CHILLED IBIZA
Ibiza is known as the world’s party isle, but it’s also ideal for a get-away-from-it-all break
A relaxed break in the party capital of Europe.
LISTENING to waves gently lap the shore while birds chirp in chorus, it’s hard to believe I’m on an island famous for its all-night dance parties and celebrity DJs.
Ibiza may be a small island, with our base in Santa Eulalia just a 30-minute drive from buzzing party centre San Antonio, but the two areas are worlds apart when it comes to holiday vibes.
Santa Eularia des Riu on the eastern coast is a calm paradise with a quiet, slow pace of life.
And while the island does well from party tourism, residents are keen to show off its lesser-seen beauty and family-friendly activities.
The municipality, second only to Ibiza Town in terms of population, has long catered for families, and has many local hotels that offer kids’ clubs, babysitting services and family pools, making them ideally suited to host children on a family holiday.
The area boasts some beautiful beaches, such as bustling family-favourite Playa de Es Figueral and the tranquil Santa Eulalia.
You’ll find plenty opportunities for water sports, from thrilling parasailing to the more relaxing pedalos.
And a fun-fuelled jeep safari is a great way to explore the area while keeping the kids entertained.
Santa Eulalia is also home to the only river in the Balearic Islands, and a walk along the signposted 3km river route is a delightful way to while away an afternoon.
A starting point at the 16th Century fortified Puig de Missa church gives spectacular views of the town, and a leisurely downhill stroll from there brings you to
the Can Planetes Mill, a centre explaining the importance of the river to locals in bygone days.
Fuelling up for walking tours can be an activity in itself at Maria Colomar’s eco farm Can Muson.
Breakfast here is sure to delight young children, especially those from towns and cities.
As well as walking through the rows of fresh lettuce and strawberries growing on the 65,000 sq m farm, young visitors can hand-feed animals from superhero-themed beach buckets filled with an array of snacks.
The town of Santa Eulalia itself oozes traditional charm. You’ll find the locals open and friendly and most cafés and bars in the town centre welcome families.
The area also has plenty of family-friendly hotels, such as the three-star Invisa Hotel Cala Blanca and Cala Verde in Platja Es Figueral, around 10km from Santa Eulalia.
It sits on a sprawling site along the coast, giving magnificent sea views and easy access to the beach, with ramps installed for buggies.
The hotel is ideal for families seeking an all-inclusive holiday and offers poolside entertainment for children and has tennis courts, football and hockey grounds.
And for parents seeking some time to themselves, the hotel runs three kids’ clubs that cater for ages three to 17.
The relaxed pace of life in Santa Eulalia is a far cry from the hedonistic reputation Ibiza has enjoyed for so many years.
But with the east coast especially so well-suited to families, there’s room on the island for everyone.