The third largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands does family holidays beautifully. Which sometimes comes as a surprise in light of its infamous party reputation.
The truth is, clubbing doesn’t stray much outside resorts like San Antonio and bits of Ibiza Town.
So the rest of Ibiza is blissfully given over to fabulous beaches, historic towns and villages, stunning natural beauty and an extraordinary number of World Heritage sites.
And, when you want an occasional break from parent duty, there are plenty of gorgeous restaurants and bars all over the island – without superstar DJs.
Why go on holiday in Ibiza
- Direct flights
Most major UK airports have direct flights to Ibiza all year round and several flights a week during late spring and summer.
- White sand beaches
Over 50 beaches trim the island ranging from hidden coves to enormous 3km stretches of white sand.
- Warm seasons
Warm in spring and autumn with hot, sunny summers.
- UNESCO heritage sites
The legendary clubbing is limited to easily avoided parts of Ibiza. The majority of the island is historic and peaceful with amazing scenery and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Short commutes
Fascinating, but small enough to see in a day, Ibiza is easy to explore and no resorts are more than an hour’s drive from the airport.
- Water activities
Famous for water sports, safe swimming, diving, snorkelling and fantastic sailing.
- Ibiza Town
Ibiza Town is one of the most sophisticated and elegant Balearic capitals.
- Cultural highlights
Away from the beaches, rural island life is unspoiled and traditional with ancient villages and towns to discover in the interior and several well-marked walking trails for adventurous kids.
Where to go and stay in Ibiza
Ibiza Town
Ibiza Town’s Dalt Vila is one of the prettiest historic quarters in the Balearics and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shady, cobbled streets are a delight to wander on hot afternoons. Kids love to climb up and explore the impressive 16th century fortress. And Dalt Vila is where you’ll find the island’s loveliest artisan shops and best restaurants.
- 3 and 4 star hotels at nearby resorts, Playa d’en Bossa and Figueretas.
- Lower Ibiza Town is lively and modern, close to the harbour and a short distance from the airport.
- Playa d’en Bossa is Ibiza’s largest resort, very busy and popular with summer clubbers.
- Family-friendly Figueretas is just 15 minutes from Ibiza Town.
- Dalt Vila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Santa Eulalia
Just 20km from the airport, Santa Eulalia is Ibiza’s third largest resort. Big enough to be bright and interesting, trimmed with stunning beaches and a good base for exploring the rest of the island, this warm and friendly town has everything from celebrated seafood restaurants to cute street markets, water sports and the islands best go-karting.
- 3 and 4-star resort hotels and good value self-catering holiday apartments.
- Gorgeous, palm tree-lined promenade and broad, sandy beaches.
- Known for its artistic community, interesting galleries and exceptional food.
- Frequent ferry service round the coast to Ibiza Town.
North East Ibiza
This is Ibiza at its most beautiful and least busy – even in July and August. Portinatx is the best resort here and loved as much for its safe, shallow waters and sandy beaches as it is for an easy-going atmosphere. The town’s small and charming but good fun and only 40 minutes by road from the airport.
- 3, 4 and 5-star resort hotels, holiday villas and self-catering apartments
- Remarkable countryside to explore and celebrated sunsets at Benirras
- Great for beaches, snorkelling, diving and swimming
- Cute street markets, quaint restaurants and very kid-friendly
South West Ibiza
It’s easy to avoid the party antics of San Antonio in the sheltered south west of Ibiza. Delightful towns and villages stretch all along the coast on either side of the infamous clubbing resort. This is the area for peaceful coves, island hopping by boat, quick trips to Ibiza Town and the colourful buzz of San Antonio – occasionally.
- Cala Tarida is good for 3 and 4-star family hotels and self-catering apartments.
- 30 minutes from Ibiza Town and the airport
- Big resort beaches and secret stretches of sand
Good for older kids and lots of activities for younger children.
What do and see with kids in Ibiza
Gran Piruleto Park, Play d’en Boss
Part mini-waterpark and part theme park, this is not for white knuckle enthusiasts but great fun for younger kids. Gran Piruleto
Stand-up Paddle Surf, Play d’en Bossa
An easy introduction to surfing for older kids and family groups. Aloha SUP School
Sirenis Aquagames, San Jose
Slides, rides, flumes and chutes in the grounds of the Sirenis Country Club Hotel. Sirenis Aquagames
Cave Cruise, Portinatx
The most involving way to see the ancient caves and rock formations on Ibiza’s spectacular north coast. Aquabus
Ibiza Old Town
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one Europe’s loveliest historic quarters. The 16th century fortress is vast with plenty of space for kids to clamber around.
Aguamar Waterpark, Playa d’en Bossa
This is Ibiza’s biggest waterpark and mixes up terrifying rides with lazy rivers and relaxing swimming pools. Aguamar
Acrobosc Adventure Park, Es Canar
Challenging aerial circuits through towering trees and dense forest make this a fantastic day out for kids. Acrobosc
Glass Bottom Boat Trips, San Antonio
The best way to see what’s under the clear, blue island waters round Ibiza is to take a glass-bottom boat cruise. Ibiza Boat Cruises
Aquarium Capblanc, San Antonio
A fascinating aquarium in one of the island’s natural caves. Aquarium Capblanc
Every day sailing
Forget driving and catch the regular, cheap island ferries round the coast. Even if you only sail once it’s an unforgettable holiday experience for kids. Aquabus Ferries
Educational value for kids
From cliff diving to paddle boarding, mini-yoga, museums and sailing lessons, there’s plenty for kids to learn on Ibiza.
- Centre d’Interpretació des Amunts on Ibiza’s north coast is a beautifully designed space for kids to find out about the island’s remarkable natural history.
- Visit Sa Caleta 10km west of Ibiza Town to see the Phoenician ruins at this World Heritage site.
- Interactive, artistic, puzzling and entertaining family fun at Escape Room
- Guided snorkelling tours are a fun and safe way to visit the island’s dive sites.
- Learn to sail, catamaran, windsurf and kayak as a family.
- There are walking trails all over Ibiza so kids can get to know the real island.
- A visit to the Archaeological Museum of Elvissa in Ibiza Town reveals the intriguing mysteries of historic Dalt Vila.
Getting about with kids in Ibiza
Ibiza’s a small island with good roads and hiring a car is best if you want to tour different beaches and resorts. But there’s also an excellent and inexpensive ferry service round many towns on the coast. And local buses run all over the island from early morning to late evening in spring and summer.
