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Sweet sixteen and on Ibiza? Top 5 things to do for under 18s

From Formentera trips to hippie markets to watersports, here's a guide to five entertaining activities for teens on Ibiza.

One of Ibiza's primary attractions is its vibrant nightlife and world class club nights, as well we all know.

Yet beyond the Balearic beats and heart-racing raves, lies a picturesque and undiscovered island with so much to offer; especially to those older teens who are too young to party, but yearn for independence and more than a family day out.


1. Visit Playa Las Salinas

Only a 10 to 20 minute drive from Ibiza Town and Playa d'en Bossa by car or bus, Las Salinas has something for everyone to enjoy. The golden sandy beach stretches over a mile long, bordering clear, blue sparkling water.

Pedalos, sail boats, stand-up-paddleboards (SUPs), kayaks and small catamarans mean that there's no chance of boredom at Las Salinas. Alternatively, if you're not feeling active, bring a towel or mat to top-up your tan so you return home with a beaming smile and bronzed back.

 

If you're feeling peckish then the southern end of Las Salinas offers cheaper restaurants for those looking to save their cents. However, for a cheap and wholesome lunch, pack yourself a hefty sandwich, bursting with delicious Spanish cheese (manchego is highly recommended), ham and salad. Bring a large, cool bottle of water and fresh fruit, which Ibiza has in abundance.

Should you be limited for time or not have the facilities to prepare your own picnic, why not stop by at Supermarket Can Pep Tixedó en route? Here you'll find a selection of very tasty, pre-made sandwiches a fraction of the price of eating at a restaurant and equally as filling.

Las Salinas is also accessible by bus, on lines 11 and 118, so check out the Ibiza Bus Company website for a timetable. There is also disabled access to the buses and beach. Las Salinas is a great place to relax, but do note that it's quite loud due to the beach-front bars playing House and electronic beats.

 

Top tip: if you want to relax, stay at the beginning of the beach; if you're in the mood to party, wander up to Sa Trinxa at the end and have fun watching the different parades from the party promoters.


2. Take the Aquabus to Formentera

Explore Ibiza's beautiful sister island, Formentera, with the Ibiza Aquabus, departing daily from Ibiza Town and Playa d'en Bossa to take you to blissful white, sandy and largely untouched beaches.

 

Recently crowned number six in the best beaches in the world by TripAdvisor, Ses Illetes will leave you with unforgettable memories, with its truly breath-taking scenery.

 

The price is very reasonable, coming in at just over €24 for a same-day return ticket (when you book through the Ibiza Spotlight website) and there's no additional cost for suitcases or pets onboard and bikes are available to hire.

 

Formentera is rightly famous for its breath-taking beaches, such as Ses Illetes. You can take a bus to the border of the beach (Es Moli de Sal), and then catch an electro-bus (there are 2 operating) to Levante y Illetas - the latter is free.

Although Formentera is a small island, to truly make the most of all its wonders and reach its hidden corners, you should consider hiring some of your own wheels. Scooters or push bikes can be hired from Moto Rent Pujols and offer you that bit more freedom.


3. Head to the beach or sunset strip to enjoy a beautiful sunset

Visiting San Antonio's renowned Sunset Strip is a must for everyone whilst on holiday. Funky sunset tunes, cold drinks and crowds of young people waiting to start their nightly adventures – the atmosphere is incredible with such an energy.

Even though you might not be going off to party yourselves, you will love the pre-party vibe. Oh and did we mention the sunsets already? They are simply spectacular.

 

Café Mambo is the perfect place to enjoy the music and great views with what's considered to be the best seat in the house to watch the sun go down. World class DJs often play pre-party sets at Mambo, with the likes of Fatboy Slim and Hannah Wants appearing over the last few years.

Alternatively, if you desire a more peaceful experience, then almost any beach along the Western edge of the island will serve you well for your sunset experience.

Es Vedra rock, one of Ibiza's most recognisable landmarks, is awe-inspiring and otherworldly in equal measure. Due its reputation, the view points looking out to it get very congested around sunset in summer. So if you would like to go, take this under advisement.

Cala Conta beach is a popular, but less saturated alternative. Or if you'd like to have your sunset soundtracked by live percussionists, check-out the northern beach of Benirrás and its alluring rock formation Cap Bernat, also referred to as the finger of God.


4. Ibiza's Hippy Markets

Every day on the island, there's at least one culturally vibrant market for you to attend, whether you want a small souvenir or to shop till you drop. The largest of all Ibiza markets is Punta Arabí, situated in the north east of Ibiza, in Es Caná, approximately 800 metres away from the town centre and 3.5km away from the nearest large town; Santa Eularia. It's open every Wednesday and Friday from April to October; 10:00 until 19:00.

 

The hundreds of stalls full of hand-crafted gifts and hidden treasures give Punta Arabí a unique feel. First held nearly 50 years ago, it is an island heritage and a wonderful glimpse into the island's hippy history. Homemade paella, a varying array of street food cuisine and live music is also available. For more information, be sure to check out Punta Arabí market.

There are many more markets on the island to explore, including evening markets in the port area of Ibiza Old Town and night markets in Las Dalias, both of which avoid the mouth-watering prices of the more touristy parts of the island; San Antonio and Playa d'en Bossa.

The Sunday market at Las Dalias is particularly vibrant as it doubles up with the historic music venue's entertainment programme.

During summer, Nido features both live acoustic and electronic music and welcomes under 18s during daytime hours. This makes a nice compromise if your teenagers are nagging you about doing some "clubbing", though visitors of all ages will find themselves swept up in the magic.

For the full, in-depth list, be sure to check out our website.


5) Activities on the water

 

Last but not least, is definitely one for the thrill-seekers (who says you need a nightclub anyway?) The futuristic Flyboard will test your skills, composure and resilience, but master it and you can claim ultimate family bragging rights.

Better yet, goad Dad into giving it a go for the ultimate public humiliation. His bravado means he won't be able to say no and you can bask in his inevitable failure.

Equally, you can look just as effortlessly cool by gliding about on an Efoil. Do we have any silver surfers out there? Each activity comes with professionally accredited trainers, so don't worry if you're a complete novice. You're in safe hands.

You don't always have to go chasing thrills though. For more a more leisurely activity on the water, Sup Paradise Ibiza and Kayak & Stand Up Paddle cater to the increasingly popular stand-up paddle boarding craze.


Ibiza offers many fantastic opportunities, so make sure you experience as much as you can of this Balearic paradise. However, if you're under 18 then please be careful and do not accept invites to clubs or parties. The security is strict and you'll waste your hard-saved Euros.

We're confident you'll fall in love with Ibiza regardless and then, once you're old enough, you'll be able to come back and experience a whole new side to the island on the dancefloor. It'll be like discovering Ibiza all over again.

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