The best places for families in Ibiza: where to stay

Ibiza is perhaps best known for its wild parties and superclubs, but dig a little deeper, and you'll soon uncover hundreds of years of history, masses of culture and incredible natural beauty. Pair all that with the White Isle's swathes of laidback restaurants, beach clubs and child-friendly attractions, and it's easy to see why this Balearic gem is popular with families, too. Laidback resorts, pretty old towns and tranquil coves are there to be discovered and enjoyed all over the island – so much so that deciding where to base yourself for a family holiday can be tricky. So, we've pulled together this list of the best places for families in Ibiza to help you narrow it down. But first things first…

When's the best time to visit Ibiza with kids?

Ibiza's great for kids all year round, but many families choose to visit outside of the main summer season, when the island's biggest parties and club events kick off. The May and September shoulder seasons are excellent choices as the crowds die down, the weather's still beautiful, and all the child-friendly spots – like watersports centres and adventure parks – are still open. If you need to visit during the school summer holidays, you can still get the best of both worlds by picking one of the island's quieter spots.

Where are the best family areas in Ibiza?

Head east from the marina, and you'll soon stumble upon Talamanca's pristine beach. This long sweep of sand ticks all the boxes when it comes to family-friendliness – it features plenty of sunbathing space and shallow water ideal for splashing around in. Plus, you've got all the necessary facilities – think restaurants, bars and toilets.

The beach itself is wonderful, too. It's set in a large, sandy cove, so there's no shortage of tanning and picnicking space – even in the middle of summer. As for the water, it's clear, calm and shallow, and it sparkles in the sun, making for some lovely family photos.

History-loving little ones and adults alike will be enchanted by the old walled city. Dating all the way back to the 16th century, Ibiza Town has UNESCO's stamp of approval, and a walk through the cobbled streets will have you discovering time-stamped gems around almost every corner. A Gothic cathedral is one of the highlights – not only does it line up dazzling sea views, but it's close to a scattering of small museums, including one dedicated to the city's rich history.

If retail therapy is more up your street, you can shop for clothes and souvenirs in the old quarter instead. There are plenty of places to pick from, and the lanes are sprinkled with family-friendly tapas bars and gelato parlours.

When you fancy upping the pace, you can hire a jet ski from Cala Bassa's beachfront watersports centre – there's nothing like the feeling of the wind in your hair as you bounce across the calm, sapphire sea. The area's also dotted with shady coves, so you'll find plenty of places to stop and dip.

The village is also peppered with eateries, many lining up along the beachfront. So, if al fresco dining with a side of sea views sounds like your cup of tea, you're in luck. And best of all, thanks to the village's position on the island's west coast, you'll have a front-row seat to Ibiza's vibrant sunsets.

If you want to head out a little further, you can sail out to sea on a glass-bottomed boat. The water's crystal-clear around here, so youngsters should be able to spot plenty of colourful marine life. Turn your attention inland, and you'll discover many family-friendly restaurants, from upmarket seafood spots to homely grills. There's also a tourist train that trundles along the coast, serving up widescreen sea views and plenty of family fun.

Western Ibiza's rugged landscape is perfect for off-road driving, so this part of the island's one of the best places to ride on an open-sided buggy. While drivers usually need to be 21 or over, passengers as young as two are allowed to ride so that everyone can join in the fun. Most organised tours will take you to viewpoints like Cala Comte – one of the top spots to take in Ibiza's gorgeous sunsets. Not only will you have the chance to snap fabulous family photos, but you'll end your trip with memories to last a lifetime.

If you'd prefer something a little calmer, why not get out on the water? Chartering a private boat is one of the best family activities in San Antonio – no license is needed, so all you'll have to do is stock up on drinks and snacks and head out searching for the island's mysterious caves.