IBIZA with CHILDREN

[Thejokeisover]

We would like to go to Ibiza but i am not sure where to go.
We would like to go to a nice resort (not too british if possible), with a lovely beach. We would like to be in a hotel near a beach, in a lively place but not a place for clubbers. Our kids are 7 and 5. We do not like the all inclusive/stuck by swimming pool kind of holiday. We usually go to the beach and we look for self-catering or eat out.

Does it exist in Ibiza?
Last year we went to menorca and two years ago we went to mallorca (sa coma) so we are in love with the balearic sea.

We've stayed in Es Cana, Cala Lleyna and Santa Eulalia over the past few years. We've 3 kids, last time we went they were 9,6 and 3 but dd3 has been going since she was 4 months old. We usually stay AI but there are self catering options, we went self catering in Santa Eulalia once.

We loved Santa eulalia and had a great family holiday there. Not overly busy but has a lovely beach, promenade, small market, marina and nice restaurants (some can be pricey though).

I've been a few times now and didn't see what all the fuss was about until we hired a car 5 days into our trip and started to explore.
Santa Eulalia, Es Cana and Cala Llonga are the main 'family' areas in Ibiza, and Santa Eulalia is a lovely resort, but there is so much more to it, especially if you like to get out to explore. We stayed in Puerto San Miguel last time we were there with our 9 month old. Sleepy place but beautiful with a couple of beach restaurants and a child friendly beach. The Balansat apartments have a great kids pool. Cala Vadella on the west coast has a real hippy feel to it - been told you can go barefoot throughout the resort as all the shops and restaurants are on the beach. Salinas is worth a day trip, as is Cala d'Hort beach with spectacular views of Es Vedra. Ibiza town is lovely to walk around, Formentara is beautiful for a day out on the ferry or a small boat if your kids like biking. Benirras beach at sunset is a must-see, as is the sunset strip in San An. Kids are welcome most places, just don't take them to the West End in San Antonio or some bits of Playa d'en Bossa where it can be party central.
We've driven all over the island, found some tiny coves and beaches, and had some spectacular meals in inland villages - it's really what you make of it.
We're looking to go back this summer with our two kids. This time round I might explore a nice hotel with a kids club so I get a proper rest!

We've been to Ibiza 3 times in the last 4 years and love it. We love Portinatx (in the north) - fab beaches, great for kids, so gently shelving. Last year we also went to Cala Vadella - in the south. Was fab too and I completely agree - you can leave your shoes in the suitcase, we didn't wear any!.

In fact we had a week in Cala Vadella at some apartments there, then took the public bus to Portinatx (via Ibiza Town) to stay in the hotel Oasis there for a week. We took the bus back to the airport via Santa Eulalia (which looked nice, but bigger than Portinatx/Cala Vadella).
Buses were fantastic - run spot on to time.

Ibiza is great!