Why One of Our Favourite Family Holidays Was on the Party Island
Quick Summary: Ibiza is actually great for Families?
In fact, one of our most memorable family holidays was a short break to Ibiza. Mention Ibiza and most people immediately think of nightclubs, DJs, trance music and all-night parties. That’s exactly what my husband and stepson thought when I announced I’d booked a family holiday there.
The look on their faces suggested they thought I’d finally lost the plot.
A few days later, they were completely converted.
Years later, we still talk about that holiday.
Why We Chose Ibiza for a Family Holiday
Several years ago, I was browsing On The Beach looking for a short break during the early May Bank Holiday. I wanted somewhere warm. I wanted somewhere interesting. And ideally, I wanted to fly from either Bristol or Exeter.
Options were fairly limited and Ibiza kept appearing. So I booked it.
When I told my husband and his son, who was around 14 at the time, the reaction wasn’t exactly enthusiastic. I suspect they were imagining me dragging them around superclubs until dawn.
Fortunately, I had no such plans. I hadn’t booked San Antonio. I’d found a quieter resort just outside Ibiza Town. As it turned out, it was one of the best holiday decisions I’ve ever made.
Is Ibiza Just for Clubbing?
It’s probably the biggest misconception about Ibiza.
Yes, Ibiza has a world-famous nightlife scene.
Yes there are party venues if you want them
But it also has:
- Beautiful beaches
- Historic towns
- Fantastic food
- Family-friendly resorts
- Scenic coastal walks
- Traditional markets
- Stunning scenery
- Wonderful sunsets
What surprised us most was how relaxed and beautiful the island felt. Especially in May.
What Is Ibiza Town Like?
Ibiza Town quickly became one of our favourite places. We spent our days wandering through both the old and new parts of town.
Dalt Vila (Ibiza Old Town)
The old town is spectacular. Its cobbled streets, ancient walls and historic buildings make it feel completely different from the Ibiza people imagine from TV programmes and newspaper headlines.
You can easily spend hours exploring the narrow streets and admiring the views across the harbour.
Ibiza New Town
The newer part of town offers a completely different atmosphere.
Here you’ll find:
- Modern restaurants
- Shops
- Marinas
- Harbour-side cafés
- Luxury yachts
One of our favourite things to do was simply sit by the marina, order some tapas and watch the world go by. Sometimes the simplest moments make the best memories.
Is the Hippie Market Worth Visiting?
Without question. The Hippie Market at Es Caná was one of the highlights of our trip. We caught a local bus there and spent hours wandering around. The atmosphere was incredible.
Think:
- Handmade crafts
- Local food
- Live music
- Unique gifts
- Relaxed vibes
Everything felt wonderfully laid-back. Even if shopping isn’t normally your thing, I’d still recommend visiting simply for the atmosphere.
Where Is the Best Place to Watch the Sunset in Ibiza?
Ask almost anyone and they’ll tell you the same thing: San Antonio.
We caught a bus over specifically to experience one of Ibiza’s famous sunsets. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip. We wandered along the seafront and stumbled across a stylish café where a DJ was playing chilled music.
We found a table right at the front overlooking the sea and ordered drinks. The drinks were beautiful.
They were also eye-wateringly expensive for our holiday budget. But honestly? Worth every penny.
The sunset was breathtaking. To this day, it remains one of my favourite holiday memories.
Weeks later, I discovered that we’d actually been sitting at Café del Mar, one of Ibiza’s most famous sunset venues and the original sunset bar, which has been attracting visitors since 1980. It turns out we’d accidentally secured one of the most sought-after sunset viewing spots on the island.
Had we visited during peak season, things might have been rather different, as reservations and minimum spends are common for premium sunset seating areas. At the time, however, we simply wandered in.
Sometimes travelling in shoulder season has its advantages.
Is Ibiza Expensive?
It can be. But it doesn’t have to be. Like most destinations, prices vary enormously depending on where and when you visit.
Travelling in early May meant that:
- Accommodation was cheaper
- Attractions were quieter
- Restaurants were easier to get into
- The island felt more relaxed
We found plenty of lovely restaurants serving excellent tapas without spending a fortune. Of course, if you order cocktails in one of Ibiza’s most famous sunset bars, your wallet may notice.
But you’ll probably forgive yourself when the sun starts dipping into the Mediterranean.
What Food Is Ibiza Famous For?
One of the things we loved most about Ibiza was the food. Wherever we went, there seemed to be beautiful tapas dishes available.
Many afternoons involved:
- Olives
- Patatas bravas
- Local breads
- Cheese
- Fresh seafood (for those who enjoy it)
- Sangria
- People watching
One of the joys of travelling in Spain is that meals become part of the holiday experience rather than simply something you fit between activities.
Is Ibiza Good for Teenagers?
Our experience says yes. At around 14 years old, my husband’s son was at an age where finding holidays that appealed to everyone could sometimes be challenging. Ibiza worked brilliantly.
There was enough:
- History
- Beaches
- Shopping
- Food
- Culture
- Activity
to keep everyone entertained. It was also during this trip that we introduced him to his first-ever Hard Rock Café in Ibiza Town. Needless to say, he thought that was fantastic.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Ibiza?
For families, I think May is hard to beat.
The weather was:
- Warm
- Dry
- Comfortable
The island felt relaxed and uncrowded. We never felt rushed. We never felt overwhelmed. And, perhaps best of all, we were able to enjoy attractions that would likely have been significantly busier later in the season.
Why Did We Love Ibiza So Much?
Because it completely surprised us. Sometimes the best holidays are the ones where your expectations are wrong. We arrived expecting Ibiza to be all about clubs and nightlife.
Instead, we discovered:
- Historic towns
- Incredible sunsets
- Great food
- Beautiful walks
- Family-friendly experiences
- A relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere
Most importantly, we made memories that we’re still talking about years later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ibiza
Is Ibiza Good for Families?
Yes. Ibiza offers beautiful beaches, family-friendly resorts, markets, historic attractions and excellent food.
Is Ibiza Only for Clubbers?
Not at all. While Ibiza is famous for its nightlife, there is another side to the island that is relaxed, scenic and perfect for families.
What Is the Best Town to Visit in Ibiza?
Ibiza Town offers a fantastic combination of history, culture, shopping, restaurants and beautiful harbour views.
Is the Hippie Market Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. The atmosphere alone makes it worth the trip.
Where Is the Best Sunset in Ibiza?
San Antonio is famous worldwide for its sunsets, with venues such as Café del Mar becoming legendary sunset-viewing locations.
Final Thoughts
When I booked Ibiza, my husband and stepson thought I’d gone slightly mad.
A few days later, neither of them wanted to leave.
For us, Ibiza wasn’t about clubs.
It was about sunsets, tapas, wandering ancient streets, browsing markets and spending quality time together.
It’s proof that destinations sometimes suffer from their own reputation.
And it has left us with one very important question.
Now that all the children have grown up and left the nest… Perhaps it’s time for Paul and me to go back and see whether Ibiza is just as magical the second time around.