Why Santa Eulària is Ibiza’s best-kept secret for family holidays

Ibiza and family holidays don’t always seem like an obvious pairing but mention Santa Eulària des Riu to anyone who’s been and you’ll quickly change your mind. This is the calmer, more authentic corner of the island: less party, more promenade, with some of the most child-friendly beaches in the Balearics and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere that makes the whole family feel at ease from day one.

Officially known as Santa Eulària des Riu – the only town in Ibiza built alongside a river – it sits on the island’s east coast and is within easy reach of beaches, nature, markets and local culture. And, with the new Santa Eulària Family Pass which launched this April, planning your time here has never been easier. Here’s what’s waiting for your family this summer.

Cala Leña Beach

Best beaches in Santa Eulària for families

The municipality has more than 20 beaches to choose from and the ones around Santa Eulària town are exactly what family holidays are made of: calm, shallow waters, soft sand and a relaxed pace. The town beach is wide and well-equipped with sunbeds and restaurants and is gentle enough for little swimmers. It also holds a certified quality beach designation, recognising its safe, clean waters and family-friendly facilities.

For something a little more secluded, Cala Llonga is a beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay about 10 minutes south, the water is clear, calm and ideal for paddling and snorkelling.

Es Canar, a short drive north, has a lovely sandy beach with a sheltered bay and a laid-back village feel. All three are comfortably manageable for families with young children, buggies included.

Santa Eulària

Things to do in Santa Eulària town

One of Santa Eulària’s most distinctive features is its passeig – a long, palm-lined seafront promenade ideal for morning strolls, ice cream stops and evening family walks. It runs alongside the Santa Eulària River and connects easily to the town centre and marina. While you’re here, it’s worth heading up to Puig de Missa, the hilltop where a 16th-century fortified church sits at the summit; the views across the bay and surrounding countryside are well worth the short climb.

The area around the river mouth is a lovely spot to explore on foot or by bike. It’s one of those places that slows the whole family down in the best possible way and is a reminder of how different this part of Ibiza is from the island’s more famous resort strips.

Ibiza hippy markets

Ibiza hippy markets: Las Dalias and Punta Arabí

Santa Eulària is home to two of Ibiza’s most famous markets and both are brilliant for families. Las Dalias in Sant Carles de Peralta has been running since 1954 and is a wonderfully colourful maze of craft stalls, jewellery, clothing and street food, set beneath bougainvillaea and fairy lights. It runs on Saturdays year-round, with extra evening markets in summer.

The Punta Arabí Hippie Market at Es Canar is one of the largest in Europe and runs on Wednesdays from April to October. Kids tend to love the spectacle of it all… the artisan stalls, the live music, the sheer variety of things to look at. Budget for a few irresistible purchases.

Boat trips in Santa Eulària

Family boat trips and water activities in Santa Eulària

Boat trips are a highlight for families in Santa Eulària and there are plenty of options depending on what you’re after. Half-day excursions take you to hidden coves only accessible by sea, while snorkelling trips give older kids and teenagers a chance to explore the clear waters around Ibiza’s coastline.

For something more low-key, kayak hire is available along the coast and is a great way to explore at your own pace. Back on the beach, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboarding and banana boat rides are all widely available across the resort’s beaches.

Cycling in Santa Eulària

Cycling and hiking routes in Santa Eulària

The landscape around Santa Eulària is gentle enough for cycling with children, with many well-signposted routes through pine forests, past farmhouses and along the coast. Bikes and e-bikes are available to hire in town. For walkers, Route R4 is a particularly good family option – a two-hour coastal path that takes in the lower stretch of the river, the Ibiza Ethnology Museum and views out over the bay. Route R8 covers nearly seven kilometres through the beautiful fields of Santa Gertrudis and is another easy, scenic option.

Several routes connect Santa Eulària to surrounding villages and viewpoints, making it easy to build a gentle half-day adventure around wherever your family’s energy takes you.

Kids at an ecological farm in Santa Eulària

Where to eat in Santa Eulària

Ibiza has a strong food culture and Santa Eulària is one of the best places on the island to enjoy it. The town has a good spread of restaurants along the promenade and around the market square, with menus that cater well to families, including fresh fish, paella, tapas and plenty of kid-friendly options. The marina area is particularly good for seafood. Look out for locally grown produce, particularly the island’s famous salt and herb-cured meats.

For a more interactive experience, some local producers and restaurants offer family-friendly food experiences where you can learn about traditional Ibizan cooking – a great way to give the trip a little extra meaning beyond the beach.

Kids on holiday in Santa Eulària

Santa Eulària Family Pass

Launched in April 2026, the Santa Eulària Family Pass is the smartest way to plan your time here. At its heart is a digital platform where families can build their own personalised itinerary based on the length of their stay and their interests – mixing beaches, cultural sites, outdoor activities and historic landmarks as they go. Pre-built suggested routes of three, five and seven days are also available for families who’d rather have a ready-made plan to follow.

Beyond the itinerary tool, the pass gives access to discounts and benefits at local businesses, with reduced entry to activities, deals at shops and restaurants and small welcome gifts from participating venues. It’s designed to connect families directly with the local community and make the most of everything the municipality has to offer, rather than staying within the bubble of a hotel resort.

Whether you’re planning a week or a long weekend, it takes the guesswork out of what to do and where to go and turns a good holiday into a great one.