Ibiza is an excellent destination for family holidays, and if it's your first time on the island with children, we want the experience to be easy, fun and memorable.
That's why we've prepared this practical guide with everything we think you need to know for your visit to the white island.
1. The first step: accommodation
When planning your family trip to Ibiza, choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions you will make.
Fortunately, the island has options for all tastes, with accommodation designed for the comfort and enjoyment of adults and children alike.
Each area has its own charm:
- Santa Eulària des Riu stands out for its tranquil ambience, family-friendly vibe and excellent tourist infrastructure, ideal for those seeking comfort and affordable services.
- Sant Joan de Labritja is perfect if you want to connect with nature, relax and explore the most authentic, rural aspects of Ibiza.
- Sant Josep de Sa Talaia offers beautiful coastal scenery, nature trails and a variety of family-friendly lodgings in a relaxed setting.
- In Sant Antoni de Portmany, you’ll get the benefits of being in an urban area with comprehensive services and leisure activities designed for children.
- In Ibiza Town, you can stay near the sea, with access to history, local culture and the convenience of having everything close at hand.
Throughout the island, you'll find hotels, apartments, cottages and resorts tailored to the needs of families.
Many contain spacious rooms, play areas, fully equipped kitchens, children's pools and staff ready to help with whatever you need.
Whichever area you choose, Ibiza is waiting to welcome you with open arms and give you and your family a comfortable, enjoyable and memorable holiday.
2. Specific recommendations about what to pack
When travelling with children, there is sometimes a tendency to pack everything "just in case."
Having a rough idea of what activities you intend to do during your stay will make it easier to decide what to bring.
In Ibiza, you’ll be able to find everything else you need: pharmacies, supermarkets, specialty stores... so many items can be purchased directly on the island.
However, don't forget to bring hats, sunglasses, an ergonomic backpack or lightweight stroller for walks, and comfortable shoes for excursions.
A canvas beach bag will also make your life easier!
3. Renting a car lets you explore the island at your own pace
If you're an adventurous family who would prefer to explore the island at your own pace, this is the ideal option.
We recommend renting a car at the airport and exploring the island on your own schedule. This way, you'll be able to discover hidden coves, charming villages and spectacular rural landscapes.
Additionally, many car rental companies can provide child seats or booster seats; you just need to request them in advance.
4. Plan a couple of easy, fun excursions
You don't have to fill your days with activities, but we do recommend including a few excursions designed for family enjoyment.
Some of our favourites are:
- The River Route in Santa Eulària
- A visit to the Can Marçà Cave
- A stroll through Ibiza Town’s "Dalt Vila" (Old Town)
- A walk along the Pla de Corona trail in Sant Antoni
- A hike from Cala Bassa to Cala Conta
These are all short walks, full of history and nature, with points of interest that children will love (such as the Ibizan elves known as "fameliars"!).
5. Tips for going to Ibiza's beaches with children
The beaches are one of the island's biggest attractions, and with a few practical tips you and your family can enjoy them to the fullest.
First of all, it’s best to go at quiet times: early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when it’s quieter and the temperatures are lower, ideal for children.
Also, always bring water, fruit, an umbrella, caps or hats and sunscreen. A mat or large towel will provide a surface where you and your children can relax and play, while for small children, a tent-style parasol or a large muslin cloth will be very useful for providing shade.
When in the water, look for shallow areas and always pay attention to the flags and the presence of lifeguards.
Beach toys, buckets, nets and diving goggles will make the experience more fun for kids, and sometimes for adults too!
Don't forget to bring a bag for rubbish and teach your kids the importance of looking after the environment.
Turning a visit to the beach into a time for play, but also for respecting nature, is one of the best lessons you can take away from the island.
If you want to find out which beaches have the Ibiza Family Moments seal, check out our list here.
6. Experience the island through local activities and events
All year on Ibiza, family-friendly events take place which celebrate local culture, cuisine and craftsmanship.
Among our favourites are the Barruguet Family Theatre Festival in Santa Eulària, the Medieval Fair in Ibiza Town, the Street Art Free Tour in Sant Antoni, and food fairs such as the fish fair in Cala de Sant Vicent and the potato fair in Sant Miquel.
Also noteworthy are the Festes de la Terra, or the Tourist Day in Sant Josep, ideal for sharing unforgettable moments.
The Ibiza Family Moments calendar includes all of these events and activities held throughout the year.
Discover them all as part of your family’s visit to the island!
7. Look for kid-friendly restaurants
Ibizan cuisine is very varied, and there's nothing better than enjoying it in family-friendly restaurants.
There are more and more places with children's menus, highchairs, changing facilities, green areas or nearby parks, so everyone can enjoy the experience in their own way.
Beach bars are ideal because kids can play in the sand while you enjoy a quiet meal.
You'll also find vegetarian, organic and gluten-free options if you need them.
8. Don't underestimate the sun: stay hydrated and in the shade
Ibiza's climate is one of its greatest attractions, but during the hottest months, it's a good idea to take some precautions, especially when travelling with children.
Always use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ for young children and reapply it every two hours, especially after swimming or playing in the sand. You should also wear approved sunglasses, light cotton clothing, and caps or hats with a wide brim that cover the face and neck.
After a day at the beach or on an outing, applying an after-sun cream with aloe vera or soothing ingredients helps keep the skin hydrated and protected.
Don't forget to carry cool drinks, preferably water or natural juices, and offer fluids frequently, even if your children aren’t thirsty.
Snacks like melon or homemade ice lollies are also effective and enjoyable ways to maintain hydration.
9. Discover our culture
One of the most beautiful things about Ibiza is its authentic vibe, and travelling with children is a great opportunity to connect with the local culture.
You can visit museums, interpretation centres and craft markets, take part in excursions to nature reserves, or watch a traditional dance performance.
We also encourage you to check out our blog with 12 unique things to do in Ibiza.
In addition to having a good time, it's a wonderful way to teach children values such as respect for nature, local food and traditions.
10. Leave room for free play (and improvisation!)
Even if you like to plan, you should always make sure to set aside time to improvise, rest and play without a schedule.
Sometimes, the best memory of a trip won't be a boat trip or a sunset, but an afternoon spent building sandcastles, collecting shells or playing tag with the waves.
Ibiza is magical for that reason too: it invites you to slow down and enjoy the present moment.
We are your guide to family leisure in Ibiza
We hope these 10 tips for visiting Ibiza with children for the first time will be helpful during your adventure.
You can also check out the definitive guide for your holiday in Ibiza.
And if you're looking for more recommendations for family activities in Ibiza, we encourage you to take a look at the rest of our blog posts.
Lastly, you can also consult our guide to beaches, trails, museums, restaurants, accommodation and services with the Ibiza Family Moments quality seal.
Your adventure starts here!
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