The nine best family beaches in Ibiza

Families flock to Ibiza year after year for plenty of reasons – the quaint seaside villages, historic old towns, and scenic pine forests are just the start. With some of the best beaches in the Balearics to its name, Ibiza's sandy coves are arguably its biggest draw, with a total of 53 to explore. And with so many beautiful swimming and sunbathing spots, you might wonder which ones to add to your itinerary and which are suitable for younger children.

To help you narrow it down, we've compiled a list of the best family beaches in Ibiza. Based on easy access, beautiful clear water, the softest sand, the best amenities and a range of family-friendly activities, these excellent Ibiza family beaches will ensure your visit to the island is truly memorable.

If you're spending the day here, you won't have to head back into town when the little ones get peckish – around half a dozen restaurants are dotted along the beach. Most serve up Mediterranean fare, and if you've got fussy youngsters in tow, you'll be glad to hear that the menus feature plenty of crowd-pleasing family favourites like burgers and pizza. As for other ways to keep everyone entertained, why not hire a boat from the nearby marina and head out into the big blue? There are plenty of options, from sleek yachts to family-sized catamarans.

When it's time to cool off, the gently rolling waves of the Balearic sea are as inviting as ever here. Inflatable boats with built-in slides glide near the shoreline while adrenaline-seekers whizz around on jet skis further out. And if you fancy something in-between, you can hire a catamaran to check out more of the area's natural beauty. You won't have to go far to find it – just around the corner to the north are a pair of remote rocky coves shrouded in the pine-covered hillside.

Back on dry land, Playa Es Cana lines up a string of seafront eateries and bars. And we're not exaggerating when we say there's something for even the fussiest of little eaters here – the selection includes back-to-basics grill places and Spanish spots serving family-sized pans of paella. When you're not eating, drinking and basking in the sun, why not ride the tourist train? It winds along the scenic southeast coast and through fragrant pinewoods, making for a relaxing morning or afternoon activity.

As for the beach itself, it shows off vanilla-tinted sand that's as soft as flour and some of the clearest water on the island. You can stroll into the sea for quite a distance before it gets deep, so youngsters can build up their confidence in the water without fuss.

One of the other main draws to this spot is its watersports offering. You can try paddleboarding or see what sea creatures you can spot on a family snorkelling session. And if colourful fish isn't enough to entice you into the water, there's always the option to set sail on a boat trip in search of dolphins – they're known to leap around in these waters.

Back by the main beach, you can pick up buckets and spades, inflatables and snorkelling gear from a supermarket – there's one just a few steps from the sand. Plus, this place is home to one of the best family beach clubs Ibiza offers. It has a dedicated children's area and a kids' club that organises things like face painting, group games and arts and crafts sessions.

Watersports are a popular pastime in this part of western Ibiza, too. If your family enjoys fast-paced activities, you can be pulled around together on an inflatable banana boat. And if you'd rather keep things calm, there are pedalos and catamarans for hire. If you're looking for a spot that lines up lots of land-based activities, Cala Bassa might not be for you as it's shrouded in a pine forest, but this beach's secluded nature gives it so much appeal.

As for the beach itself, it's a wide ribbon of honey-hued sand marked in the middle by a narrow, rocky jetty. The water's shallow enough for children to safely swim in, and remember to pick up a crabbing net, as a few rock pools are dotted along the bay's eastern end.

Despite its stunning natural scenery, this beach scores highly on the facilities front. As well as the handy showers, there are several shops, a few family restaurants, and a small, shaded playground for little ones. You can also hire kayaks and paddleboards or get tots involved with a trip out to sea on a pedalo.