Family Days Out in Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera: Beaches, Coves and Boat Trips
Three islands, three very different family rhythms — here is where to base yourselves, which coves and boat trips earn a whole day, and what to skip when travelling with children.
Menorca: calm water, shallow entries and the island's best family beaches
Menorca is the simplest of the three for young children. The south-coast beaches shelve gently and are sheltered from the tramuntana, the north wind that can make the north coast choppy. Cala Galdana, on the south coast about 30 minutes' drive from Ciutadella, has a wide curve of sand, lifeguards in season and several hotels and apartments within a five-minute walk of the water. Son Bou, near Alaior, is the longest beach on the island and has a car park, toilets and a couple of beach bars; it is a 25-minute drive from Maó. Both are busiest in July and August, when arriving before 10am secures a decent spot.
For something quieter, Cala Macarella and Cala Macarelleta are reached by a 20-minute walk from the car park on the Ciutadella road, or by bus from Ciutadella in high season. The path is rocky in places, so a carrier is more practical than a pushchair. Cala en Turqueta, further west, has a similar setup with a short walk down. If you want a beach with facilities and a shorter walk, Cala'n Bosch, near Ciutadella, has a small sandy cove, a playground and restaurants along the marina. I would book a hotel in Ciutadella or Cala Galdana for a first family trip: both give you easy access to the south coast and a town to wander in the evening.
Ibiza: family-friendly coves, caves and a train through the north
Ibiza has a louder reputation than it deserves for families. The north and east coasts are calm and low-key, with shallow water at Cala Xarraca, near Sant Joan de Labritja, and at Cala Mastella, where a small beach bar serves simple food. Portinatx, on the north coast, has three small beaches, a handful of hotels and a bus link to Ibiza Town that takes about 50 minutes. On the east coast, Cala Llonga has a broad beach, a playground and a bus from Santa Eulària des Riu. The south-coast beaches near Sant Josep, such as Platja d'en Bossa, are busier and backed by large resorts; they are convenient but less peaceful.
Away from the sand, the Cova de Can Marçà, near Port de Sant Miquel, is a limestone cave with a short guided tour and a light-and-sound display at the end; it takes about 40 minutes and suits children from about five upwards. The island also has a small tourist train, the Tren Turístic, that runs from Sant Joan de Labritja to Cala de Sant Vicent in summer, a gentle way to see the north without a car. For boat trips, the ferry from Sant Antoni de Portmany to Cala Bassa and Cala Conta runs in season and takes about 30 minutes; it is easier than driving and parking. I would base a family in Santa Eulària des Riu or Portinatx for a mix of beaches and quieter evenings.
Formentera: flat, car-free and easy by boat from Ibiza
Formentera is small enough to explore by bicycle, which makes it a good day out from Ibiza with older children. The fast ferry from Eivissa port to La Savina takes about 35 minutes and runs frequently from April to October; foot passengers are more common than cars, and bicycles can be hired at the port. The island is flat, with quiet roads and signposted cycle paths. Platja de Ses Illetes, at the northern tip, has shallow turquoise water and a couple of chiringuitos, and is a 15-minute cycle from La Savina. It gets crowded in August, so go early. Platja de Migjorn, on the south coast, is longer and less busy, with rocky entries in places.
For a break from the beach, the far de la Mola lighthouse stands on the eastern cliffs and has a small craft market on summer evenings; the ride there is about 30 minutes by bicycle from Es Pujols and is best done in the morning before the heat builds. Es Pujols itself has a sandy beach, a promenade and family-friendly restaurants. There is no need to book a hotel on Formentera for a day trip, but staying a night or two in Es Pujols or La Savina lets you see the island after the day-trippers leave. If you are travelling with very young children, I would skip the bicycle and use the small bus network instead; the roads are safe but the sun is strong.
Practical planning: ferries, car hire and when to go
Inter-island travel is by ferry. Menorca is connected to Ibiza by a direct ferry in summer that takes about four hours, or you can fly between Maó and Eivissa in under an hour. Formentera is reached only by ferry from Eivissa, with crossings taking 35 to 60 minutes depending on the vessel. If you are combining all three, I would start in Menorca, fly to Ibiza, then take a day trip to Formentera. Car hire is useful on Menorca and Ibiza but not essential on Formentera; book well ahead for July and August, when availability tightens and prices rise. Child seats should be requested at the time of booking.
The best months for families are late May, June and September. The sea is warm enough to swim from June, the beaches are quieter than in August, and daytime temperatures sit in the mid-20s to low 30s Celsius. July and August are hot and busy, with parking at popular coves filling by mid-morning. Spring and autumn bring occasional rain but lower prices and fewer crowds. Wherever you stay, choose a hotel within walking distance of a beach or a town centre; it makes the day-to-day easier with children and reduces the need to drive in the evening. Book directly with the hotel where possible to confirm family rooms and cots.
Questions, answered
Which island is best for a family with young children?
Menorca is the easiest. Its south-coast beaches such as Cala Galdana and Son Bou have shallow water, lifeguards in season and facilities close by. Ciutadella and Cala Galdana make good bases, with short drives to several beaches and a town to walk in the evening.
Do we need a car on Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera?
A car is useful on Menorca and Ibiza for reaching quieter coves, but buses connect the main resorts. On Formentera, bicycles and the small bus network are enough; the island is flat and the roads are quiet. Book car hire well ahead for July and August.
How do you get to Formentera from Ibiza?
Fast ferries leave Eivissa port for La Savina throughout the day from April to October, taking about 35 minutes. Foot passengers and bicycles are common; car spaces are limited. You can buy tickets at the port or online in advance.
Are the beaches safe for swimming?
The south-coast beaches on Menorca and the north and east coasts of Ibiza are generally calm and shelve gently. Look for lifeguards in season at Cala Galdana, Son Bou and Platja d'en Bossa. Currents can pick up on windier days, so check local flags and follow advice.
What is there to do with children away from the beach?
On Ibiza, the Cova de Can Marçà cave near Port de Sant Miquel runs short guided tours. The tourist train from Sant Joan de Labritja to Cala de Sant Vicent is a gentle outing. On Menorca, the harbour at Maó and the old town of Ciutadella are good for a wander.
When is the best time to visit with a family?
Late May, June and September offer warm sea, fewer crowds and lower prices than August. July and August are hot and busy, with parking at popular coves filling early. Spring and autumn can bring rain but are quieter and cheaper.
Should we stay on Formentera or visit on a day trip?
A day trip from Ibiza is enough to see Ses Illetes and Es Pujols, but staying a night or two in Es Pujols or La Savina lets you experience the island after the day-trippers leave. It is a good option for older children who cycle.
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