Medieval Festival Ibiza, Monday 6th – Monday 13th May 2024
SORRY! This trip is currently fully booked, but please email Angela if you would like to be added to the reserve list in case of cancellations.
To celebrate the declaration of Ibiza’s Old Town (Dalt Vila) as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, every May the old town hosts vibrant celebrations including three days of street parties, musical performances, artists and medieval re-enactments. Visitors can enjoy the multicultural legacy left through the ages by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and Christians. The streets are transformed back in time with flags, awnings, banners and murals, filled with market stalls where you can watch ‘medieval’ crafts being produced and taken over by street performers such as magicians, acrobats, belly dancers, snake charmers and musicians. This medieval festival offers a great opportunity to experience Ibizan cultural legacy to its fullest and as an added bonus, entry to all galleries and museums in Dalt Vila is free during the festival. There will be plenty of free time to enjoy the festival, as well as a couple of optional organised tours for the group.
Monday 6th May
Transfer by coach from Javea to Denia and travel on the fast ferry service between Denia/Ibiza (premier seats included, 2 hours). On arrival at the ferry port in Ibiza town, coach transfer to the 3* Hotel Vibra Maritimo: 7 nights’ bed & breakfast accommodation in a room with balcony & sea view.
Set on the seafront near Ibiza Town, Hotel Vibra Marítimo is 300 metres from Figueretas Beach. It offers a gym and indoor pool, and all rooms include a private terrace and free WiFi. Rooms are functional and bright and include air conditioning, satellite TV and a private bathroom. The Hotel Vibra Marítimo’s reception can arrange bicycle, motorcycle or car rental and kayak and paddle surf are available for a cost. The hotel is 1 km from Ibiza Port where guests can catch a ferry to Formentera and the Hippie Market at Es Canar, and many lively bars and restaurants are 700 metres away in Ibiza Town.
Rest of the afternoon/evening free.
Tuesday 7th May
Free day; perhaps a self-guided walking tour of the Old Town:
Dalt Vila Walk Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s); 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
- Baluard de Sant Pere (Portal Nou)
- Església de Santa Maria de Gràcia
- Baluard de Sant Jaume
- Baluard de Sant Bernat
- Castle of Ibiza
- Catedral de Santa María de Ibiza
- Iglesia del Convento de San Vicente y San Jaime
- Baluard de Santa Llúcia
- Isidor Macabich Statue
- Contemporary Art Museum of Ibiza
- Portal de ses Taules
- Baluard de Sant Joan
- Passeig de Vara del Rey
Learn all about the history of this beautiful town: tales of the pirates, Romans, Muslims and Vandals who have taken control of the island since its foundation in 654 and delve deep into the historic centre, which is surrounded by 16th century fortified walls. Dalt Vila is located at the highest point of the town, reached via the whitewashed cobblestone streets that give the neighbourhood its unique charm. At the top of the hill, experience the spectacular views over the town and the sea and admire the ancient Cathedral of Our Lady of the Snows, the Town Hall building and the Plaça de la Vila, or town square.
Santa María La Mayor Cathedral
Known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Snows, Ibiza Cathedral showcases architecture built in the 16th century Catalan Gothic style. Dating back to the 13th century it was built after the conquest of Ibiza by Catalan troops in 1235 and has undergone many changes over time. The bell tower boasts a trapezoid form and the cathedral contains five chapels. The church also displays famous works of art by Francesc Marti, Francesc Cornes and Valenti Montoliu. it takes up the space that, until then, had been occupied by the town’s mosque, in a privileged position on the highest point of Dalt Vila. Daily except Monday, 10 am – 2 pm, 5 pm – 8 pm; free entry.
A former monastery and one of the last ones to be founded by the Dominican monks in the Balearic Islands during the 16th century. The community of monks was dissolved in 1835, the building passed into state property and became the site for the City Hall, prison and other services. Today’s building preserves only one of the monastery’s cloisters and the former refectory, which was previously used for the plenary meetings of the Council. This room has a barrel vault decorated with painted murals and is today the temporary home of the Eivissa Contemporary Art Museum.
Next to the convent, on the cliff, in the Plaça d’Espanya, there is one of the most spectacular lookouts in the city, offering a broad panoramic view of the port and the lighthouse in Es Botafoc. In the middle of the lookout, in front of the external entrance to the Chapter House, there is a monument of Guillem de Montgrí, Archbishop of Tarragona, who launched the conquest of Ibiza. Open Monday to Friday 8.30 am – 1.30 pm.
Wednesday 8th May
AM: An optional scenic boat trip from Ibiza town to Formentera island (fast 30-minute ferry journey, tourist seat).
When you disembark the ferry you will find yourself in La Savina, a working port, an exclusive marina for million-euro yachts and a nautical atmosphere. Walking around the harbour front there are bars, cafes and restaurants and market stalls selling hand-crafted goods. Amazing views can be had at every turn, including those of Ibiza and the islet of Es Vedrà.
Thursday 9th May
AM: Optional coach tour – Portinatx (30 km) / Santa Gertrudis (21 km) / Ibiza town (13 km)
Situated on the northern shores of Ibiza, the compact and pretty resort of Portinatx is surrounded by glittering turquoise blue waters and hills clad with deep verdant pine trees. Time for a wander around and morning coffee in one of the many café bars. We will then go on to Santa Gertrudis, a charming village in the heart of the island which is steeped in tradition. Its main square houses the whitewashed church and a cluster of bars, restaurants and shops, whilst in the rich agricultural landscape all around, live sheep, goats and the island’s only dairy cows. Time for lunch (own choice) before returning to Ibiza town mid-afternoon.
Walkers may like to take the opportunity of visiting Ses Salines Natural Park Interpretation Centre, a short journey by bus from Ibiza town. Ses Salines is, in fact, one of the most important nature reserves in the whole of the Mediterranean and the walk will take you through this most beautiful and protected coastline. The zone is also host to kilometres of ocean poseidonia meadows, which is considered to be the biggest living organism in the world, and which gives the waters around Ibiza their characteristic turquoise colour.
Friday 10th – Sunday 12th May
3 full days with a programme of activities to experience a trip to the Middle Ages: dance, theatre, illusionism, craft markets, puppets, minstrels, buffoons, knights, princesses, princes, dragons and falconry, as well as typical meals, all in a wonderful setting. the walled enclosure of the old town, Dalt Vila. Medieval Market daily from 10 – 23 hrs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Perhaps also to visit the Sa Pedrera Crafts’ Centre workshop to see traditional Ibizan arts and crafts in action. The centre is open to the public on Fridays from 11 am to 5 pm.
-Re-cycled fabric accessories workshop, 11 am to 2 pm.
–Leather pattern workshop, 11 am to 3 pm.
–Copper and natural wood pendants workshop, 2 to 5 pm.
The commemorative ceremonies mainly focus on aspects related to the cultures that contributed to the essence of Eivissa. Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs have passed through the city, which continues to be greatly influenced by outside cultures. The streets of Dalt Vila are adorned with flags and banners that create the atmosphere of the medieval Eivissa of years past. Stands are set up selling traditional handicrafts from the cultures mentioned, including traditional Ibizan culture. Activities and entertainment on offer include: medieval theatre, falconry, archery and Arab dances. Choir concerts are also held in Dalt Vila’s churches and folklore exhibitions in the 16th century cloister that is the City Hall, together with other cultural entertainment. Around 150 craftspeople and around 100 actors take part in this festival. Besides events purely aimed at entertainment, more and more cultural events are being progressively added to the programme, in an attempt to delve a bit deeper into the history of Ibiza city.
Or perhaps to visit museums.
The Punic necropolis of El Puig des Molins is the largest and best-preserved necropolis in the world. Located on the Puig des Molins, it was the cemetery for the city of Eivissa during ancient times. Its name comes from the windmills that dominated the hill from at least the 15th century, currently in disuse and of which only a few remain.
The Madina Yabisa Information Centre
The Madina Yabisa Information Centre: mainly uses audio-visual technology to transmit knowledge about the history of the city and everything that refers to the Islamic period and the Arabic fortification.The centre is housed in the Curia building that wasbuilt in the 14th and 15th centuries, making use of the structural elements of the old Arabic wall.
In the walled city of Dalt Vila are two of the most important art galleries on Ibiza: the Ibiza Museum of Contemporary Art (MACE) and the Puget Museum. A tour of their rooms and a visit to their exhibitions are a must for those who wish to learn about the history of the island and its art. MACE: is one of the oldest contemporary art museums in Spain. It is housed in the old Weapons Room of Ibiza, built in 1727, which was expanded in 2012 and reopened to the public with a completely renovated and avant-garde image.
THE PUGET MUSEUM: in a stately home, probably from the 15th century, named Can Comasema (after the family that fitted it out in the 19th century: Palau Comasema). This art gallery houses costumbrista oil paintings and watercolours from the collection of 130 paintings by Narcis Puget Riquer and Narcis Puget Viñas that were donated by their family. Thus, where once this stately home housed Gothic architecture with Catalan influences, it now displays landscapes and scenes from everyday life in Ibiza in the early and mid-twentieth century.
Archaeology Museum: Offers a journey into the history of Ibiza and Formentera, from prehistory through to the Christian re-conquest. It is situated in Dalt Vila and occupies several different buildings.
Monday 13th May
Check out of hotel and transfer to the ferry for return to Denia; transfer by coach back to Javea.
NB: Please note that the medieval festival takes place in Dalt Vila – the highest point in Ibiza town, with some narrow cobblestone streets and steps, so not suitable for anyone with mobility difficulties.
COST:
| COST SHARING TWIN/DOUBLE €550 PP |
| COST SOLE OCCUPANCY €845 PP |
INCLUDED: transfer/return by coach from Javea to Denia port; return Baleària fast ferry crossing from Denia/Ibiza with premier seat each way; transfer on arrival and return to/from hotel; 7 nights b&b in a room with sea view and balcony; 7 nights tourist tax; gratuities.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
Wednesday 8th May
AM: Scenic boat trip from Ibiza town to Formentera island (fast 30-minute ferry – tourist class seat).
Thursday 9th May
AM: Coach tour – Portinatx (30 km) / Santa Gertrudis (21 km) / Ibiza town (13 km): gratuities included, own choice for lunch: price tbc.
PLEASE CONTACT THE GROUP LEADER IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE RESERVE LIST.
