When you first tell your friends and family you’re planning on taking the little ones on an excursion to the party island of Ibiza, you might be met with a few shocked faces. However, contrary to popular belief, this Balearic beauty of an island offers so much more than just big name clubs and A-list DJs.
Ibizan culture is drenched in the importance of family and this couldn’t be more prevalent when visiting the island with your youngsters. You’ll be met with hospitable locals who understand the challenges faced when out and about with young ones, and will do everything they can to make your trip easier.
In terms of when is good to go, make sure you and your family are well-prepared for the heat. Ibiza has a classic Mediterranean climate with things starting to hot up around May when temperatures reach the mid-20s. From June to August temperatures can climb up to 30°C and above, with the average rainfall at one day a month in the summer.
Which resort?
Cala Llonga is a small and quiet town, located on the west coast of the island, a 10-minute drive away from Ibiza town. The resort was specifically developed with families in mind and includes a beach playground, watersports and spacious apartment complexes along the coastline. Sheltered by hills covered in hundreds of pine trees and set in a sandy cove, Cala Llonga beach consistently achieves Blue Flag status year after year.
If you’re looking for a more vibrant location, then Playa d’en Bossa on the south east coast might just be the perfect spot for you. The resort is home to some big clubs, so it does attract a party crowd, but it offers the kids just as much fun. The beach features merry-go-rounds, bouncy castles and trampolines, and you’ll find mini-golf and a bucking bronco available at the bowling centre. Most of the pubs and restaurants in this area welcome kids, and adopt a family-friendly vibe.
Things to do
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to family activities in Ibiza. Choose from an array of adventure parks, tourist trains, beaches, watersports and more. For those families that enjoy exploring and hiking check out the Ibiza Walking Association and discover hidden pathways leading to lost valleys and secret beaches.
Take a boat from the legendary party town of San Antonio to the Aquarium Cap Blanc, housed in an ancient smuggler’s cave. It may only take 20 minutes to look around, but it offers some welcome respite from the heat and the kids are invited to feed the fish in a natural cave.
The fun packed Surf Lounge, also in San Antonio, is a great spot to have a go at some simulated surfing before indulging in an American-style burger. Surf Lounge warmly welcomes families with children aged 12 or over and is a popular place to while the day away.
For an equally wet alternative to a day at the beach, check out the Aguamar Water Park in Playa d’en Bossa. All age groups are catered for with water slides ranging from the Black Hole, ideal for thrill-seekers, to special play areas designed for the little ones.
A visit to Ibiza old town is a great family day out. With its winding cobbled streets and medieval charm, you can wander around the cathedral and find plenty of charming little restaurants tucked away behind the sandstone walls.
Accommodation
A last minute holiday to Ibiza offers a plethora of accommodation suitable for families, ranging from 5-star, swanky hotels to the more basic Self Catering options. It all depends on whether your family wants to go for a hotel room or apartment.
An apartment will offer washing up and cooking facilities, such as microwaves and fridges, to warm and cool infant foods and drinks. They also offer the option of being able to put the kids to sleep in a separate bedroom while the adults enjoy staying up later in the evenings without disturbing them. Whichever option you go for, air conditioning is vital when travelling with children – especially in the summer months.
It’s also a good idea to check whether your top choice for accommodation is popular with the clubbers too, so you don’t get any nasty surprises upon arrival.
Top tips
- Fresh pasteurised milk is available in litre cartons from the larger supermarkets on the island. However, it does tend to go off quickly due to the heat. UHT milk is also available from supermarkets, and may be a safer bet while on the island.
- The locals siesta for a reason. The sun reaches its peak between midday and 3pm – for most children and many adults these temperatures may be a little too high. Use this time to head indoors and recharge, or find an activity to do out of the sun.
- Nappies in Ibiza are expensive! They are also a lesser quality than the ones found at home, it’s best to cram as many as you can into your suitcase.
- If you have a child that still naps during the day or isn’t keen on walking, don’t forget a buggy. Your child can relax and go to sleep without you having to worry about getting back to your accommodation. In addition, a buggy will offer great protection from the sun. The majority of airlines will let you stow it for free as you board the plane.
- Taxis and buses don’t offer child seats and if you’re hiring a rental car, make sure to let them know you’ll be needing one in advance.
And there you have it, the ultimate guide on how to take your dream family holiday on the beautiful Balearic island of Ibiza!
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