When planning a trip to Ibiza, many travellers focus on famous places like Playa d’en Bossa or San Antonio. But after spending a week on the island, we discovered that Es Canar was one of the best places to stay—especially for families.
Located on Ibiza’s peaceful east coast, Es Canar offers a relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, family-friendly hotels, and easy access to many of the island’s top attractions.
We chose Es Canar as our base and loved coming back each evening after exploring Ibiza. Whether you’re travelling with children, as a couple, or simply looking for a quieter side of the island, Es Canar is well worth considering.
Why Stay in Es Canar?
Es Canar combines everything we look for in a family holiday:
✔️ Sandy beach with calm water
✔️ Excellent hotels
✔️ Restaurants within walking distance
✔️ Water sports
✔️ Boat trips
✔️ Easy parking
✔️ Great location for exploring Ibiza
Unlike Ibiza’s party hotspots, Es Canar has a slower pace that makes it perfect for relaxing.
Es Canar Beach
The main beach is one of the town’s biggest attractions.
Golden sand stretches along a sheltered bay with shallow, calm water that is ideal for families with children.
During our stay, we enjoyed early morning walks along the beach before heading off to explore other parts of the island.
Facilities
- Sunbeds and umbrellas
- Showers
- Lifeguards (seasonal)
- Beachfront cafés
- Water sports
- Supermarkets nearby
Best Things to Do in Es Canar
1. Relax on Es Canar Beach
Sometimes the best activity is simply enjoying the sea.
The beach is clean, easy to access, and perfect for swimming or spending a relaxing afternoon by the Mediterranean.
2. Go Kayaking or rent a paddle⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why we recommend it:
- Affordable
- Great family activity
- Beautiful coastal views
- Suitable for beginners
- A fun way to explore beyond the main beach
3. Rent a Catamaran with a Slide
Another unforgettable experience was hiring a small catamaran with a slide.
For €25 per hour, we enjoyed swimming in the turquoise sea, jumping from the boat, and relaxing under the Mediterranean sun.
The kids loved climbing back onto the boat and sliding into the water again and again.
If you’re looking for a fun family activity, this is one we would happily do again.
4. Walk Along the Seafront Promenade
Es Canar’s promenade is perfect for an evening stroll.
Along the waterfront you’ll find:
- Ice cream shops
- Restaurants
- Souvenir stores
- Cocktail bars
- Small supermarkets
It’s a lovely place to unwind after a day at the beach.
5. Visit the Punta Arabí Hippy Market
One of Ibiza’s most famous markets is located in Es Canar.
Open on selected days during the season, it’s a great place to browse handmade jewellery, clothing, local artwork, leather goods, and unique souvenirs while enjoying live music and food stalls.
6. Take a Boat Trip
From Es Canar’s small harbour you can join boat excursions to nearby beaches and coastal spots, or hop on a ferry to places like Santa Eulalia or Cala Llonga.
It’s an easy way to see Ibiza from the sea without renting your own boat.
7. Explore Nearby Beaches
Es Canar is an excellent base for beach hopping. Within a short drive you can reach:
- Cala Nova – one of our favourite beaches with turquoise water and beachfront restaurants.
- Cala Llenya – a quieter bay surrounded by pine trees.
- Cala Mastella – a small, peaceful cove popular with locals.
- Aguas Blancas – known for its dramatic cliffs and beautiful scenery.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Leonardo Royal Suites Ibiza Santa Eulalia, just steps from Es Canar Beach.
Our Quad Deluxe Superior Sea View room featured twin beds, a sofa bed for the children, and a balcony overlooking both the beach and the hotel’s main pools.
We chose the half-board option and were impressed by the varied Mediterranean buffet, live cooking stations, and daily entertainment programme. The children’s activities around the pool were a big hit with our family, making it an ideal base for exploring the island.
Best Restaurants in Es Canar
Some great places to eat include:
- Marvent Restaurant – Mediterranean cuisine and seafood.
- Restaurante Las Arenas – beachfront dining with fresh fish and rice dishes.
- Jacaranda Lounge – cocktails, international cuisine, and sea views.
- Atzaró Beach (near Cala Nova) – stylish beach club serving Mediterranean dishes.
Practical Tips
- Visit the beach early during July and August to secure a good spot.
- Book water activities in the morning when the sea is usually calmer.
- Bring water shoes if you plan to explore rocky coves.
- Rent a car if you want to discover Ibiza’s east and north coasts.
- If you’re staying for several days, combine beach time with visits to Santa Eulalia, Dalt Vila, and nearby coves.
Final Thoughts
Es Canar exceeded our expectations and became one of our favourite places in Ibiza. Its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beach, and family-friendly vibe made it the perfect base for our holiday.
Some of our best memories—from kayaking along the coastline and enjoying the catamaran with a slide to evening walks along the promenade—happened right here. Combined with its excellent location near Cala Nova, Cala Llenya, and Santa Eulalia, Es Canar is an ideal choice for anyone looking to experience the quieter, more authentic side of Ibiza.
If you’re planning your own trip, don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Family Travel Guide to Ibiza.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Es Canar a good place to stay in Ibiza?
Yes. Es Canar is one of the best places to stay in Ibiza if you’re looking for a relaxed atmosphere, family-friendly beaches, and easy access to many of the island’s top attractions. It’s especially popular with families and couples.
Is Es Canar suitable for families with children?
Absolutely. Es Canar offers calm, shallow waters, family-friendly hotels, playgrounds, restaurants, and activities like kayaking and boat trips, making it an excellent destination for families.
What are the best things to do in Es Canar?
Popular activities include relaxing on Es Canar Beach, kayaking along the coastline, renting a catamaran, visiting the Punta Arabí Hippy Market, taking boat trips, and exploring nearby beaches such as Cala Nova and Cala Llenya.
Can you rent kayaks in Es Canar?
Yes. Kayaks can be rented directly from Es Canar Beach, offering a fun way to explore hidden coves and enjoy Ibiza’s crystal-clear coastline.
How far is Es Canar from Ibiza Airport?
Es Canar is approximately 30–35 minutes by car from Ibiza Airport, making it an easy destination to reach after arriving on the island.
Do I need a rental car in Es Canar?
While Es Canar itself is easy to explore on foot, renting a car is highly recommended if you want to visit Ibiza’s best beaches, viewpoints, and hidden gems across the island.
What are the best beaches near Es Canar?
Some of the best nearby beaches include Cala Nova, Cala Llenya, Cala Mastella, Aguas Blancas, Cala Boix, and Cala Xarraca, all within a short drive.
How many days should I spend in Es Canar?
Three to five days is ideal, giving you enough time to enjoy Es Canar while exploring the beautiful beaches and attractions along Ibiza’s east and north coasts.
