The Best Areas To Stay In Ibiza For Families

Famous for its wild parties, you may be surprised to hear that Ibiza is actually a great place to take the kids. With its beaches, culture, history, nature and delicious food, Ibiza has countless things to do with the family. Away from the clubbing scene, you’ll find cosy little seaside resorts and tranquil villages, which are ideal to use as a base. The only question is, which one should you pick? Before you get overwhelmed, the travel experts here at Plum Guide have done all the research for you. Take a look at our top picks of where to stay in Ibiza for families.

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The capital of Ibiza is a wonderful choice for families who want to be centrally located. It has good transport links to the airport and ferry terminals, so you can be relaxing in your accommodation in no time. You can easily find everything you need here, from sandy beaches to a huge range of eateries and attractions. We recommend staying within the old quarter of Dalt Vila for a more authentic experience. Dating back to the 16th century, the walled city is located just above the harbour. The kids will enjoy discovering hundreds of years of history around each corner of its cobbled lanes—be sure to visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral. There is also a lovely selection of attractions and museums in Ibiza Town, such as the Puig des Molins necropolis and its museum, and the Ibiza and Formentera Archaeological Museum.

Located to the north of Ibiza Town is the pretty bay of Talamanca. Despite being just a 15-minute walk from the centre of town, it feels like a world away. This is the best spot for families who want all the conveniences of Ibiza Town but in quieter surroundings. As the beach here is so big, you won’t struggle to find a space even in high season—if you go further away from the main strip, the beach can be surprisingly empty. When you and the family aren’t splashing about in the crystal-clear waters, stroll along the promenade, where you can dine on fresh seafood from one of the many restaurants and cafes.

Head to the island’s east coast to Santa Eulària des Riu, a firm favourite for those looking for where to stay in Ibiza for families. It’s one of the larger resorts on the island, so you’ll find everything you need at your fingertips. The main beach is entirely smoke-free, and there are water sports facilities from the nearby marina. There’s also a long, palm-lined promenade where you can grab a drink and an ice cream or let the kids run around the landscaped gardens. If you fancy a change in scenery, the area is home to even more sandy beaches (over 20, in fact), so you’re spoilt for choice. If they’re up to exploring a little further afield, stroll inland to Puig de Missa, a whitewashed church perched atop a hill. As you can imagine, the views from here are unmatched.

Also known as Es Caná, this small and friendly resort along the coast from Santa Eulària has everything you want for both relaxing and lively holidays. Its sandy, crescent-shaped beach is the main draw, backed by swaying palm trees and beach bars. Older kids can enjoy water skiing, parasailing or windsurfing here, and the clear waters offer excellent snorkelling. Don’t miss the resort’s weekly Punta Arabi market, which is the oldest and largest hippy market in Ibiza. Browse through stalls from over 500 artisans, designers and craftsmen, and enjoy live music and performances in the afternoon. There’s even a kids’ area where they can get their face painted, make flower crowns and create their own T-shirts from recycled materials.

Another family-friendly resort on the east coast of Ibiza is Cala Llonga. This stunning bay is surrounded by lush green hills, giving it a secluded feel. At 200 metres long, the beach is one of the island’s largest—ample space for building sandcastles and kicking a ball around. When you’re not swimming, there are many activities to keep the kids entertained, such as an amusement park, trampolines and a playground. There is also a good selection of bars and restaurants to keep hunger at bay. If you’re looking to switch things up with a fun day trip, there is a regular ferry service from the resort which takes you to the sister island of Formentera.

Ibiza’s most northerly resort, Portinatx, is the best place to escape the young party crowds. Once a small fishing village, this laid-back town attracts families to its three spectacular beaches of S’Arenal Gros, Playa Porto and the more remote S’Arenal Petit. They all offer facilities like restaurants, bars and sunbeds so you can easily spend the whole day here—there are also tons of water activities like snorkelling, scuba diving and paddleboarding. No island escape is complete without a leisurely boat ride, and one of the best day trips in Portinatx is taking a scenic ferry ride down to San Antonio and Puerto de San Miguel to admire the coastline from the sea. Swap your flippers for trainers and take a walk through the town’s surrounding nature—the hike up to the highest lighthouse in the Balearics offers photogenic 360-degree views of the coast.

Also in the north is Cala San Vicente, a sheltered resort set along a long sweep of golden sands. At 380 metres long, the wide beach offers more than enough space for everyone, and it’s never too crowded. When you’re all tired out from kayaking or riding the waves on a banana boat, a palm-lined promenade offers plenty of child-friendly dining options. Cala San Vicente is quite a compact resort, so you’ll have all the essential facilities like shops, showers and loungers close by. If you can peel yourself away from the loungers, a must-do while you’re here is to climb up to the cliff top and look out for breathtaking views, especially at sunset.

On the island’s west coast is Sant Josep de sa Talaia, one of the best areas when it comes to where to stay in Ibiza for families. This is where you’ll find a more serene and authentic side to Ibiza, with many opportunities for kids to connect with nature. If they’re up for the challenge, hike up to Sa Talaia, the highest point in Ibiza at 475 metres above sea level. Bring your camera, as you’ll want to take epic family photos from the top. The village itself has held onto its traditional charm, and you’ll find cobbled alleyways, whitewashed buildings, al fresco cafes and a weekly local craft market which is worth checking out. Otherwise, hang out at the superb beaches—Cala Jondal, Sa Caleta, Cala Tarida and Cala Moli are just a handful that we can recommend.

Tucked away on the west coast is the protected bay of Cala Vadella. Its calm, shallow waters offer safe bathing and water sports, attracting families both in low and high seasons. As the bay is so sheltered, this makes it ideal for a range of water activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, pedalos and snorkelling. You can also learn to dive at the Big Blue Ibiza scuba diving centre. Lining the beach is a nice selection of restaurants and bars—these are popular spots to watch the sunset. When you want to stretch your legs, the main road which runs through the village winds its way up to the top of the hill, offering magical vistas of the bay below.

Leaving the beaches behind, head into Ibiza’s charming interior. Surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and sleepy villages, you’ll forget that the island’s buzzing party scene even exists. This is an excellent choice for active families who want to get out in nature, with chances to walk or cycle along quiet country lanes, passing through bucolic farmland and past whitewashed churches. Be sure to swing by Santa Gertrudis, a hippy village with a big art community and a handful of galleries which are worth a visit. Being surrounded by fertile farmland, this village is also known as a foodie destination, so come hungry. Although you won’t have the sea on your doorstep, you won’t be more than a 30-minute drive from the beach.

Planning a trip to Ibiza and want somewhere your entire family can stay? Plum Guide has you covered. Unlike other platforms, we carefully vet every home in our collection, so you can book with peace of mind.

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