Cultural activities to enjoy as a family in Ibiza

As well as its idyllic beaches, Ibiza has many surprises in store for you...

If you're looking to discover the island from within and share authentic experiences with your children, here's a cultural tour through its history, gastronomy, music, villages and traditions.

Get your camera ready and engage your curiosity... as well as a desire to experience Ibizan culture with your family.

Food fairs full of flavour (and culture)

Ibiza’s local cuisine is another important part of its identity, and throughout the year community fairs are held that pay homage to traditional products and recipes.

They are excellent options for those who enjoy exploring new places, sampling local dishes and learning new things.

• In February, Sant Antoni hosts the Campionat Mundial d'arròs de Matances (Slaughter Day Rice World Championship), and Santa Agnès holds the sofrit pagès (traditional Ibizan stew) competition.
• In March, the Fira des Gerret fair brings tapas and stalls to Santa Eulària celebrating the humble local fish. Later in the month, in Sant Carles, the Fira del Calamar fills the town with traditional seafood recipes.
• In April, in Ibiza Town, the Fira Sabors Patrimoni de la Humanitat (World Heritage Flavours Fair) takes you on a journey through the island’s culinary history.
• Sant Josep pays homage to the Ibiza red potato in May, and in October, in Sant Jordi, the Fira de la Sal (Salt Fair) keeps salt-making traditions alive with workshops, tastings and even demonstrations of traditional salt harvesting techniques.
• And in December, don't miss the Fira de sa matança in Sant Llorenç, one of the most authentic fairs, where you can sample dishes made with pork and sobrasada in a festive, rural ambience.

These fairs celebrate gastronomy, history and community. And the best part: children are usually welcome, with activities, workshops and much more.

Museum houses that tell the story of how people used to live

There aren’t many better ways to learn about what rural life used to be like in Ibiza than by visiting a traditional house…

Ca n'Andreu des Trull (Sant Carles)

Ca n'Andreu des Trull is an 18th-century farmhouse that retains its original structure and offers a tour of the typical rooms in a country home: the pantry (casa de la matança), the wine cellar, the olive press (trull), the bedrooms…

Family workshops and demonstrations of traditional Ibizan dance (ball pagès) are often organised. This is an excellent stopping point when travelling around the north of the island.

Espai Cultural Molí d'en Simó (Sant Antoni)

In the heart of the village of Sant Antoni stands Espai Cultural Molí d'en Simó, an old Mallorcan-style flour windmill declared a heritage site.

Inside is the Carmen Tur Museum Collection, a journey through the traditional daily life of the island through tools, household utensils, clothing, footwear, jewellery and instruments related to Ibizan folklore.

An ideal option for families interested in learning about daily life in the past!

Characterful villages that exude culture

Each municipality in Ibiza has its own personality and tradition.

If you want to get an authentic feel for the island, spend a day in each one and you'll discover some hidden gems. Here's one cultural highlight for each municipality:

• Sant Joan de Labritja: Visit the village's Sunday market, featuring crafts and live music. Nearby is the Es Amunts Interpretation Centre, ideal for learning about the local fauna, flora and architecture.
• Santa Eulària des Riu: A tour of Puig de Missa, with its fortified church, the river and ethnographic museum, is an excellent cultural outing for the whole family.
• Sant Josep de Sa Talaia: Visit Sant Agustí or Es Cubells to see what rural life was like in the past. In addition, in September, the patron saint festivities are held, with dances, concerts and traditional activities.
• Sant Antoni de Portmany: Away from the coast, you can visit the Molí d'en Simó, an old mill that now hosts exhibitions about daily life on the island.
• Ibiza Town: Dalt Vila, the capital’s old town, is a kind of open-air history lesson. From the Portal de ses Taules to the castle, you can stroll along ramparts, cobbled streets and lively squares. You can also visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (MACE), which offers family visits and creative workshops for children.

Learn about ball pagès together

One of the cornerstones of Ibizan culture is ball pagès, the Ibiza's traditional dance.

Declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage Asset, this ritual dance can be seen during the patron saint festivals of the villages or in weekly exhibitions during the summer.

There are also events called ballades de pou held throughout the year. These are when local groups get together at a well near their village to celebrate their traditions, including games, food and drink.

Children are often mesmerized by the men's leaps, the rhythm of the castanets and the colourful traditional costumes adorned with antique jewellery called emprendades. The women dance with short, quick steps while the men set the rhythm with jumps and turns.

It is a unique way to learn firsthand about how life was lived and celebrated in the Ibizan countryside centuries ago.

A cultural journey for the whole family

The island of Ibiza is full of colour, flavour, history and community. And while the sea is a major draw, discovering its culture as a family can be an equally fun and unforgettable experience.

From an ancestral dance to a recipe with centuries of history, from a rural house frozen in time to a fair among olive groves and terraces… the island has many stories to tell, and each part has its own one, waiting to be discovered.

This year, discover the most authentic Ibiza and learn about its culture by exploring, dancing, smelling, tasting… and above all, enjoying quality time with your family.

We are your guide to family leisure in Ibiza

Ready to experience the essence of the island? Then we encourage you to discover it through these cultural activities for the whole family.

And if you're looking for more recommendations for things to do as a family in Ibiza, we encourage you to check out the rest of our blog posts.

You can also consult our guide to beaches, trails, museums, restaurants, accommodation and services with the Ibiza Family Moments quality seal.

Your adventure starts here!