How to find the quiet life on an Ibiza family trip
Beyond the throng of nightlife in San Antonio and Playa d'en Bossa, Ibiza has a beautifully serene and rustic side. It's less than an hour to drive from one end of the island to the other, so perfect territory to get out and explore with younger ones. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly taste of Ibiza's music scene, sandy stretches or an adventure into the wilds, this Balearic beauty has it all in abundance. Cycling in the countryside
Venture into Ibiza's rural interior on a leisurely bike ride, spotting orange trees and local birds along the way. Kandani offers two-hour, guided e-bike rides for adults and children, with trailers and seats for little ones if required. The route goes from Santa Eulària to Sant Carles de Peralta in the east of the island.
Top tip: After your pedal, it's a 15-minute stroll along Santa Eulàlia promenade to the beach, a soft slip of sand with lovely still shallows. Stepping into history
There are several ways to enter Ibiza's UNESCO fortified old town, Dalt Vila, but via the drawbridge is the most fun. It's a meandering climb along narrow roads and cobbles to the cathedral at the top, with shimmery views of the port. There's also a castle, where kids can be entertained looking for cannons and tunnels. End your visit in the bohemian shops and cafes at the bottom. Reward yourself with a posh ice cream from Vivi's Creamery, where you can add marshmallows or sprinkles to your cone.
Top tip: The polished cobbles of Dalt Vila can be slippery underfoot so wear shoes with grip, rather than sandals or flip-flops. Market wander
Ibiza's vibrant hippy markets sell everything from clothes and jewellery to arts and crafts. At Punta Arabí — the island's oldest, in the north east — find stalls selling tie-dye clothes, colourful suncatchers and homemade lemonade. At Las Dalias, one of the few that's open year-round, there's a kids' area with activities and face painting, and plenty of food choices.
Top tip: While there's plenty of space in the Las Dalias car park, pre-booking via the website will make it cheaper. Ibiza's vibrant hippy markets sell everything from clothes and jewellery to arts and crafts. Photograph by robert harding, Alamy Kid-friendly beach club
For a family-friendly taste of Ibiza's famed music scene, El Chiringuito beach club in the Ses Salines Natural Park has double daybeds, ambient DJ mixes and a welcoming kids' club with crafts. Ses Salines is named for its salt pans, which make an interesting detour. There's also pleasant walk along a roped path that cuts through the dunes to Ses Salines beach — another long stretch of sand just around the headland. There are plenty of loungers and lovely little beach bars to dive into for a refresher.
Top tip: In late summer and spring, you can take the kids on a DIY bird safari to find the migratory flamingos that flock to Ses Salines. Farm life
Open year-round, organic farm Can Muson is the perfect day out for younger kids. Entry includes a basket of greens to feed the animals, which include Ibizan goats and sheep, black pigs and Balearic donkeys. There's a couple of play areas and paths are lined with herbs and vegetables, all labelled so children can learn how food is grown. In the cafe, the menu uses ingredients from the farm, with fresh dishes like avocado, goat's cheese and tomatoes on soft homemade bread.
Top tip: Large areas of the farm are unshaded, so visit early in the morning when the gates open to avoid the scorching sun. Coastal kayak
In front of the rocky jetty on the beach at Es Figueral, Kayak-Ibiza rents kayaks and paddleboards from the beach by the hour or for all-day trips. Proper explorers should go for the kayak and venture round the headland, past the fisherman's hut to a secret beach only accessible by sea. Once back at Es Figueral, set up at the far-right end of the beach where the shallow waters and soft waves are fantastic for smaller kids and it's quieter.
Top tip: Grab picnic supplies in the small supermarket at the top of the car park before making the schlep along the beach. Where to stay
In the island's centre, Can Lluc's 25 rooms and villas sit among gardens with a pool, and it also has a restaurant with a children's menu. From £384 for a one-bedroom villa, B&B. Alternatively, blow the budget at Nobu in Ibiza Bay. From €1,200 (£1,020) for a family suite, B&B. This story was created with the support of Can Lluc, Nobu and Ibiza Travel. Published in the September 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
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