5 Must-Do Experiences for a Fun-Filled Family Holiday in Ibiza
When you think “Ibiza”, you think of raving DJs and nightclubs. But this sunny Balearic island has a softer, family-first side: calm beaches, leafy promenades, lovely villages and relaxed beachfront restaurants and that’s before you consider secret coves and adventures at sea. With over 900,000 British visitors and a quarter of all British tourists holidaying here as part of a family, Ibiza is fast becoming a favourite with UK families.
Here are 5 must-do experiences for a fun, relaxed, and simply unforgettable family trip.
1. Choose a Family-Friendly Base: Santa Eulalia, Portinatx or Cala Llonga
Staying in a child-friendly area makes all the difference:
- Santa Eulalia offers a chilled promenade, clean sands and a laid‑back vibe. With day‑time markets, splash parks and café culture, kids and parents alike will feel at home.
- Portinatx is tucked in the north. Think crystal-clear waters, calm bays and beginners’ snorkelling spots - the perfect retreat after a day of exploring.
- Cala Llonga is a sheltered crescent with playgrounds, gentle sloping beaches and family suites. Ideal for those early morning paddles and bucket-and-spade days.
Look out for family suites, cot‑friendly rooms and kid‑centred pools when booking. Many of the island’s hotels now offer babysitting services providing flexibility for a peaceful evening.
2. Beach Days That Thrill the Young (and the Young at Heart)
Ibiza’s coastline is a dream for little adventurers. Try these gems:
- Cala Llonga: Wide, sandy and sheltered. Hire sunbeds, pack picnic treats and slide into sea-safe waters.
- Es Figueral: Soft sand, family‑run beach bars, and recreational toys to keep little hands busy.
- Portinatx Bay: Shallow and clear, it's perfect for toddlers’ splash sessions and early snorkelling for older kids with paddleboard hiring options.
Tips for a Kid-friendly Trip: bring water shoes for rocky edges, a pop-up shade for naps and lots of reusable buckets and spades. Remember the sunhat and high-factor sunscreens.
3. Wander, Discover and Collect Memories
Ibiza’s family adventures go beyond the sand:
- Hippy Markets: Punta Arabí and Las Dalias brim with crafts, music and colour - ideal for letting kids marvel at face-painting and family-friendly foods.
- Ibiza Town’s Dalt Vila: A UNESCO-listed fortress with cobbled streets and sweeping views. It’s educational, fun, and stroller-friendly with short breaks for ice cream stops .
- Glass‑bottom boat cruises or calm, family-friendly boat rides: an easy way for all ages to see marine life, hidden coves and dramatic cliffs without a long sea trek.
Beach, culture and sea - perfect for the whole family, at every pace.
4. Splash & Slide Together
Not all water fun happens on the beach: try Aguamar Water Park in Playa d’en Bossa, where toddlers through teens will find slides to match their sense of adventure. Shaded rest zones and snack bars help parents stay relaxed, too.
Some family hotels even have mini aqua parks which are ideal for early risers. Ibiza’s hotels welcomed 1.2 million overnight stays in May 2025, with a strong increase in Spanish and British family visits
Pro tip: bring your own towels, beach shoes, and perhaps a float or two - always comes in handy.
5. Dining Out That’s Easy as A-B-C
Eating out doesn’t have to mean stress. Ibiza’s kid‑friendly restaurants blend local charm with relaxed spaces:
- The Boat House in Santa Eulalia offers cheerful décor and thoughtful children’s menus.
- One lovely inland option is La Paloma Café, a peaceful garden restaurant in San Lorenzo serving homemade organic dishes, with plenty of space for kids to play while parents relax over fresh pasta and lemonade.
- Cafés along Santa Eulalia’s promenade often have high chairs, simple dishes, and a calm vibe.
- Even Nobu Ibiza opens early evening service just for families - proof that you can enjoy a treat while the little ones eat, too.
Book early evening tables (around 6pm) to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful family meal.
(A Bit of) Child Free Time? Yes, You Deserve It
Holidays are for everyone, not just the kids. Carve out time to rejuvenate:
- Many hotels offer kids’ clubs or crèche facilities - ideal for half-day breaks.
- Alternate babysitting duties with your partner.
- Grandparents joining? Even better: tag-team childcare while you have a quiet coffee.
If you do have a spare afternoon to enjoy some grown-up time - perhaps while the little ones are happily entertained at a kids’ club - an Ibiza boat party can be a brilliant way to take in the island’s sparkling coastline, music, and sunshine in just a few hours.
Final Thoughts: Sand, Sea and Smiles for All
Ibiza is far more than a party hub. It’s a haven for families, where toddlers paddle in safe coves, teens snorkel in hidden bays, and parents can enjoy both exploration and relaxation (with perhaps a cheeky boat party of their own). The magic lies in balancing calm beach days, gentle adventures and shared discoveries and with sunshine from May to November, now’s the perfect time to start planning.
