Autumn half term has come and gone, and by now most families have taken their holiday for the year. If you haven’t had a chance to get away, or even if you fancy one more trip abroad before the next school term begins, why not head to Ibiza for a winter break?
You might not find the searing summer sun, but Ibiza’s winters are mild and much drier than back home. With average temperatures of around 22 degrees Celsius in December and January, you’ll only need a few layers to keep you warm. In the off-season, you’ll also find lots to do, and best of all, you can enjoy everything without the summer crowds. Here are four fantastic activities that the whole family will love:
2. Explore the island
For the outdoorsy family, Ibiza is a superb winter destination. After the summer tourists leave, Ibiza becomes a beautiful adventurer’s paradise, ideal to explore on foot or by bike. Unlike in summer, the beaches will be almost deserted, leaving the coast ripe for discovery. The kids will love climbing on rocky coves and looking for marine life in the rock pools.
Winter is also when Ibiza’s gorgeous almond trees come into bloom. From a distance, they look as white and fluffy as candyfloss. You’ll see almond trees all around the island, but the Valley of Santa Ines is the best place to catch them at their finest.
2. Go to the market
Shopping might not sound like a typical family activity, but at the island’s Christmas markets, there will be stalls to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Trinkets, toys, jewellery, clothing you never know what you might stumble across. The market is the perfect place to treat yourself or the kids to a treat or two.
There are plenty of small local markets to choose from in Ibiza’s villages and towns. The biggest, best-known is hosted each year by the Las Dalias restaurant in San Carlos, where you’ll find warm drinks, snacks and festive spirit to go alongside your shopping experience.
3. Enjoy festivals and carnivals
The Spanish love fiestas, and Ibiza is no exception to this rule. There are festivals and celebrations throughout the winter, so you definitely won’t miss out when you come to the island. The annual carnivals in Ibiza Town and San Antonio are sure to keep the entire family entertained. With music, dancing, parades through the streets, and other events, the only hard bit will be finding the energy to keep up with all the festivities!
4. Visit the Can Marca Caves
These caves are a fascinating sight, and they are open all year round for visitors. Located in Puerto San Miguel, the caves are hundreds of thousands of years old, and at one point, they were used by smugglers to store forbidden goods.
You can experience this slice of Balearic history as you venture underground and admire the rock formations. Multi-coloured lighting adds to the dramatic stalagmites and stalactites you’ll want to bring your camera to snap some impressive family photos here.