Ibiza wears many hats. Clubbers’ paradise, stylish celebrity hangout, agrotourism destination de jour. Family-friendly holiday hotspot? Yes, that, too. Shrug off your preconceptions: families travelling to the island will find it’s easy to spend a few weeks here without ever being subjected to blaring Balearic beats. In fact, the island’s culture, countryside, and family activities provide tons of daytime fun for all ages and stages.

Pick a luxurious, family-friendly villa and make that a base for you and your progeny. When the sun shines, which is more often than not, you’ll find plenty to keep little ones amused. As soon as the villa door swings behind you, Ibiza’s family-friendly activities become apparent: gentle waters beckon burgeoning swimmers, water parks are bound to ignite excitement, and medieval fortifications will spark young imaginations. Read on for our guide to family-friendly Ibiza…

Our guide to family-friendly Ibiza:

1. Discover your own private beach

Certain beaches on Ibiza will be packed with people no matter the time of day. So, if you want to escape the bustling beach bars, we recommend seeking out some of the island’s hidden coastal gems. Try Cala Llentrisca (on the southwest of the island, just past Es Cubells) for off-the-beaten-track tranquillity. Or stake a claim on your very own bay at the secluded Sol d’en Serra, which can be found near the more popular beach of Cala Llonga. Of course, you could always hop in the car and strike off to find your own stretch of sun-soaked shoreline, or there are the popular and family-friendly beaches of Portinatx if you do want to be in on the action.

2. The Cap Blanc Aquarium

If your little ones are fascinated by the underwater world, add a visit to the Cap Blanc Aquarium to your family-friendly Ibiza itinerary. Found just outside of San Antonio, the aquarium’s main exhibit is a unique, gigantic natural cave topped by a series of walkways – this gives visitors an insight into a wide range of Mediterranean sea life in their natural habitat.

Better yet, there’s also a terraced bar outside, where grown-ups can enjoy a well-earned drink while youngsters marvel at the fantastic views.

3. Get on your bike with Bicicletas Kandani

Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Ibiza, especially when you have little ones in tow. Schedule a private tour with Bicicletas Kandani and set off on a 20-kilometre route around trails near Santa Eulalia. Gradients are gentle (so little legs won’t be overstretched), and the route is circular (so you’ll never see the same view twice). The view from the saddle isn’t half-bad either: you’ll ride by an ancient oil mill, past several beaches, and be treated to superb vistas of Santa Eulalia. Another bonus for parents: after a day of pedalling, the kids are bound to be ready for a restful night’s sleep.

4. Visit the birthplace of myths and legends

Es Vedrà is, without a doubt, the most impressive natural landmark in Ibiza. Rising out of the sea, some 1.5 miles off the south-westerly coast, the best views of this uninhabited islet can be found at Cala D’Hort Beach. Along with the spectacular views, the stories and legends associated with Es Vedrà will likely enthral children. It reputedly has weird magnetic properties (science has proved otherwise, but it’s still a good story), and it’s widely believed to be the home of the Sirens that attempted to dash Odysseus’s ship on the rocks. Over the years, it has also picked up a reputation for being a UFO hotspot – so keep an eye on the skies!

5. Grab something groovy at Es Cana’s hippy market

Since the early 1960s, the island has been a popular destination for artists and free thinkers, and this legacy is reflected in Es Cana’s weekly hippy market. Each Wednesday in El Cana (on Ibiza’s eastern shoreline), the Punta Arabí district is filled with stalls selling everything from homemade clothes to local artwork, often accompanied by live music. Full of hustle, bustle, and bargains, it’s a great place to kill an hour or two by eyeing up the eclectic wares, while kids will be mesmerised by the colourful trinkets on offer.

6. Stretch those little legs with Walking Ibiza

What would-be adventurer can resist the promise of a real-life pirate tower? This is the destination of Walking Ibiza’s private half-day walking and kayaking tour, which takes a family-oriented approach. Guides endeavour to keep kids engaged during the walk with a nature-focused treasure hunt that treads the line between educational and entertaining. After around two hours of walking, you and your family will hop into kayaks to explore secret caves and a billionaire’s island before paddling ashore at the beach.

7. Enrol your kids in a Minibiza workshop

Minibiza’s workshops are a fantastic way to keep small hands busy and young minds engaged. Founded by two mothers, the company offers babysitting, hosts art workshops, teaches cookery classes, and even runs yoga sessions for little ones, allowing children to let their creative energies loose. Alternatively, kids can simply play in Minibiza’s specially adapted garden space.

8. Practice riding waves in Sant Antoni

Budding beach bums can get some practice in at this fun artificial surf wave. With an easy and constant flow, the Flowrider is ideal for little ones to find their surf legs in a safe environment. Kids will receive either a bodyboard or surfboard, depending on their size, and an instructor will brief them on safe board techniques before they give it a go. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, so you’ll have to join them for the session. Wipeouts are a given, and emerging soaked through is inevitable. Luckily, the surrounding sun loungers are an ideal spot to dry off. Re-energise with drinks and snacks from the on-site restaurants, and watch other wannabe surfers getting to grips with their board.

9. Cruise the seas with Mamboats

Chartering a boat is a brilliant way to spend a day en famille, and small-group private charters are a great option. From the deck, you’ll be treated to views of the western coast and Es Vedrà, that photogenic rock seen on Ibiza postcards and souvenirs. Snorkelling masks, flippers, and other water sports gear are stocked onboard, so there’s no shortage of entertainment. Family snack packs, juices, soda, and water will keep rumbling tummies at bay, while kid-size life jackets and impact vests ensure they remain safe. And with a fully qualified staff member on board to steer the day-long adventure, parents are free to kick back and enjoy quality family time. Family sunset cruises are also available; they drop anchor in front of Café Mambo, so you can witness the spectacular end-of-day skies for which San Antonio is so well known.

10. Learn about sustainable living at Casita Verde

If you’re looking for ways to educate your children on holiday, this ecology and education centre, located in a typical Ibicencan ‘finca’ (farm), is just the ticket. It’s open to the public on Sundays and aims to demonstrate to visitors how they can implement a greener lifestyle. Show your kids the house made of bottles and recycled materials, explain how alternative energies (like solar and wind) function, and let them expend any excess energy in the play area. You can also tuck into a healthy vegetarian lunch together at the farm.

So, there you have it – our guide to family-friendly Ibiza. If you need a place to stay en famille, check out our range of luxury villas in Ibiza, or contact our dedicated concierge team for help choosing.