Despite common misconceptions, Ibiza is a wonderful place for a family holiday. Far from its party scene, a plethora of child-friendly hotels, beach clubs and restaurants await. Here’s what to do in Ibiza with children.
Citizen Enfants is on hand to make your family holiday planning easier. Each month we explore a different location to give you the lowdown on the very best way to enjoy it with children. This month we’re heading to Ibiza.
From villas designed with children in mind, beaches with kids’ clubs on-site and plenty of activities for all ages, Ibiza ticks all the boxes for a dream family break.
THE FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEACHES TO KNOW
Ibiza has more than 80 beaches, but some are more family-friendly than others. These are some of the best to visit with children.
Cala Bassa
On the west of Ibiza, Cala Bassa is a gorgeous sweeping cove of beautiful fine sand. The waters here are very shallow, making it perfect for little ones to paddle. It also has small rock pools for snorkelling and exploring, plus watersports and a selection of restaurants and shops on offer. The parent-pleasing factor is the super-stylish CBBC Beach Club. With white billowing drapes over large day beds tucked under the trees, and waiters on hand to deliver rosé and ice cream to your chosen spot, it’s the ideal place to relax while the kids play.
Cala Vadella
In the south west, a short 35-minute drive from Ibiza’s old town is one of the best family beaches on the island. A small bay with a gradual, shallow beach sloping into crystal-clear water and plentiful loungers that you can book on the day, as well as relaxed restaurants such as the Maya Beach Club and Can Sofia that welcome children and have great kids’ menus. Hire pedalos or simply build sandcastles, along with plenty of other kids to befriend.
Portinatx
In the very north, Portinatx is a quieter resort with three beaches that are perfectly suited to young children. Just a 10-minute drive from San Juan, all three shallow, sandy beaches are accessible and have plenty of parking, shops and restaurants close by. A lifeguard is on duty at the larger S’Arenal Gran beach and there are shady loungers to hire and watersports to try. Eat at La Boca Junta for a traditional lunch on the beach.
KEEP THE KIDS ENTERTAINED
There are many great children’s entertainment companies and childcare providers in Ibiza. From kids’ clubs and camps to nannies and party planners, here are some of the people who will make your child’s holiday super-special.
Mini Ibiza
Founded by two local mums; Mini Ibiza run playgroups and workshops all year round offering fun classes for children from one year and up, which include cookery, art and yoga. Plus, they have a lovely outdoor space. Or you can book private sessions, babysitting and birthday parties. Prices on request.
White Rabbit Ibiza
Another great option to help celebrate a birthday is White Rabbit Ibiza. They’ll plan a bespoke party and bring it to your villa – anywhere on the island. Think art and craft in a super-cute bell tent or a carnival theme with classic games such as balloon darts and ring toss. With a qualified, English-speaking childcare team, White Rabbit has been running since 2015 and also offers summer clubs for kids aged five to nine. Prices on request.
Kids in Ibiza
This is the company you’ll want to have on speed dial. They offer a rental service for essentials such as buggies, travel cots, car seats and stair gates, and organise babysitters and nannies from their carefully vetted network too. Their Kids Corners clubs run at various beach side locations – from Babylon Beach to Pura Vida – and offer a range of activities to keep the kids happy, from face painting to magic shows. Qualified and multilingual staff will keep kids happy while parents enjoy some beach time or lunch in the attached restaurant. This is a free service – but guardians are required to stay nearby.
Nanny and Babysitting Services
Kids & Co. Ibiza is a childcare agency run by two local sisters and professional nannies. They offer a 24-hour a day service for a few hours or a whole holiday, plus take care of children from just a few months old. They also offer an express service – so if you find yourself needing good childcare quickly, this is the company to call. Packages start from €18 an hour.
Or speak to Sophie Painter, a mum-of-two who runs Paintpots Childcare Ibiza and arranges babysitting for all ages with a team of qualified and experienced, CRB-checked, first-aid trained school teachers. €10 per hour.
FUN IN THE SEA
As pretty as the island is, the glistening aquamarine sea around it is equally inviting. From snorkelling and diving to sailing, waterskiing and even private swimming lessons, there are a plethora of ways for kids to have fun on – and in – the water.
Watersports
There is plenty to keep families of all ages occupied on the water: on many of the beaches you can hire paddle boards and kayaks by the hour. For thrill-seeking teens, Enjoy Watersports hire out jet skis and Ibiza Watersports offer banana boat rides, waterskiing and wake boarding. Prices start from €40 per hour.
Snorkelling and Diving
Ibiza has an aquatic life worth exploring. Hire snorkelling equipment at beaches or pick up your own at well-stocked beachside stores. There are also some excellent dive schools offering courses for beginners: the award-winning Divestar is based in Santa Eulàlia and offer a Bubblemaker class to children as young as eight; they can dive up to two-metres deep. Children over 10 can join a Discover Scuba course with a dedicated instructor who, after a few days of tuition, will take them to depths of up to six metres. There are many great dive schools dotted around the island offering beginners courses and snorkelling excursions – check the official PADI website to find a location that suits. Prices start from €105.
Swimming Lessons
If you’re staying in a villa, there’s no need to leave it for swimming lessons for kids. Ibiza Swim is run by expert coach, Ruth Osborne, who has been teaching all ages to swim since 2007. Her baby lessons are great for complete beginners, or she can build on what your child has been working on with their teacher back at home. She can also introduce older kids to lifesaving, snorkelling and waterpolo. Get in touch to enquire about availability and pricing.
Charter a Yacht
Charter a yacht for the day to sightsee from the water. Hotel and villa concierges can arrange this, but if you’d like to do it yourself then Lux Charters Ibiza offer a superb range of superyachts, catamarans and sailing yachts. Safety is a top priority – especially with children on board – and life vests are supplied for all. Explore the coast, jump off for a swim and sail up to restaurants on the shorelines. Or, head over to Formentera, Ibiza’s smaller neighbouring island, and stop at Beso Beach for lunch. It’s also possible to charter boats for longer stays. Prices start from roughly €2000 a day plus fuel, and includes experienced captains, drinks and snacks.
Hire a Boat
If you’d rather explore the coastline on your own, rent a small boat for the day from Star Boats Ibiza. Located at Beach Es Pouet in San Antonio, rentals are available for a full or half day, without a skipper. Each can take up to six people and no licence is necessary. You will be fully briefed on how to drive the motor boat yourself and they will recommend a route and restaurants to moor at. Prices start from €200 for a half day.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
Some days it’s nice to have a break from the beach and try a different activity. In Ibiza there are many places for a great day out as a family. These are a few exciting alternatives to a day on the sand.
Swing Through the Trees
Acrobosc Ibiza is an acrobatic activity centre located between Santa Eulalia and Es Canar. The park has three different routes to play on: green (from four years); blue (from six years) and red (from 11 years old). Older kids will love the high ropes plus zip lining, and little ones will love pootling around on the smaller playground. Parents must be on hand to supervise all under-18s and it’s advised to wear a helmet (which you can hire on site). This is a great day out in a shady forest that’s ideal for really hot days. Prices start from €15.
Visit a Waterpark
Children tend to adore waterparks. Spend the day at The Sirenis Aquagames Park near San Antonio, where kids as young as two can splash all day in the fountains and pools, while older ones can whizz down the slides and play in the jets and sprinklers. Prices start from €25 per person.
Explore on Horseback
Horse riding is a lovely way to see the more rugged, rural spots on the island. Cana Mayans riding school in San Lorenzo run group sessions for families and individual lessons for children. The website is in Spanish, but don’t let that put you off booking. Call the number listed to chat to an English-speaking advisor. Rides cost from €15 for 30 mins.
WHERE TO STAY
Ibiza has different vibes, depending on which part of the island you are in. From the quieter north to the party-loving west, and beautiful rural inland spots. All areas have excellent family-friendly hotels and villas that cater perfectly for tiny babies right through to teens.
7 Pines Resort
7 Pines Resort is a cliffside haven on the west coast, set between two beautiful beaches; Cala Conta and Cala Codolar. It’s more of a village than a hotel with classic cubic architecture spread over 56-thousand square metres and overlooking the Med. There are even dreamy views across to Es Verdà, the large outcrop of rock just off the coast said to have magic powers. With 185 suites of differing sizes, three restaurants and even a couple of yachts on standby to charter, this is a five-star property that has the wow factor. But it’s the kids’ club that is the big draw for families. The inspiring and eco-friendly Kio House of Kids aims to be both fun and educational, teaching kids about the planet and conservation through fun activities like gardening. Rooms start from £320 per night.
Six Senses Resort
Another five-star paradise for families is the Six Senses Resort in Sant Joan de Labritja – in the quieter, northern side of the island. It boasts outstanding family suites and children’s swimming pools. The state-of-the-art kids’ club is focused on enhancing the wellbeing of children with a timetable that includes yoga, cookery and floral art, while mum and dad can enjoy the spa, watersports and even custom-make natural cosmetics and organic remedies. Stay in a Village Wing Sea Scape suite which comes with both a bedroom and a large living space opening up to a huge terrace and a panoramic view of the sea. This is the ideal spot to relax at while little ones have their afternoon nap. Plus, children under four eat and sleep for free, and five to 12 year-olds get a 50 per cent discount on meals. Rooms start from £690 per night.
Atzaró
For a more traditional Ibizan setting head inland where, between San Lorenzo and Santa Eularia, you’ll find Atzaró. This stunning 300 year-old finca is one of the best five-star Agroturismos on the island. Set in lush, 10-acre grounds with extensive gardens and orange groves, it’s a tranquil sanctuary with an abundance of space for kids to run around in, and full of rustic charm that parents will appreciate. Cots and high chairs are available, plus many suites have private pools and terraces. Chill out by the main pool, visit the luxurious spa or enjoy one of the many activities, from biking to hot air balloon rides. Rooms start from £390 per night and children under six stay free.
Rent a Villa
Hiring a villa is often the easiest option when travelling with kids or other families. Ibiza has them in spades. From cute two-bed cottages to rustic fincas and sprawling cliff top mansions, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Many offer homes with gated pools, baby and toddler equipment and babysitting, as well as a concierge to arrange everything from shopping deliveries, chefs and restaurant bookings, to wellness treatments and days out on the island. Balearic Bliss, Ibiza Rural Villas, Mi Casa Tu Casa Ibiza, Unique Ibiza Villas and Le Collectionist all have a fantastic selection of child-friendly properties of different sizes, dotted across the island. Prices vary but start at circa €1000.
EAT ON THE BEACH
The most fun and chilled out way to dine with kids is at a beach club. Enjoy long lunches delivered to your lounger or opt for a table with a sea view.
Cala Graciaonetta
Cala Graciaonetta regularly tops the lists of the best places to eat in Ibiza. Head chef David Reartes is an island celebrity and the vibe here is upbeat and buzzy. It overlooks a small, beautiful beach (which is the perfect playground for little ones). Head to a shady table in the pine trees to eat – and the chefs will be happy to rustle up mini versions of the dishes on the menu for younger guests.
El Chiringuito
El Chiringuito is the ideal spot for a family beach day. This laidback, uber-stylish restaurant sits on the golden sands of Es Cavallet, in the very south of the island. Book a sunbed or a table here and and enjoy some of the best food in the Balearics. The big plus point for families is Little Chiringuito, a dedicated space within the beach club that offers childcare – allowing parents to kick back and relax with a cocktail. From bracelet making and building sandcastles, their qualified staff keep little ones entertained, safe and happy at no extra charge for guests.
Elements Beach Club
Benirrás beach in the north has a relaxed bohemian atmosphere and attracts families to its shallow, calm waters. Located here, Elements Beach Club with loungers, a boutique and massages available, is a great place to stay all day. Arrive for a delicious breakfast and stay for sundowners in the evening as you listen to the sound of the hippie bongo drums at the iconic sunset ritual. Older children will enjoy the unique and varied activity.
Nikki Beach
Want an Ibiza party vibe with kids in tow? Head to Nikki Beach. This mega-trendy, but surprisingly family-friendly club is located on the east coast and has a dedicated kids’ area, playground and excellent supervised kids’ club. Mum and dad can chill out by the adults-only pool listening to all the classic Ibiza tunes, safe in the knowledge that their little people are having a ball too.
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Lead image: 7Pines Resort
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