There's a version of Ibiza that lives entirely between sunset and sunrise. And then there's the one most locals actually live in — the one that starts at 9 a.m. with running shoes still damp from yesterday, a coffee at a beachside kiosko, and a salt-sticky t-shirt by lunchtime. This week, the second version is having a particularly good moment.
From a free Saturday running group that anyone can join, to a beloved May swimming trophy in Santa Eulària, an electric Mehari rolling through the Sant Antoni hills, and a guided sunrise-ish hike up Es Puig d'en Valls, the next seven days are stacked with reasons to actually move your body on the island. Below are six picks for May 15–21, 2026 — a mix of free community events, low-cost grassroots fitness, and a couple of splurges if you want to push the throttle a bit harder.
1. Can Bufí Swimming Trophy — A Slice of Old-School Ibiza Sport (May 16–17, Santa Eulària)
If you've never seen a trofeo de natación in the Balearics, this is the one to catch. The XXVI Trofeo Ibiza Fiestas de Mayo — Can Bufí lands in Santa Eulària des Riu over the weekend of Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May, kicking off both mornings at 9 a.m. It's part of the village's wider Fiestas de Mayo celebrations, which means there's bunting, families lining the pool deck, and a real cross-generational atmosphere you won't find at the slick beach clubs.
Entry to watch is completely free. Even if you're not swimming yourself, it's a lovely reminder that Ibiza isn't only built on import DJs and Aperol Spritzes — there's a whole community of clubs, coaches and kids quietly racking up lengths every Saturday morning.
2. The Free Weekly Running Group — Show Up, Shake Out, No Pressure (Saturday May 16, 9 a.m.)
Solo travellers and digital nomads, this one's for you. The Free Weekly Running Group meets at 9 a.m. on Saturday 16 May and welcomes anyone willing to run at conversational pace, regardless of fitness level. The route changes each week, the pace is friendly, and there's almost always a coffee somewhere afterwards.
It's the kind of grassroots, no-app-required social workout that's harder to find than you'd think on a party island. Cost: €0. Drop a question in the calendar listing if you need the exact meeting point — they're used to newcomers.
3. Guided Walk: Es Puig d'en Valls Route (Saturday May 16, 10 a.m.)
If running's not your thing but you'd still like to see Ibiza from above, the Es Puig d'en Valls Guided Walk on Saturday 16 May at 10 a.m. is an easy yes. Organised by Visit Santa Eulària as part of their ongoing cultural-walks programme, it's a gentle ramble through the small hill above Jesús — old windmills, almond terraces, sea views toward the marina — with a guide explaining what you're looking at.
It's free, family-friendly, and a great way to meet locals who actually care about the landscape. Wear trainers, bring water, and don't be late: groups tend to leave promptly.
4. Group Social Trail Run — Wednesday Wake-Up (May 20, 9 a.m.)
For anyone whose idea of a good Wednesday is dirt under their shoes, the midweek Group Social Trail Run rotates around different inland routes each week and welcomes runners of all paces. The next one goes off at 9 a.m. on Wednesday 20 May with the location announced ahead of time (the group changes it weekly to keep things fresh — sometimes the pine forests behind Sant Joan, sometimes the dry torrente trails near Ibiza Town).
It's just €4 to join, which mostly covers the post-run coffee and admin. If you've ever wanted to see the "other Ibiza" — the one of red-earth tracks, sabina trees and farmhouse dogs — this is the easiest way in.
5. Electric Mehari, Buggies & Quads with Emove Ibiza (Daily, San Antonio)
If you want adventure with a side of nostalgia, drive out to Emove Ibiza in San Antonio for one of their guided tours. The fleet is unusual: convertible electric Mehari cars (the iconic 1970s French beach car, reborn EV-style), big buggies, quads and electric motocross bikes — all running daily this week with 9:30 and 10 a.m. departures.
Half-day tours typically take you up into the western hills, past secret viewpoints over Cala Salada and toward the Es Vedrà rock. Prices start around €130 for quads and motocross, €195 for buggies, and €240 for the iconic Mehari experience. Book online before you go — May weekends fill up fast, especially as the school holidays in Europe start to align.
6. Jet Ski at Playa d'en Bossa — From €65 (Daily through May 21)
For the closest thing to a Bond-film entrance, the Enjoy Water Sports jet ski sessions at Playa d'en Bossa are the most accessible water-sports option on the island this week. Sessions kick off at 10 a.m. daily, with shorter rides from €65 and longer Es Vedrà circuits running up to €175.
If you want a longer, more scenic outing, Es Vedra Charter runs jet ski tours from San Antonio that loop down toward the famous rock — sessions from €100, with longer expeditions up to €320. Either way, you're getting a perspective on the coastline most visitors only ever see from a beach towel.
Honourable Mentions: Family-Friendly Movement This Weekend
If you're travelling with kids, two free events are worth slotting in. Día de las Familias en Ibiza at Parque de la Paz (Friday 15 May, 4 p.m.) and the V Spring Festival Kids Day at Passeig de ses Fonts in Sant Antoni (Saturday 16 May, noon) both lean into outdoor games, music and movement — the kind of relaxed, slightly chaotic plaza energy that makes Ibiza so easy to travel with children.
How to Pack This Into a Real Week
A simple recipe for an "active week" if you only have a few days on the island:
- Friday afternoon: family festival at Parque de la Paz to soft-land into island life.
- Saturday morning: pick one — the free running group at 9 a.m., the swimming trophy as a spectator, or the Es Puig d'en Valls guided walk at 10 a.m.
- Saturday afternoon: head to Las Dalias Hippy Market in San Carlos to refuel (it's also running this week and is free to enter).
- Sunday: a Mehari or buggy tour with Emove if you want a slower, scenic adventure, or a jet-ski hour at Playa d'en Bossa if you want adrenaline.
- Wednesday before you fly home: trail run with the social group for a proper goodbye.
You'll sleep better, eat better, and frankly leave the island looking better than the version of you that only ever sees Ibiza from a sunlounger.
Practical Tips
A few last things worth knowing if you're going to actually do any of this. Hydration matters even in May — the sun is stronger than it looks and the breeze hides how much you're sweating. Most trails are exposed pine-forest tracks with little shade, so cap, sunscreen and a real water bottle (not just a single 500ml plastic one) make a difference. Mornings beat evenings for outdoor exertion in May, even when temperatures look mild on paper. And if you don't drive: the L3 and L9 buses connect Ibiza Town with Santa Eulària and Jesús efficiently, while San Antonio is well served by the L3.
Check the full live event calendar at ibiza-calendar.com for last-minute changes, weather updates and tickets — and have a brilliant week on the island.