From boat trips to cultural events such as festivals, dance, a memorial golf tournament for one of Ibiza’s most dynamic figures in the fight against cancer, a Mother’s Day concert, and fun sports events like the Beach Rugby Festival in San Antonio, to sumptuous culinary offerings, May is shaping up to be a month white island aficionados won't want to miss.
Culturally, there’s lots going on in this pre-high season month.
Dance performances @Sa Caleta Restaurant
Every Thursday from 25 April 2024
Experience mesmerising dance performances alongside fine Mediterranean cuisine in the cosy environs of Sa Caleta restaurant every Thursday.
'First Sunday of May' annual party in Santa Eulalia
Sunday, 5 May
According to legend, a church collapsed hundreds of years ago in the town of Santa Eulalia but no one was injured and the local residents have taken the opportunity to celebrate this good fortune ever since. The first Sunday of May (also Mother's Day in Spain) commemorates the event and is celebrated with an agenda packed with activities: from traditional dances to parades of carts, horses, motorbikes and vintage cars, a dog show, a flower fair and lots of live music. Join them!
Bridgerton concert for Mother's Day at Can Ventosa
Sunday, 5 May
Can Ventosa, Ibiza’s foremost downtown cultural venue, hosts a mother's day concert inspired by the hit TV series Bridgerton - performed by the Ibiza String Ensemble. One for fans of the series and those who wish to honour their mothers on this special date.
Ibiza's Medieval Festival
Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 May
It's that magical moment of the year when Ibiza dresses itself in the garb of the Middle Ages, creating a colourful, atmospheric pageant that draws locals, vendors from all over Spain and holidaymakers keen for a glimpse of daily life in Ibiza Town in the olden days. This year, the ever-popular Medieval festival is expanding to the central boulevard, Vara de Rey, and the port.
With a full four-day programme of markets, handicrafts, Medieval-style snacks, drink, musicians, shows, jugglers, this is one event you and the family are going to adore.
Helen Watson Memorial Tournament
11 May
Ibiza and Formentera Against Cancer Association (IFCC) hosts the second annual Charity Golf Tournament against cancer in honour of long-time resident, ex-British consul and devoted anti-cancer campaigner, Helen Watson.
All proceeds generated from the event will be dedicated to supporting the IFCC's vital initiatives in Ibiza and Formentera.
For registration and more information, please contact Golf Ibiza reception.
Ibiza Beach Rugby Festival
11 May
On the same day, another perennial fun sports event, Ibiza Beach Rugby Festival arrives in San Antonio. Now in its biggest ever edition, the event attracts teams from across Europe and the world. Comprising senior (male and female) and veteran categories, this all-day sporting spectacle always appeals to lots of onlookers.
Free guided walks in Santa Eulalia
Saturday, 11 May
Designed for both children and adults, this series of guided walks organised by the Town Hall of Santa Eulalia is a great way to meet people and become familiar with the town’s natural surroundings. The May excursion takes you around the countryside of Puig d'en Valls on a 11km walk taking in some historic monuments.
Formentera Half Marathon
Saturday, 11 May
Ibiza's smaller sister, Formentera, is no slouch when it comes to world-class sporting pursuits. 11 May is the date for the 15th edition of the popular Formentera Half Marathon. Taking in the island's staggeringly scenic landscapes, the race - with two categories - is expected to be attended by over 2,000 competitors this year.
Fantasía Ibiza Festival
17,18,19 May
Now in its second year, the multidisciplinary art festival, Fantasía Ibiza Festival, is an open-air interactive gathering featuring performance, live painting, exhibitions, live music and conferences. Local and international artists will be in attendance to showcase "The other side of the island”. Held at a variety of locations dotted about the town, this innovative festival introduces residents and holidaymakers alike to an alternative perspective on the island.
Sueños de Libertad festival
23, 24, 25 May
The annual SDL Festival (Sueños de Libertad) returns to the city of Ibiza for its eighth triumphant edition. As ever, the festival will take place at locations all around the city of Ibiza.
Expect talented artists, art, food trucks, market stalls, a kids area and many more activities.
Barruguet Children's Theatre Festival
24 to 26 May
Children will be delighted to know that the wonderful Barruguet Children's Theatre festival is back for another year. From 24 to 26 May, the streets of Santa Eulalia will be filled with free performances by renowned clown and theatre companies, as well as indoor shows. The street performances are free, and most of them have no dialogue, so they are perfect for all audiences and ages.
Boat trips around the coast of Ibiza and to Formentera
Every day there's a boat trip to choose from
Ahoy there maritime explorers, May is the time to venture back in Ibiza’s aquamarine waters again. Ibiza Spotlight’s curated selection of the top boat excursions - offer a superb range of different aquatic adventures, designed to enable you to discover its beautiful coastline and beaches as well as the sister islands of Formentera and Espalmador.
May is also the ideal time to visit Ibiza's legendary hippie markets as it's not too hot nor are they too crowded at this time of year.
Hippy Market Punta Arabí
Every Wednesday from probably 8 May to end of October
Ibiza’s oldest hippy market, dating back to the early 1970s, Hippy Market Punta Arabí opens its gates again with over 400 stalls offering handcrafted goods such as jewellery, fashion, leatherware and ceramics. Parents will be happy to know there's a well-run kids area to keep the little ones entertained as well as bars and restaurants for when you need a snack and a refreshment. Meanwhile, performers, groups and street artists liven up the atmosphere.
This year the hotel, on whose grounds the hippie market takes place, is being extensively renovated at the moment. The market will open on the 8th of May in a smaller version due to the limited space available; the grand opening will be on the first Wednesday of June.
Find all the information about other markets happening this month, here.
Clubbing
Following a jam-packed opening weekend this week (26 to 28 April), clubland continues with opening parties as we head into May.
After a warm-up, Amnesia throws open its door with a massive Opening Party on 11 May. Similarly, following a series of soft openings, Ibiza Rocks (4 May) and O Beach (3 May) do the same.
There's also Sven Väth's first date at Akasha and cherry-tempting pre-season offerings at Pacha, while Music On, Pure Pacha and new look Flower Power also fire up their programmes.
Other big parties to look out for include ANTS going Day & Night for its first two parties of summer, while its home Ushuaïa opens midweek in May for the first time ever. New acquisition Defected and Tomorrowland get underway in early fashion - what a result.
You can find full listings on our world famous party calendar, while the latest news is published to our magazine daily.
For more inspiration of what to do this month, head to our event calendar and have a browse.
