The best kids-friendly activities on the island.
Ibiza may not be the first holiday destination that springs to mind when you are planning your family holiday. With the large numbers of European clubs that operate in Ibiza Town and San Antonio during the summer, the Balearic island has gained a bit of a reputation as a party island and singles holidays destination. But there are many more things to do with kids and without on Ibiza.
The small Spanish island has great beaches and a wonderful climate all year round making it a great destination for families with young children and single parents. But what other things can you do with kids in Ibiza? Read to find out how to best discover the island with children in tow:
Exploring the island
If you like to explore your holiday destination and don’t want the kids to complain about their aching feet, then boat hire Ibiza is one of the best ways to see all that the island has to offer. From deserted coves to the island’s main resorts, you can customise your holiday experience according to the age and interests of your kids.
Aside from leisurely cruises along the coastline, Ibiza can be explored in other ways. To really see the most of the island’s rough northern terrain, you could opt for a jeep safari. The English-speaking guides’ in-depth knowledge of the island’s fauna and flora and the tales of its exciting and turbulent history make an unforgettable experience for both adults and children aged 6 or over. With lunch included and frequent stops, the safari concludes with a swim off one of the island’s secluded northern beaches.
Another way of discovering the pretty island is on horseback. Treks vary both in length and scenery and are suitable for kids from the age of 12. You can choose between booking the mountainous region (half-day) and/or the coast (full day) or shorter/longer tours depending on experience. An English-speaking guide is provided.
Making a splash
With so many family-friendly beaches on Ibiza you will be spoilt for choice. For families with older kids, the beaches at Santa Eulalia and San Antonio are ideal as there is the added bonus of organised water sports like surfing, paddle surfing and kayaking. Equipment can be hired by the hour/day while professionals offer lessons, too.
Within easy reach of Santa Eulalia, Cala Llonga is great for younger kids. When kids get bored of splashing around in the water, there is a mini amusement park and playground to keep them entertained. With the added attractions of regular sand-building competitions and an open-air cinema every Sunday, this beach will appeal to all members of the family.
North of Santa Eulalia, Cala Llenya is a very quiet beach with shallow access into the sea making it ideal for families with young kids and toddlers. Despite being quiet, it has all the facilities you need as a family including toilets, lifeguards and a small beach bar. It is the type of beach where you can pack up a picnic beforehand and make a day of it.
The protected cove at Cala Bossa, near San Antonio, is perfect if your kids want to try their hand at snorkelling. The crystal-clear turquoise waters of this beach will enable them to see the marine life with perfect clarity.
If your kids get bored of the beach but still want to stay cool, the best thing to do is to head to Aguamar Water Park, the largest aqua park on Ibiza. Located ten minutes from Playa d’en Bossa town centre, this family-friendly tourist attraction will appeal to every member of the family. It has a variety of rides from mini-slides and wading pools for the youngest to thrilling white-knuckle rides for teens and their parents, with names such as the Black Hole and Kamikaze.
Child-friendly sightseeing on Ibiza
One of the problems with taking kids sightseeing is that they have a low boredom threshold. This is especially the case when it involves visits to places like museums. However, on Ibiza there are a number of things to do with kids that are both fun and educational:
Near Port de Sant Miguel are the Can Marca Caves, which are worth visiting not only because their underground location gives you some much-needed respite from the sun. The tour of this series of caverns takes you past stalagmites and stalactites which have been skilfully lit to cast spooky shadows. It concludes with a music and light show including a 30-foot water cascade. Tales of the cave’s history will fascinate kids as it used to be a place where smugglers hid their treasure. You will be able to see marks on the walls which they used as pathfinders as well as holes in the cliff which were lookout posts.
Another tourist attraction on Ibiza that will definitely prove a hit with children is the Cap Blanc Aquarium. Formerly a storage tank for lobsters before they went to the fishermen’s market, you can now admire brightly coloured fish, octopuses and rays here. 5 openings in the rocks allow seawater to flow in and out of this naturally formed cave providing the perfect habitat for its marine creatures. The aquarium also contains a rehabilitation area for sea turtles so you will be able to witness at first hand, how they are nursed back to health after being injured.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the Puig des Molin Necropolis is situated on a hill outside Ibiza Town. Although it will appeal to kids who enjoy the macabre, it isn’t suitable for the very young. This is not only because of its subject matter but also because access to the deepest underground chamber requires descending a steep ladder.
This 5-hectare burial site is one of the biggest in the area and contains over 3,000 tombs dating from the 7th century BC to the Roman era. Four of its rooms upstairs have been converted into a museum, which details the burial rites of each civilisation in chronological order. This information is accompanied by exhibits of items found in the tombs such as coins, statues and jewellery.
For such a relatively small island, Ibiza has a lot to offer to families with children. They might never tire of the beach but it’s important to know that you have other options. Whatever the age of your children and whatever their interests, you will find a wide range of things to do with kids on the island that are fun and/or educational.
If you have enjoyed reading our blog on things to do with kids in Ibiza, why not check out Family Fun in Tenerife or Vacation Adventures for the Whole Family ?
