Ibiza and family in the same sentence? Yes, it's possible. The north of the island is a well-kept secret: authentic villages, accessible beaches, a zen atmosphere light years away from the frenzy of Playa d'en Bossa. But you still need to be able to truly enjoy it.
You've found THE perfect villa in San Juan or Santa Gertrudis. Pool, views over the Ibicenco countryside, bedrooms for the whole family. Price: between €6,000 and €20,000 per week depending on season and standards.
Now, let's talk about what the rental websites don't tell you.
Family Ibiza ≠ Party Ibiza
First thing to understand: there are two Ibizas. The southern one (San Antonio, Playa d'en Bossa, Ibiza Town) where clubs and beach clubs reign supreme. And the northern one, where families with children can actually have a peaceful holiday.
🌅 What is northern Ibiza?
San Juan (Sant Joan): The most authentic village. Artisan market on Sundays. Bohemian-chic atmosphere. This is where the locals actually live.
Santa Gertrudis: The "gourmet" village. Small central square with some quality restaurants. 15 min from everything.
San Miguel, San Carlos, Es Cubells: More isolated, wilder. Perfect for total disconnection.
The restaurant problem in Ibiza
"We'll eat out!" That's often the default plan. Except in Ibiza, restaurants pose specific problems:
⚠️ The reality of Ibiza restaurants in summer
1. The good ones are packed
The reputable restaurants in the north (there aren't that many) are fully booked
1 to 2 weeks in advance in July-August.
2. Spanish dining times
Dinner at 9pm minimum. With 4 and 7 year olds, it's tricky.
They fall asleep on the banquette before dessert.
3. "Ibiza prices"
Expect €60-80 per adult in a good restaurant. For a family of 6 with the grandparents,
that quickly adds up to €300-400 per dinner.
4. The drive
From your isolated villa, expect 20-30 min on winding roads.
In the dark. After drinking wine. With tired kids in the back.
The restaurants everyone recommends
To be honest, here are the addresses that come up frequently:
Can Caus
Santa Gertrudis
Farm-restaurant, grills, family atmosphere
Book at least 1 week ahead
Es Rebost de Can Prats
San Juan
Local cuisine, fresh produce
Closed some evenings, check ahead
La Paloma
San Lorenzo
Mediterranean garden, Italian-inspired
The place to be = very busy
Cas Pagès
Santa Gertrudis
Traditional Ibicenco
Rustic atmosphere, generous portions
These are excellent addresses. The problem is that everyone knows them. And eating out 7 nights in a row with children, even in the best places, is still exhausting.
The typical week scenario
Arrive at the villa around 4pm. Shopping at the Eroski in Santa Eulària. 1h30 to find the supermarket, park, fill the trolley. First dinner: pasta for everyone.
Beach in the morning, pool in the afternoon. 6pm: "What are we eating?" Someone improvises with what's there. Kids eat crisps while waiting for it to be ready.
Booking found for 9:30pm (the only slot available). 25 min drive. Kids make it to 10pm, then collapse. Hefty bill. Back at the villa at midnight.
"BBQ tonight!" Return trip to the supermarket for meat. The charcoal takes an hour to be ready. We eat at 10pm. Washing up finished at 11:30pm.
The same cycle repeats. The "who's doing what" discussions become tense. Someone points out that they've cooked 3 nights in a row. Atmosphere.
The realistic options for eating
Option 1: Do everything yourself
Cost: ~€400 in groceries for the week
- Total freedom
- Kids eat what they know
- Shopping 2-3 times during the week (supermarkets not always nearby)
- 15-20 hours of "work" over 7 days
- Someone always misses aperitif time
- It's not a holiday for whoever's managing the meals
Option 2: Restaurants every night
Cost: €1,800 to €2,500/week (dinners only, family of 6)
- Culinary discovery
- No cooking or washing up
- Late dining times unsuitable for children
- Bookings are complicated
- 30 min round trip in the evening
- You don't enjoy your terrace in the evening
- Kids get bored / fall asleep
Option 3: Chiringuitos and beach clubs
Cost: €50-80 per adult
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Kids can move around
- Very variable quality
- "Beach prices" (expensive for what it is)
- Not suitable every evening
Option 4: Private chef at your villa
Cost: €400-600/day (shopping, cooking, service, cleaning included)
- Zero mental load
- Fresh meals, adapted for kids AND adults
- Children eat at 7pm, adults have aperitifs
- You enjoy YOUR terrace with the VIEW
- Kids in bed on time, quiet evening afterwards
- No driving in the evening
- Significant budget
- Early booking recommended
Comparison for one week (6 people)
| Solution | Budget | Comfort | Real holiday? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do it yourself | ~€400 | ★★☆☆☆ | For 1 out of 6, no |
| Restaurants | ~€2,200 | ★★★☆☆ | Tiring with kids |
| Mix (3 restaurants + cooking) | ~€1,100 | ★★★☆☆ | Awkward compromise |
| Private chef 7 days | ~€3,500 | ★★★★★ | Yes, for everyone |
The real question to ask yourself
You've saved all year. You've booked an exceptional villa. You only have 7 or 10 days of real holiday.
For some, yes. Cooking on holiday can be a shared pleasure. If that's you, this article isn't for you.
For others — those who want to truly switch off, enjoy every sunset from their terrace, see their children go to bed at a decent hour and have a real evening as a couple afterwards — there is another way.
On the first evening, Adam set up the table outside facing the olive trees. The kids had their homemade pesto pasta at 7pm. We got a tuna tartare with tomatoes from the San Juan market. My husband and I looked at each other: "Why didn't we do this before?"
Planning a trip to Ibiza?
I travel across the whole north of the island: San Juan, Santa Gertrudis, San Miguel, San Carlos...
Let's discuss your project — no obligation.
Key takeaways
A family holiday in Ibiza is possible and wonderful. The north of the island offers exactly what you're looking for: calm, authenticity, beauty.
But to truly enjoy it, you need to anticipate the meal question. Not on day 3, when everyone's tired and the fridge is empty.
Whatever option you choose, decide before you leave. Your holiday will start much better.
About the author: Adam Brunet has been a private chef since 2018. Specialising in villa stays, he regularly works in Ibiza for French and Belgian families who want to enjoy their holiday without constraints.