A prime spot for partygoers from all over the world, most of Ibiza contrasts and forms an idyllic destination to do with children! For a week’s vacation or a family weekend in Ibiza, you will be surprised by the cultural and natural riches of this jewel of the Balearic Islands. Paradise coves with turquoise waters, bohemian atmosphere, hiking trails and authentic villages will amaze you!
Here Julius Homes give best tips for preparing and making a success of your trip to Ibiza with your children, followed by our top 10 places and activities.
Where to go and what to do in Ibiza with your family?
A week is enough to explore the corners of Ibiza. If you are going longer, it may be interesting to spend a few days on the other Balearic islands: Formentera, very easily accessible by ferry, or even Majorca and Menorca.
1. Eivissa, the capital
Rich in a thousand-year-old past, Eivissa was over the centuries a place of meetings and exchanges in the heart of the Mediterranean. Today it is a very pleasant city to explore with the family and to which you must dedicate two days to be able to feel its full atmosphere:
Start by going to Dalt Vila, the upper town. It is surrounded by fortifications dating from the Renaissance and perfectly preserved, which has earned it a place as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
On the way up, stop at the Madina Yabisa, an interpretation centre that allows you to better understand the history of the fortified enclosure. Inside the ramparts, you will discover a tangle of charming streets, dotted with tempting boutiques and restaurants.
Dalt Vila also offers extraordinary views of the port, the sea and the island of Formentera. Another attraction that will appeal to children, is the numerous underground passages that allow you to go from one street to another!
For a family stroll, the La Marina district is ideal. Stroll through the small local shops, enjoy an ice cream, observe the ballet of boats in the port or enjoy a seafood platter on the terrace… enough to really feel like you’re on vacation!
Are they lacking museums? Go take a look at the Museu d’Art Contemporani, next to Plaça de Vila, children are often intrigued by contemporary art! In addition, the basement offers a unique view of the remains of the Phoenician-Punic city thanks to a vitrified floor.
Visiting the Museu Arqueològic is also a good idea. It houses a vast collection of antique pieces which are well-presented.
2. Ibiza, landside
Ibiza is not just about its dream beaches. The interior is well worth the visit and allows for an unforgettable family road trip, off the beaten track.
Mount Sa Talaia, the highest in Ibiza, peaks at an altitude of 475 meters, making it easy to climb with children. Allow around 1 hour of walking following the goat trail to reach the summit, from where you will have a 360° view of the entire island, as well as Formentera. In summer, however, avoid doing this hike in broad daylight, as shade is rare and temperatures can be high. In the morning, it is preferable to depart.
The Las Dalias hippie market: reminiscent of the 60s when Ibiza was a mecca of hippie culture, this colourful market will amaze you. Several hundred stands are set up in the city every Wednesday and offer bohemian clothing, decoration, jewellery and handicrafts. A fun visit to do with the family!
The north of the island concentrates the most beautiful villages of Ibiza. Make sure to see Santa Gertrudis, which is extremely picturesque with its vibrant buildings, as well as Sant Mateu d’Albarca and Santa Agnès de Corona.
3. Ibiza, seaside
A family trip to Ibiza wouldn’t be complete without exploring its coastline :
You have to visit the Ses Salines Natural Park! This preserved ecosystem will allow you to admire salt marshes, dunes that children will have fun sliding down and impressive cliffs. Remember to take binoculars in your luggage, it is an ideal place for observing seabirds.
Ibiza is ideal for a day cruise. After exploring the north coast (the wildest), you can settle down on a deserted beach for a family picnic!
The Can Marca cave will amaze young and old with its interior waterfalls, stalactites and stalagmites, all enhanced by sounds and lights.
The most beautiful beaches in Ibiza with the family
Here is our list of the most beautiful spots to lay down your towel, swim in clear waters or explore the underwater world with a mask and snorkel:
- Cala Llonga: a long-equipped beach where you can rent pedal boats.
- Las Salinas: integrated into the Ses Salines natural park, it is bordered by dunes.
- Cala Gracio is ideal with little ones: there is no current and entry into the water is very gentle. Plus, the sunsets there are splendid!
- Cala Nova is perfect for older children if they want to go bodyboarding.
- Cala Xarraca will delight adventurous teenagers: an islet opposite the beach can be reached by swimming and allows for jumps.
- Cala Bassa has the advantage of being supervised and being able to protect yourself from the sun under its immense pines.
- Cala Molí is a beautiful, quiet beach where you can easily see colourful fish not far from the shore.
Visit the island of Formentera for a day
Located just 6 km from Ibiza, Formentera offers the possibility of a beautiful, peaceful getaway in a sumptuous setting. After just 30 minutes on the ferry, you will be immersed in a completely different atmosphere: the island is much less touristy than its neighbour, and nature is omnipresent.
On-site, rent a car or bike to go around it and explore all its nooks and crannies. You will then have the opportunity to admire old windmills, lighthouses, and towers to watch for pirates, without forgetting heavenly beaches where you can snorkel.
When to go to Ibiza with the family?
For a stay in Ibiza with children, the ideal is to favour summer. You will then be able to fully enjoy the beach and the sun will be there for sure. With little ones who are not yet at school, the months of June and September are idyllic: the weather is great and there are few tourists. If you have to go during the school holidays, here’s what to expect:
The Easter holidays offer beautiful sunny days, punctuated from time to time by a few showers. The only negative point: the sea water is still a little cool.
Summer holidays are perfect for a trip to Ibiza with the family, especially in July. If you fear crowds, choose a base camp in the north of the island, less crowded and wilder. You will always find a quiet place to enjoy the beach.
The All Saints’ Day holidays are very pleasant in Ibiza. The temperatures are mild and the seawater is still good for swimming. To choose, leave the first week, you will have less risk of rain.
The Christmas and winter holidays are the least suitable for a stay on the island. Even if the weather is mild and the sun is out, there is no possibility of swimming, except for the most courageous!
What advice for visiting Ibiza as a family?
Ibiza is a very nice destination to do with children. Here are our latest tips for preparing for your trip:
How to get to Ibiza? Located approximately 2 hours by flight from Paris, the plane is the quickest solution.
For accommodation, avoid plane+hotel packages, at the risk of finding yourself in an impersonal and noisy place. If your budget is tight, don’t hesitate to move away from the coast to sleep in a charming finca, the distances are quite short! In any case, make your reservations well in advance to get the best prices and have more choices.
To get around the ideal is to rent a car. You will then be independent, which is more practical with children.
To eat you will find affordable and copious menus in most of the island’s restaurants. Tapas are a good option for children, it allows them to taste everything and you can order them according to their appetite. Inland, fincas generally offer “farm to table” meals: fruits and vegetables are grown on site which provides incomparable freshness!
With a baby it is better to avoid the stroller, you will have little opportunity to use it. Choose a physiological baby carrier, ideal for walks in town or in the countryside.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
