Spring time on Ibiza is renowned for its tranquillity, floral beauty and bright sunny weather. It is also the time that the locals and visitors to the island get out their running shoes, get on a bike or take to the water. With blue skies and warm temperatures, the island makes an ideal open-air sport arena.
At this time of year, the whole island seems to go sport mad, as roads are closed and fitness lovers reclaim the streets. Participation is encouraged - most events are open to all comers - or you can just go along to watch and enjoy the party atmosphere at the finish lines.
Here is our selection of events that mixes challenges on land, wheels and water. Choose whichever one suits your groove.
PASSEIG A PASSEIG
15 March
Note: this event has been cancelled
Join the 250 participants who sign up annually for this crazy, straight-line dash on foot, bicycle or inline skates, over a distance of 15km, from the port of Ibiza Town to the centre of Santa Eulalia. Passeig a Passeig is literally a trip to and from the main promenades of each town. You will need to get your skates on though if you wish to take part in this crazy race, as registration closes on Friday 13 March.
IBIZA MARATHON
4 April
Note: this event has been postponed and will now take place 3 October 2020.
The fourth Ibiza Marathon is an evening race that takes runners on a journey through 42 km of fabulous Ibizan scenery. Setting off from the walled citadel of Dalt Vila in Ibiza Town, the route will plunge deep into the interior of the island, past white-painted fincas and beautifully tended farmlands around Puig den Vals, and Santa Gertrudis. Then it's back towards the coast via Punta Arabí and Es Caná for a final flourish by the sea, before crossing the finish line in Santa Eulalia. Registration costs €70 before 29 March and €90 thereafter.
VUELTA IBIZA MTB
10-12 April
Note: this event has been postponed and will now take place 10-12 October 2020
The standout event in the cycling calendar every spring is the Vuelta Ibiza MTB, a rip-roaring mountain bike tour of the island, returning for its 20th edition this Easter. Three stages, spread over three days, will explore 230km of unbeatable scenery and almost 6000 metres of elevation changes. Many other activities are programmed to entertain the whole family and given that over 1000 riders took part last year, it's best to sign up now.
RUTA DE LA SAL
9 - 12 April
Note: this event has been cancelled
The 33rd Ruta de la Sal or "Salt Route" takes place over Easter weekend and is one of Spain's most popular offshore sailing regattas. This long-running annual event began in 1989 to commemorate the heroic sailors who, in the mid nineteenth century, set out to Ibiza to collect the island's precious salt due to a serious scarcity in Barcelona. More than 300 yachts will compete for the prestigious trophy, with three routes departing from Barcelona, Denia and Mallorca on 9 April. Yachting enthusiasts will be out in force to welcome the plucky mariners home as they converge on the finish line in the Port of San Antonio.
IBIZA HALF MARATHON
2 May
Note: this event has been postponed and will now take place on 26 September 2020.
Join around 800 runners as they sprint into the Saturday evening sunshine in one of Ibiza's biggest sporting events, the Ibiza Media Maratón (Half Marathon). This 21km route goes from San José to Ibiza Town and tours along the south coast, via Cala Jondal and Sant Jordi. A simultaneous, much less arduous, 10km run will depart from the Sant Jordi Hippodrome with the same end destination. To enter the race, you'll pay €25 for the half marathon and €20 for the shorter run.
Ibiza 4 Day Challenge
14 – 17 May
Explore the wonders of Ibiza on foot, mountain bike and kayak in this unique physical challenge over approximately 150km of land and sea. Island specialists Walking Ibiza have put together an incredible programme of events, spread over four days, which will take you to virtually every corner of the island.
Challenge yourself to go those extra miles with this demanding trial of stamina and endurance, while seeing the island from a unique perspective. Head over to the Walking Ibiza page for more details of how to book.
