise waters make this place one of the most emblematic destinations in the Balearic Islands.

An event for every type of swimmer

One of Best Fest’s greatest strengths is its ability to attract all types of swimmers:

• Elite athletes: International competitors and Olympic swimmers take part every year
• Emerging junior talents:: Promising young talents looking to make a name for themselves
• Recreational and club swimmers: Many experiencing their first open water event

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced swimmer, you'll find your place at Best Fest. With events ranging from 4x500m relays to 1.5k, 5k, 7k and 10k distances, the festival guarantees challenges suitable for all levels and ages.

On top of that, the festival offers a spectacular evening entertainment programme, making Best Fest not just a competition, but a lively community experience.

Get ready for an open water adventure

Participating in the Best Fest requires adequate preparation to fully enjoy this unique open water experience. We at Hotel Colonial,tell you the best way to prepare for this sports event.

Recommended training depending on distance

Preparation for Best Fest varies depending on your chosen distance. For events up to 5km, a 12-week training plan is ideal. A comprehensive, well-structured programme allows you to gradually increase volume and intensity while preventing injuries and burnout.

The weeks of highest load can reach up to 21 km for long distances, while for shorter events it is recommended to reach about 19 km per week with a slower progression. In addition to swimming, it is essential to include:

• Full-body strength training
• Open water-specific sessions
• Technique excercise in the pool

In the last 7-10 days before the event, gradually reduce the volume of training, but maintain some moderate intensity sessions so that you don't lose the enthusiasm.

Essential equipment for Best Fest

To enjoy Best Fest safely you will need specific equipment. Essential items include:

• Visibility and security: A tow float is a must, especially for events where swimmers share the water with boats. A brightly coloured swim cap is also recommended.
• Thermal protection: While the Mediterranean is warmer than many seas, a wetsuit offers extra buoyancy and comfort. Neoprene socks and gloves can also help.
• Hydration and comfort: Some tow floats have compartments for belongings and even hydration systems – perfect for long sessions.

Acclimatisation to Mediterranean waters

We recommend a few open water sessions before the event to get used to swimming without references such as the pool's bottom lines. The Best Centre offers technical sessions in its 50m Olympic size pool, as well as masterclasses in the crystal clear waters of the local beaches.

You can also practice bilateral breathing and ‘sighting’ (raising your head to get oriented). The waters between Colonia Sant Jordi and the Cabrera archipelago are the first marine conservation area in Spain, with ideal conditions for open water swimming.

The competitions of the Best Fest Mallorca

The Best Fest Mallorca programme includes a range of aquatic challenges for every swimmer. Across seven days, from 24 to 30 May 2025, you’ll be able to take part in up to seven spectacular events – each with its own charm and level of difficulty.

Classic races (1.5km, 5km, 7km, 10km)

The Colonia Classics are the heart of the festival – three flagship races that attract swimmers of all levels:

• Colonia Classic 1: A 5km point-to-point swim from Sa Ràpita to the beach of Colònia Sant Jordi.
• Colonia Classic 2: A 1.5km race ideal for beginners or as prep for longer distances.
• Colonia Classic 3: The toughest challenge with options of 7km and 10km (Olympic marathon distance) along the stunning Es Trenc beach.

These challenges allow you to collect points towards towards overall championship prizes, as well as medals and prizes for each podium. Special events and unique challenges.

In addition to the classics, the Best Fest offers a new type of events:

• Tell Me Your Time: A 2.5km challenge where you predict your finish time – testing self-awareness and strategy.
• Es Carbó Italian Volcano: A scenic 3km race from the gorgeous Es Carbó beach.
• Corberana Challenge: Choose between 1.9km or 3.8km in the waters off the small Cala Galiota beach.

The schedule includes both clockwise and anticlockwise routes, time trials, and relay events – offering variety for every preference. Choosing the right race for your level To select the best events for you, consider the following:

• Experience: If you’re new to open water swimming, the 1.5km race is ideal for starting out.
• Endurance: 5km to 10km races require more training and stamina.
• Water temperature: Mediterranean waters range between 20°C and 21°C during the festival – a factor to bear in mind based on your cold tolerance.

It is important to note that most of the races are open to participants aged 14 and over. But the three full Colonia Classics are only available to those aged 18 and over.

Best Fest is not just about swimming. The full event experience includes everything that happens when you're not in the water, from accommodation to proper recovery.

Stay at Colònia de Sant Jordi: Find the perfect base for swimmers

Hotel Colonial is strategically located in Colònia Sant Jordi, just a 10-minute walk from the Best Centre.

Booking directly on our official website gives you exclusive perks like half board at our S'Escar by Colonial Restaurant and the best available rates.

Plus, you’ll enjoy our award-winning ice cream parlour, which is not to be missed. Additional activities and social events Outside the water, the festival includes plenty of social activities to round out the sporting experience.

FAQs about Best Fest in Colònia de Sant Jordi

When and where does Best Fest take place?

Best Fest is held annually in Colònia Sant Jordi, Mallorca. The next edition will take place from 24 to 30 May 2025, offering a full week of open water swimming events.

What types of races are offered at Best Fest?

The festival includes a variety of races for all levels, including the Colonia Classics (1.5km, 5km, 7km, 10km) and special events like Tell Me Your Time and the Corberana Challenge. There are options for beginners and experienced swimmers alike.

How can I prepare for Best Fest?

Preparation depends on the chosen distance. A 12-week training plan is recommended, including pool and open water swimming, strength training, and technique work. Acclimatisation to Mediterranean sea conditions is key.

What gear do I need to participate in open water races?

Essential gear includes a tow float for visibility and safety, a bright swim cap, and possibly a wetsuit for thermal comfort. Hydration equipment is also advisable for longer races.

What other activities does Best Fest offer outside the water?

In addition to the races, the festival hosts social events such as a free welcome night and a barbecue with live music. Traditional Mallorcan food and drinks are served, and there's time for recovery and relaxation between events.