Contrary to popular belief, Ibiza isn't just a party island. During the high season, thousands of families descend upon the beautiful White Isle in search of summer sun. With plenty of family activities and lots of beaches to choose from, ranging from long and narrow, to small, wild and rugged, there's something to keep everyone happy.
Here we give you some of the very best that the island has to offer when it comes to beaches accommodating families. Most beaches are family-friendly, though if it's fun and the freedom to have your little ones running around and bathing safely in shallow waters, then our selection here is for you. All mentioned beaches are guarded by lifeguards during the summer season.
Cala Bassa
Cala Bassa beach, in the west of Ibiza, is also one of the finest stretches of sand and very pretty. The reason kids love it is due to its shallow, sweeping cove with rock pools for snorkelling, clambering and exploring.
This beach is almost like a large natural swimming pool and those waters are hard to resist by all that go. On the beach itself, you'll find pedalos and banana inflatables too.
Top Tip
Check out the Beach Hop Cruise, a fun day out at sea that takes you from San Antonio to Cala Bassa and Cala Conta. Kids love the swim stops with the water toys, and adults love the free drinks and snacks on board.
Es Caná
The family-friendly beach of Es Caná can be found just north of Santa Eulalia on the east coast of the island. A compact resort, with three main restaurants and one bar lining the sand, mostly geared up to entertain the whole family.
On the beach itself, there are the usual array of pedalos and water activities to keep all ages amused. The long beach has plenty of space for you to grab a sunbed, whilst keeping an eye on your children in the shallow, calm sea. Somehow it never feels overcrowded.
Top Tip
For those wanting to get some lovely original souvenirs and enjoy a quintessential Ibiza experience, the Es Canar True Hippie Market is held every Wednesday throughout the season. It has a dedicated kids’ area, the “Hippie Kids” hut, where youngsters can take part in fun workshops on recycling, T-shirt designing, face painting and making flower crowns. Alternatively, take them to the fun fair near the beach, featuring bumper cars, bungee jumping (for the little ones), merry-go-rounds and more.
Cala Vadella
The beach of Cala Vadella is a 15-minute drive from San José through pine forests on a mountainous road. As you break through the trees, you are welcomed by the sight of a pretty little cove with shallow waters and rocky outcrops to each side - great for exploring, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding. There's also a dive school here.
Top Tip
For some great food and drink at affordable prices, Can Jaume is ideal. It's right on the sand, inexpensive and nicely shaded. A great spot for watching the yachts anchor up in time for the spectacular sunset.
Cala Llonga
Arguably one of the best Ibiza beaches for families, Cala Llonga beach is one of the prettiest around thanks to its wide, golden sands. Sporting a children's playground, fun pedalos and a small amusement park, it's perfect for kids. There are lots of affordable places to eat nearby, so you and they won't be left going hungry.
Top tip
A fun way to get there is on the ferry from Santa Eulalia (takes 30 min, six times per day in high season). From early evening onwards, there's a small fun fair with bumper cars, bungee jumping (for the little ones) and elastic beds. Cala Llonga is also home to a market with live music held every Thursday.
Portinatx beaches
In the most northern tip of the island is the resort of Portinatx and its lovely beaches. It's a resort with its little micro-community centred on families. With a total of three glorious beaches, each complete with its own lifeguard, there's plenty of choice for sunbathing, water sports, swimming and snorkelling, all within this compact vicinity. The local accommodation and resorts are geared towards family fun with plenty of daytime activities, sports and entertainment to keep every age engaged.
Top tip
The walk from the beach at S'Arenal Grand to S'Arenal Petit is a nice, easy 10-min stroll that the kids can easily do.
Cala Tarida
The sheltered bay of Cala Tarida beach on the south west coast lies between San José and San Antonio. Here you get a long beach with one end that's calm and shallow, and the other more rocky and rugged.
As well as the much-loved pedalos, there are also jet skis and volleyball. The colour of the sea here is truly breathtaking and the clarity lends itself perfectly to snorkelling and rock pool inspections.
Top Tip
There's a great little supermarket in the Plaza Cala Tarida near the Cala Sol apartments, just in case you need to stock up on inflatables, buckets and spades. You can even get all the provisions you need for a wonderful picnic on the sand.
SANTA EULALIA
Located in the centre of the resort and possessing a splendid promenade, Santa Eulalia's main beach is long and wide with fine, white sand. Its clean, shallow waters are perfect for children. With excellent water sports facilities and boat trips available from the nearby marina, lots of yummy ice cream parlours right on the promenade and a kids' play park near the marina, Santa Eulalia's safe, non-smoking beach is as child-friendly as the rest of this easy-going, family-oriented resort!
Finally, Ibiza also has a plethora of indoor and outdoor kids' playgrounds for when the little ones need a break from the beach - see our comprehensive guide.
If you want to take the family to see all these beaches, you'll need some wheels, so take a look at our special selection of local car hire companies.
