The Ibiza I Didn't Know Existed: Rediscovering the island in My 40s with the Family

Sharing our experience and why you should consider North Ibiza for your next family trip, where to stay, what to eat, and the best beaches to explore, including a memorable day trip to Formentera.

AD ~ a post in Collaboration with Kid & Coe

In my adult life I have had feelings of guilt about going somewhere multiple times knowing that I could essentially be anywhere in the world, surrounded by everyone back home (fellow Brits) and not really experiencing what the country has to offer. It is also why I don’t favour all inclusive holidays which can be void of any cultural experiences. But that doesn’t mean I don’t go on them! It is the easiest holiday by far that we have had with our trio of daughters in tow. 

My love affair with Ibiza started when I was 17, I ashamedly (although my 17 year old self felt no shame) booked a Club 18-30 holiday. I really hope that company no longer exists! In fact, after a quick google search, Thomas Cook in fact shut down Club 18-30 in 2018. And for any of my readers outside of the UK, a Club 18-30 holiday was essentially a crash course in hedonism, where the only historical site you’d remember is the bar where you lost your flip-flops. It’s the kind of trip that you’ll laugh about (and maybe cringe a little) for years to come. 

I did this same holiday all over again aged 19. I had never been abroad with my family. I had been on a coach trip to Austria with the school which included a day trip to Venice and I had been to Berlin for an A Level history trip but family holidays abroad and travel by plane, was an alien concept to me. 

Then there was a long pause and I was not back to the island until 2018 to celebrate my friend’s 40th. I was in my late 30’s. We did go clubbing and we did see Craig David perform but we also visited beaches, chic restaurants and Ibiza old town. Fast forward to 2024 and I had the opportunity to visit the island again but this time with my husband, three daughters in tow as well as my Mother-in-law. We were going to be hosted in North Ibiza by Kid & Coe. Kid & Coe is an online platform dedicated to design-led family travel. 

Why Choose North Ibiza?

North Ibiza is a tranquil haven away from the bustling nightlife of the south. It really is as  beautiful and picturesque as the photos you see online and could not be more different to San Antonio. Ibiza has countryside, scenic beaches, villages, amazing food and a laid-back atmosphere which is perfect for families. And an opportunity to mingle with the locals. It’s the rustic, informal side of a relaxed atmosphere which I love about Ibiza. 

WHERE TO STAY

For our family trip, we stayed in a stunning, design-led villa in San Lorenzo called: 

The Ibiza San Lorenzo Residence 

Designed by renowned and resident Interior Designers, Ibiza Interiors the Villa featured minimal décor. We loved the wooden ceilings, that everything was housed on one level and the gardens that sprawled and wrapped around the house. The textured walls in the bathroom were like a home from home and the attention to detail combined with unlacquered brass and the aesop hand wash was a dream. 

We loved enjoying breakfast each morning at the outdoor terrace. 

The spacious accommodation allowed us all to have our own space to enjoy the serene surroundings and beautiful views. 

And our daughters, aged 12, 9, and 8 made the most of the treehouse, garden and swimming pool. 

WHERE TO EAT:

Here are some must-visit restaurants which we would highly recommend and enjoyed. I have to say here, we did choose some spenny places for food as it’s the first trip that we felt our daughters were old enough to appreciate good food, are not so fussy but there was still always the safety net of chicken nuggets and chips at even the most chicest of places.

~ The Croissant Show in Ibiza Town for the best brunch and to sit side by side next to Dalt Vila, which is one of Ibiza’s iconic and oldest monuments.

~ La Paloma, San Lorenzo: A magical dining experience in the summer orange grove. Reservations are essential.

~ Fish Shack, Talamanca: A laid-back spot for a late lunch with stunning sea views. We absolutely loved this place. The seafood was out of this world. 

~ Cala Gracioneta Chiringuito: we went one evening and enjoyed wine at the table whilst the girls played on the beach. It was magical. 

~ Chez Gerdi, Formentera: There are lots of places to eat in Formentera, but this restaurant was recommended by many of you who follow me on Instagram. We are so happy to have made time for this.  A fantastic dinner spot after exploring Formentera. There was a live DJ and the best prawn salad. Again, we booked ahead.

BEACHES and HIGHLIGHTS: 

~ Dalt Vila is at the heart of Ibiza town filled with high stone walls, drawbridges, enormous wooden fort doors, numerous churches, and historical museums. We strolled through the white cobbled streets, heading upwards. We didn’t make it all the way to the top though!  

~ Ibiza old town is a must when you visit Dalt Villa. It’s right next to the sea and you can people watch and drink rose. 

~ We also visited a beautiful rocky beach called Playa Cala Salada (pictured at the start). 

~ The Villa is minutes away from Portinax which is at the North East tip of the island. The water was crystal clear here and before heading to the beach we went to Los Enamorados for drink. I really enjoyed the vibe and views here.

~ Visit the markets. We did two. Sant Jordi market on Saturdays – a flea market that is filled with treasures with a true Ibiza feel done car boot style. And the next morning we headed to a market which had a more artisanal feeling in the northern town of San Juan.

~ Wander around Santa Gertrudis, known for its shops and restaurants. We didn’t have time to eat here but I absolutely will when we go back. I did get to visit a stunning lifestyle shop in it’s opening week. The decor, brands and aesthetic was inspiring and I wanted to take everything home with me. 

~ Day Trip to Formentera - you can do this the bougie way by booking a private or shared sail boat with a skipper or you can take the ferry. We did the latter, it was really affordable for the six of us and a lot of fun sitting on the outdoors upper level. We had a very chilled beach day but there are lots of boutique shops if you prefer to be on the move. Our only family photo of course!

~ North Ibiza is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches. Experience the magical sunset at Benirras Beach (Drummer's Beach). And they have the best take out pizza which we ate whilst sat next to the ocean. 

We have fallen head over heels in love with North Ibiza. It offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, making it an ideal destination for a family holiday. From stunning beaches and charming villages to delicious dining options and unforgettable activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful part of the island. We have created forever memories and will definitely go back, we missed the sunset at Es Vedra so have the perfect excuse to go back. 

The most epic and magical sunset of our time in Ibiza is the perfect montage to bring my guide to Ibiza to a close. My husband took the sunset picture of our little ladies which I must give him full credit for! ;)

Any questions please do leave me a comment or DM if you prefer.