As travellers begin their holiday planning for 2026, the Balearic Islands invite the world to mark their calendars for a year of unforgettable experiences. From inspiring cultural festivals, culinary celebrations and sporting events, the Mediterranean archipelago is set to deliver a vibrant programme across all four seasons and warrant big red circles in the 2026 wall calendar. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, pristine turquoise waters and stunning natural landscapes to match, the islands provide the perfect backdrop for a host of exciting events throughout the new year.
April:
Mallorca to Host Art Cologne in 2026: A Landmark Moment for Contemporary Art
From 9th to 12th April 2026, the Palma Congress Centre will become the centre of the international art world as it hosts a special edition of Art Cologne, one of the most prestigious contemporary art fairs worldwide. Established in 1967, Art Cologne is the oldest fair of its kind and a benchmark for excellence in modern and contemporary art. The Mallorca edition will feature around 80 leading galleries and alongside world-renowned galleries, the fair will also showcase local talent, encouraging collaboration and artistic exchange across the Balearic Islands. The arrival of Art Cologne in Mallorca marks a milestone in positioning the island as a global destination for art, culture, and creativity.
www.artcologne.com
May
Raw Photo Fest 2026 Puts Menorca in Focus
Making its debut on the island of Menorca in May 2026 is Raw Photo Fest; a revolutionary photography a festival that will reimagine the traditional exhibition space as a living stage, weaving photography into the streets, cafés, private homes, and landscapes of Menorca. Based in the town of Alaior, the festival will gather international photographers, artists and aficionados between 7th-10th May for four days of vibrant creative spirit. With the intention of becoming a hub for travel, documentary, and street photography worldwide, Raw Photo Fest has already confirmed a series of highly reputable exhibitors. These include Steve McCurry (author of Afghan Girl, 1984), Sage Sohier (documentary photographer and Guggenheim Fellow), and Nick Brandt (English environmental photographer). Together, these celebrated voices set the tone for a festival poised to place Menorca firmly on the global map of contemporary photography.
https://therawsociety.org/rawphotofest/
Formentera Half Marathon Expands to Two Editions in 2026
As runners set their New Year wellness resolutions, Formentera is answering the call with an expanded half-marathon experience designed to inspire healthier, more adventurous starts to 2026. Scheduled for 9th and 16th May, the Formentera Half Marathon has amplified its race offering to meet increased international demand. Organised by Unisport Consulting with support from the Consell Insular de Formentera, the 21K Half Marathon and the 8K Sant Ferran–La Savina course will together welcome 7,000 participants, doubling current capacity. This year’s event attracted over 3,500 runners, with more than 8,000 pre-registrations. The new format will allow more athletes to experience the island’s iconic coastal route; while accompanying sports, cultural and gastronomic activities will encourage visitors to enjoy Formentera beyond the race itself.
September
Eivissa Jazz Festival 2026: When the White Isle Sways to the Blues
As summer fades into September, each year the Eivissa Jazz International Festival stands as one of Ibiza’s crowning live musical gatherings. A must-see event for jazz lovers from Spain and beyond, for nearly four decades the festival has united internationally acclaimed performers with rising local musicians, offering a fertile ground for creative exchange and stylistic fusion within the boundless world of jazz. Throughout past editions, legendary artists such as Avishai Cohen and Paquito D’Rivera have graced unforgettable venues like the Baluard de Santa Llúcia, part of Ibiza’s UNESCO-protected heritage. Each year, these fleeting yet magical moments come alive once again against the Renaissance walls of Dalt Vila.
https://eivissajazz.com/en/
October
A Mediterranean cycling escape: discovering Menorca and Ibiza in the golden post-summer season
As the intense heat of summer fades, the Balearic Islands become an ideal playground for road cyclists seeking both challenge and beauty. At the beginning of October, the Vuelta Cicloturista a Ibiza Campagnolo offers a two-day adventure that explores San Antonio and its neighbouring villages, with stages of around 90km and 64km that blend scenic coastal views with quiet inland roads, creating a perfectly balanced and unforgettable cycling experience. Two weeks later, the Volta Cicloturista Internacional a Menorca invites riders to enjoy a three-day journey across the island’s most iconic landscapes, weaving through legendary routes such as the Camí d’en Kane and the rolling climbs of S’Enclusa and Monte Toro, all under the warm, gentle light of autumn.
The Festival of Expanded Literature in Magaluf (FLEM), Calvià
The Festival of Expanded Literature in Magaluf (FLEM), hosted and promoted by local bookstore Rata Corner, has been gathering momentum year over year with the latest edition featuring John Boyne, author of the legendary novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Taking place in October 2026 and hosted at Calvià‘s beachfront hotel, INNSiDE by Meliá Calvià Beach, FLEM promises an inspiring four-day cultural celebration with both world-renowned and national creative talent. The festival will offer art installations, concerts, poetry recitals and the infamous ‘Secret Rooms’ that see the hotel rooms transformed into experiential spaces. https://flemfestival.com/en/