It began as a simple idea from Walter: play padel in the cool of the morning, matched by level, coffee after. Years on, Early Birds is a daily Ibiza institution.
Everything that grows big on the island starts small. Early Birds started with Walter and one simple idea: the best time to play padel on Ibiza is early, before the heat, when the courts are quiet and the island is still waking up. He brought a few players together, matched them by level and turned it into a morning ritual. That ritual grew.
The concept is beautifully simple. You turn up in the morning, we match you with players of your level, you play a couple of hours of relaxed but real padel, and you finish with a coffee or a fresh juice together. No fixed partner needed, no pressure, all levels welcome. Beginners and stronger players mix, and everyone heads home having met someone new. Sessions run from around 08:00 to 10:00, and on Sundays there is even a Not So Early Birds slot for the later risers.
Over the past few years Early Birds went from a handful of regulars to a daily fixture across several clubs. What started at Club de Campo now runs at Punt Groc too, with more locations on the way. Mornings that used to be quiet are now the busiest, most social hours on court. It's affordable, from around €18,- to €20,- per person, and it books out fast.
And through all of it there is Walter. On Ibiza he is simply the face of Early Birds. He knows the regulars by name, keeps the levels fair, keeps the vibe warm and makes sure a first-timer feels at home within five minutes. People come for the padel, but plenty of them keep coming back for Walter.
Since last year he isn't on his own. Thijmen, family of Walter, joined and now contributes to the sessions every single day. That extra pair of hands has made Early Birds run smoother than ever: more sessions, more players matched, the same warm feeling. Two familiar faces on court instead of one.
More than anything, Early Birds is the beating heart of our community. It's where new arrivals meet their first Ibiza padel friends, where regulars start the day together, and where the whole scene stays connected. Curious who you'll meet on court? Find a match and step in.
Fancy joining a morning? Check the live schedule and clubs on our events page, grab your spot and set that alarm. On Ibiza, the best part of the day happens before most people are even awake.
