Exciting Things To Do In Ibiza For Families

Enjoy a different side to this sun-soaked Balearic island

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Aerial view of Cala d’Hort in Ibiza

It may be known as a wild party island, but Ibiza is also a fantastic destination for families. With a plethora of beaches and attractions, there's plenty of daytime fun to be had for all ages. We know that planning a trip with kids can be a lot of work, so the travel experts at Plum Guide have saved you the trouble by putting together this expert guide to things to do in Ibiza for families. As well as splashing about in the waves, there are plenty of inland—and even underground—adventures to be had.

Beaches

Small pier and view of azure blue sea in Cala Portinatx bay, Ibiza, Spain

Small pier and view of azure blue sea in Cala Portinatx bay, Ibiza, Spain

Naturally, one of the best things to do in Ibiza for families is to hit its many beautiful beaches. Cala Bassa on the west coast is one of the island's finest stretches of sand, its shallow waters ideal for swimming, with plenty of rock pools for paddling in. It's almost like a large natural swimming pool—there are even pedalos and inflatables to rent. Es Canar has calm waters, restaurants, and water activities on the east coast. It never feels overcrowded here, even in the summer months. Also on the east coast, you'll find the vast, golden sands of Cala Llonga. This is one of the most popular beaches for families, with ideal swimming waters, a playground, a small amusement park and water activities. There are plenty of places to eat, so kids won't be left hungry.

Casa Emilia, Plum Guide home in Ibiza

Casa Emilia, Plum Guide home in Ibiza

Beach clubs

Ibiza Eivissa, sunrise over Playa d'en Bossa Beach

Ibiza Eivissa, sunrise over Playa d'en Bossa Beach

Going on vacation with the kids doesn't mean you have to give up a relaxing afternoon at the beach club. Many of Ibiza's beach clubs have special kids' areas where you can leave them to play while you have a moment to yourself. Our favourite beach clubs with facilities for the little ones include El Chiringuito on Es Cavallet beach and Beachouse in Playa d'En Bossa. As well as tasty, kid-friendly menus, they also offer the chance for kids to draw, paint, do crafts and hang out with other children. Thank us later.

Can Marça Caves

The Can Marça Caves in Ibiza

The Can Marça Caves in Ibiza

Swap the beach for the mysterious depths of Ibiza's underground. Located in a stunning natural enclave not too far from Puerto de San Miguel, the 100,000-year-old Can Marça Caves were once used by smugglers to hide their contraband—you can still see the markings on the wall that they used to guide their way through the dark. At the cave's opening, wave goodbye to the dramatic sea views and enter a captivating world of stalactites, stalagmites and ancient fossils. At the heart of the cave is an impressive nine-metre subterranean waterfall, illuminated by colourful lights and music.

Absolute, Plum Guide home in Ibiza

Absolute, Plum Guide home in Ibiza

Horse riding

A fun way to see the island without little legs getting tired is to explore on horseback. In the north, Ibiza Horse Valley offers half-day experiences through the mountains or full-day experiences to the beaches. Riders of all levels are welcome as long as you're over 14 and weigh under 84 kilograms. Group sizes are between six to eight riders, and there are always two guides with you. For younger kids aged five and above, "Active Ibiza" may be more suitable. They offer packages where kids can take a quick lesson in the paddock to cover the basics before heading out with an instructor.

Aquarium Cap Blanc

Also called 'the Lobster Cave', Aquarium Cap Blanc is housed in a large natural cave in Sant Antoni's Carretera Cala Gració. Once used as a nursery for lobsters, the cave is now used to house rescued turtles before they're released back into the sea. You'll also find a diverse collection of Mediterranean marine animals, such as starfish, stingrays and octopuses. Kids will love walking along the wooden walkway which stretches across the underground lake, and there's plenty to keep them engrossed for a couple of hours. When they start getting peckish, grab a bite at the seafront cafe on the terrace.

Mimosa Crush, Plum Guide home in Ibiza, Span

Mimosa Crush, Plum Guide home in Ibiza, Span

Boat trips

Aerial view of parasols and sun loungers on a sandy beach in Ibiza, Spain

Aerial view of parasols and sun loungers on a sandy beach in Ibiza, Spain

When holidaying on an island, it would be rude not to take at least one boat trip with the family. It's not just booze-filled party boats either—plenty of family-friendly options take you around Ibiza's beautiful coastline. Discover intriguing sea caves, stop to swim or snorkel in turquoise waters, come across deserted beaches, keep an eye out for dolphins and sail to neighbouring islands like Formentera, just south of Ibiza. This island makes for a lovely day trip and only takes 30 minutes to sail from Port d'Eivissa. There are even themed boat trips specifically with kids in mind—when else do you get the chance to step aboard a pirate ship?

Snorkelling

Speaking of snorkelling, this is a brilliant way for kids to experience something new and witness a colourful underwater world in real life. The island's crystal clear waters and spectacular marine flora and fauna are ideal for snorkelling. The Posidonia is an aquatic plant found in the Mediterranean. It grows in large meadows and is home to over 400 plant species and more than 1,000 types of animals like urchins, crabs, sting rays, grouper, octopus, lobster, jellyfish, morays, bream, cuttlefish, mackerel and barracudas. With luck, you may even spot turtles and starfish. Our favourite spots to snorkel on the island are Cala Olivera, Sa Caleta and Cala Xarraca.

Cove Diving, Plum Guide home in Ibiza

Cove Diving, Plum Guide home in Ibiza

Casita Verde

A visit to Casita Verde is an excellent opportunity to educate your kids about sustainable living. Set on a converted Ibizan farm, this ecology centre showcases how to live sustainably using alternative energy. Take a guided tour through the gardens and learn about the facilities, including the eco-friendly water collection systems, solar energy installations, eco-toilets and showers. Kids will love seeing the bottle house (made from reclaimed materials using bottles in the walls) and the eco-wagon transformed from an old traveller's caravan. Explain to them how alternative energies like solar and wind function, and let them blow off steam in the play area before a healthy and tasty vegetarian lunch.

Jeep safari

When it comes to things to do in Ibiza for families, a jeep safari is always a hit. So hop into an open-top jeep and head off-road on an adventure across the island with Ibiza Jeep Safari. See parts of the island you wouldn't usually see, discovering valleys, forests and hidden corners. The guides will teach you about the local wildlife and tell intriguing stories about the island's past. You'll even get to cool off and swim at a beautiful remote beach. Depending on your tour package, you'll also get a picnic lunch on the sand or a meal at a typical finca, or rural farmhouse.

Hippy markets

Aerial view of boats in the bright blue sea next to a beach in Ibiza, Spain

Aerial view of boats in the bright blue sea next to a beach in Ibiza, Spain

Since the early 60s, Ibiza has been a popular destination for artists and free thinkers. The island's famed hippy markets make for a fun-filled day out, with the chance to buy souvenirs, enjoy live music and try local food. Es Caná's weekly Punta Arabi market is the island's oldest and largest hippy market, where over 500 artisans, designers and craftsmen display their wares. There are live performances in the afternoon, and they even have a kids' area where children can get their faces painted, make flower crowns and create their own T-shirts. If you have older kids who can stay up a bit later, Las Dalias night market has stalls selling everything from handcrafted toys to clothes, key rings and other trinkets.

Puig des Molins

Little explorers can play Indiana Jones for the day at Puig des Molins, the world's largest and best-preserved necropolis. Budding historians and archaeologists can discover over 3,000 tombs dating back to the 7th century BC. Peek into the burial caverns and (only for the bravest) descend into the interlocking caverns set into the hillside. The museum is equally fascinating and is filled with artefacts found in the burial chambers, like jewellery, mirrors and painted ostrich eggs.

Aguamar Water Park

Let's be honest, even the adults get a little excited about going to a water park. So if you need a change from the beach, take an exciting family day to the Aguamar Water Park in Playa d'en Bossa. The park offers a range of white-knuckle rides like the Kamikaze and Black Hole for the older kids and shallow pools for the little ones. In between rides, relax on the spacious lawned area, complete with sun loungers and shades. There is a restaurant on-site, but you can also bring your own food and enjoy it in the picnic area.

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