“I had no idea there was a castle so high in Ibiza”, laughed Spanish influencer Gonzalo Montoya as he caught his breath at the finish line of the Red Bull Ibiza Royale, an international obstacle race that turned Dalt Vila, the historic heart of Ibiza Town, into a spectacular competition arena.
The race, held this week, brought together athletes and influencers from 50 different countries, and with them, hundreds of stories of effort, laughter and camaraderie. Among those sharing their experience first-hand were Spanish influencers Gonzalo Montoya and Ale Agulló, who completed the demanding course through the steep streets and ancient walls of Dalt Vila in just over 12 minutes.
A race with views… and climbs
“Honestly, I didn’t expect the climb to be so intense”, Montoya told Living Ibiza. “I didn’t even know there was a castle that high up in Ibiza! That was the hardest part, it wasn’t even a planned obstacle, but it felt like one”.
The Red Bull Ibiza Royale was not just a physical challenge, it was also a stunning tour of Ibiza’s fortified old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yet, even with the breathtaking surroundings, the effort was very real.
Agulló agreed. “The hills were brutal, but the obstacles themselves we tackled quite quickly”, she explained, still smiling after the finish. “We’ve trained in Peru at 5,000 metres altitude, so we came prepared. But the heat in Ibiza and the competitive atmosphere made it a different beast altogether”.
Influencers share their Ibiza experience
For both influencers, the Red Bull Ibiza Royale was about much more than competition. It was a personal adventure, one filled with adrenaline, nerves, and shared joy. “At the start line, I could feel my heart beating at 200”, said Agulló. “But I reminded myself that we were here to enjoy the experience”.
Montoya echoed her sentiment. “It was amazing to be surrounded by international athletes and such positive energy. Everyone was cheering each other on. No jealousy, just pure motivation”.
Their training may have been tough, but their race-day diet? Not so much. “Two days ago, I had pizza”, Agulló admitted with a laugh. “Then wine last night, and just after finishing, I had a cold beer. Well earned!”.
What stood out most in their Ibiza adventure was the spirit of the event and their partnership. “Gonzalo was the best teammate”, said Agulló. “At one point, we were on the slide, I looked at him, and we just started laughing like mad. He kept telling me to enjoy it, to live the moment. And he was right”.
Would they return to Ibiza for more?
Absolutely. “We’d do it again in Ibiza and anywhere else”, Montoya said without hesitation. “It’s been an unforgettable experience, the kind that sticks with you”.
With events like Red Bull Ibiza Royale, Ibiza is proving itself to be more than just a beach destination. From the cobbled climbs of Dalt Vila to the high-energy sports and influencer-fuelled experiences, the island offers a different kind of thrill for every traveller.
International winners on Ibiza soil
While Montoya and Agulló brought the fun, the competition also saw elite-level performances. Out of 200 teams from around the world, the winners of this year’s Red Bull Ibiza Royale were:
- The Swedish Blue Bulls (Sweden) – Linnea Stenson and Daniel Ekström
- The Hybrid Storm (Canada) – Xavier Fagard and Béatrice Moyen Silvestre
- Tarzan & Jane (Slovakia) – Nikolas Rákoci and Ivana Šoltysová
But as the influencers will tell you, it was not just about rankings. It was about the climb, the connection, and the charm of Ibiza.
Discover Dalt Vila through the eyes of those who run it
If you are planning your next trip, follow the footsteps of Montoya and Agulló and take a walk (or a sprint) through Dalt Vila. You do not need to be a pro athlete to enjoy its panoramic views, historic walls, or magical energy.
But if you happen to be around during Red Bull Ibiza Royale, do not miss the chance to see this iconic part of Ibiza transformed into an epic obstacle course filled with sweat, smiles and stories worth sharing.
Keep exploring Living Ibiza for tips, insider stories and unique ways to discover the island beyond the beaches.