Ibiza's best beaches
CALLA COMTE BEACH
This beach it’s simply a paradise. Cala Conta has fabulous views of the little islands dotted near Ibiza’s coastline, beautiful turquoise waters and several different areas to explore, making it one of the best beaches on the island.This beach is huge, and from left to right is divided into the following sections: nudist beach, friends/couple beach, restaurant, family beach, restaurant. The little island offshore ‘Illa des Bosc’ makes the environment even more breathtaking, and the perfect spot to see the famous Ibiza sunsets over the amazingly blue water. There you will find two stretches of sand, one backed by a rocky coastline, the other by sand dunes. A third and smaller cove, used by naturists, is at the far west end and reached by steps hewn into the rock. The shallow water is safe for children and clear as a swimming pool. You can enjoy a great paella in the second from left restaurant, Ses Roques (or S’illa des Bosc), or a drink in the hippie-chic Sunset Ashram restaurant while you’re here.
Tips:
Watch the sunset here.
Go early to save your spot, this beach gets really busy.
Opt for a picnic or a meal at one of the great restaurants – they are expensive but serve some awesome paellas, and I totally recommend them!
Avoid visiting here in August.
Location: 15 minutes drive from San Antonio
Getting there: Reached by car, bus or ferry in summer. The ferry departs regularly from San Antonio harbour and various hotels along the Bay. The bus can be caught at the bus station in San Antonio or along the bay road. Parking is good, but can get crowded in peak season.
BEACH BARS AND RESTAURANTS
The two main beaches are seperated by the most bohemian of Ibiza sunset cathedrals, beach restaurant Sunset Ashram, which has fabulous panoramic views from its exposed position, and a creatively designed framework which mimics the rocks on which it sits. In the evenings, Sunset Ashram hosts various DJs to play to the spectacular sunsets, but first and foremost it’s a place to relax. Further round on the right-hand side are 3 restaurants which are easily reached by foot: S’Illa des Bosc is a great spot for some great seafood.
CALA BASSA BEACH
It’s a popular beach near San Antonio which draws tourists daily and locals on weekends, Cala Bassa Beach truly offers something for everyone. It is reachable by car, boat and bus, with a range of useful facilities and wooden walkways providing access for the disabled and prams, making it easily accessible to all ages. This beach has lots of facilities, beach clubs, restaurants, and paddle boats – perfect for staying the whole day without getting bored! As usual with Ibiza’s beaches, the landscape and turquoise water will totally amaze you too.
Tips:
You can often see celebrities sunbathing on this beach.
Location: 15 minutes drive from San Antonio Getting there: Cala Bassa is reachable by bus or by car (15 min from San Antonio), follow signs from either the San Antonio or San José direction. Good parking facilities are available. Or (much more fun) take the ferry from San Antonio, only 15 minutes and with regular services throughout the summer.
SES SALINES BEACH
Everyone who comes to Ibiza wants to go to Ses Salines Beach. Why? Because this beach has been named one of the most beautiful in the world by various worldwide media outlets. Named after the salt lakes in the south of Ibiza, the beach at Las Salinas is the southernmost tip of the island and is considered (as far as beaches can be so) to be very cool.The very long, wide crescent of pale sandy beach is bordered by pine woods. The water is crystal clear with breakers that appear on windy days, perfect for body-surfing.
Small catamarans sit on the sand at the southern-most end of the beach, then walking towards the pirate tower you will pass a string of popular bars and restaurants whose gourmet food, attractive clientele and gorgeous location more than make up for the exclusive prices. The bars all play a quality selection of dance and balearic music which spills out onto the beach, and will often bring cocktails and food orders out to you on the sand! Further down the beach you will come to a quieter section which is popular among nudists and beyond the nudie-gauntlet, a small stretch of sand with a rocky entrance to the water which houses the lively Sa Trinxa.
Tips:
You need to pay for parking here, which is a little expensive.
You will likely see celebrities here – keep your eyes peeled!
In summer time, this is a really busy beach.
In the summer months it allows you to discover the small coves dotted along the rockier part of the coastline; you may even find your own private beach!
Location: 10 minutes’ drive from Playa d’en Bossa or Ibiza Town.
Getting there: Reached by hire car, taxi, bicycle or bus from Playa d’en Bossa (6 km) or Ibiza Town (10 km) – see timetables at ibizabus.com. In peak season the main road in becomes clogged with parked cars as people try and park for free, however there is a paid parking area (left at the roundabout) with good facilities and covered parking bays.
BEACH BARS AND RESTAURANTS:
Just across the road from the beach is the wonderful Boutique Hotel Salinas, a bar, restaurant and boutique hotel which is particularly popular in Ibiza’s clubbing industry worker scene. On the beach front itself, the famous Jockey Club restaurant is quite the scene, as is the more rustic and casual Sa Trinxa, down the far end of the beach.
CALA DE SAINT VICENTE
A beautiful long beach with turquoise water, Cala de Saint Vicente is located in a privileged spot from which you can see Tagomago Island. Full of great facilities, making it perfect for families and seniors, this beach is a very calm and relaxed spot. Cala San Vicente offers a curve of golden sand with clear waters, backed by a promenade. It’s safe, beautiful and in this case wonderfully wide, so even when busy in high season there’s usually space to be found. You can stay the whole day, and finish with a meal at the Can Gat restaurant.
Tips:
This beach can get windy, and the sea can be choppy at times.
This beach can get really busy.
You will find bars, restaurants, and shops here.
Location: 10 minutes drive from the village of San Juan, 15 minutes drive from San Carlos
Facilities: Promenade, loungers, parasols, showers, restaurants, bars, shops, lifeguards, access for the disabled Activities: SUP (Stand Up Paddle), kayaks, pedalos and diving centre Getting there: Reached by car or bus, well signposted. Parking in small car parks at either end of the beach. Can be busy in high summer.
CALA LLONGA BEACH
This beach is really stunning, and perfect for families and seniors in particular as it’s full of useful facilities – from bars to shops to restaurants. Cala Llonga is very picturesque thanks to its backdrop of hills, pine trees, clear water, and of course, white sand. Shallow waters go quite a way out making it safe for children, plus there’s the playground area right in the sand. Though many take advantage of the umbrellas and sun-loungers on offer, the large sandy area means there is still plenty of room to chuck a towel down on the sand.
Tips:
You can do kayaking here if you like watersports.
A good spot to find a local hotel to stay overnight.
Location: 10 minutes drive from either Santa Eulalia or Ibiza Town
Getting there: Reached by car, bicycle, or bus from Santa Eulalia, 7 kms away. Also by ferry from Santa Eulalia and Ibiza Town in the summer months. Official parking places close to the beach and free parking in neighbouring streets.
BEACH BARS AND RESTAURANTS
The beach itself is lined with busy little cafés and restaurants with a good variety of cuisine at very moderate prices. And in the surrounding streets you’ll also find some great little restaurants. A great option just a short way back from the beach is La Casita, a finca restaurant with beautiful views featuring Austrian cuisine. Visit also the Beach Club Amante in the neighbouring small bay of Sol d’en Serra, just a stroll from Cala Llonga.
ES CAVALLET BEACH
Es Cavallet is a fabulously picturesque beach due to its white sand and rolling waves. With views of both Ibiza Town and Formentera on a clear day, Es Cavallet’s location is a boon, with the scenic drive across the salt flats also part of the experience.
This is the main gay beach in Ibiza, and the left side is a dedicated nudist spot. There is usually seagrass along the whole seashore, but you can find some gaps where it has been taken away. This characteristic makes the beach feel more natural and beautiful than some of the others on the island, and with the stunning sea, beach clubs with great music, and of course, its location in a Natural Park, it has all the ingredients for a truly memorable destination.
Tips:
If you like music, choose a spot close to Chiringay where there is usually a DJ playing.
The right side is the place to “be seen” within the gay community. Expect to be surrounded by good looking gay guys and perfect bodies!
Location: 10 minutes drive from Playa d’en Bossa or Ibiza Town.
Getting there: Reached by car, bicycle or bus from Ibiza Town (10 km) or Playa d’en Bossa (6 km). Parking at the north end can be a nightmare as the parking place is small and can be inadequate in high summer. In low season it’s easier. The south end is best reached from the car park at Las Salinas beach; it’s a 20-minute stroll through shady pine woods.
BEACH BARS AND RESTAURANTS
The most famous cocktail outpost of this beach is El Chiringuito, a bar and restaurant on the north end of the beach which pulls a sizeable but relaxed crowd in summer and throws a massive opening and closing party to bookend the season.
CALA JONDAL BEACH
This is the chicest of Ibiza’s beaches. Cala Jondal is a very beautiful beach, surrounded by pines and jagged cliffs, very popular with boat owners and a stylish crowd. You will find the famous beach club Blue Marlin here amidst this dreamy landscape of tall hills, turquoise water, and a small, calm bay. The beach is divided in two: the left side of the beach is chic and full of famous people, while the right side is calm and relaxed.
Tips:
Be mindful of the stones underfoot while walking to the beach.
Go to Yemanja Restaurant and try a jug of their famous sangria de cava.
The Blue Marlin restaurant is a great spot to go on a Sunday evening.
Location: 15 minutes drive from Ibiza Town
Getting there: Reached only by car (and private yacht), follow signposts from Ibiza Town and the airport. Parking is fairly good but much of it is attached to the restaurants so head for those.
BEACH BARS AND RESTAURANTS
There is a good choice of popular restaurants at this beach, many requiring you to book at weekends to avoid disappointment. By the side of the Tropicana Beach Club is a massage area, a shop selling beachwear and a great beach bar that often has live music on a sunday. The Cala Jondal is also home to Blue Marlin Ibiza, one of the most famous VIP beach clubs of the island.
CALA D'HORT BEACH
Cala d’Hort is a small, beloved beach with a fantastic view of the mysterious island of Es Vedra, which rises dramatically from the sea only several hundred metres from the shore. This beach is very special for the magnetic vibe that it attracts from the nearby islands of Es Vedra and Es Vedranell. The perfect spot to snorkel and to stay for the whole day, end your time here with some delicious food in one of the beach restaurants and watch the famous Ibiza sunset. The beach itself is sandy to one side, pebbly to the other, and in summer is extremely popular.
Tips:
After you have spent some time on the beach, head to the natural Es Vedra viewpoint.
Watching the sunset here is a must!
Parking (as usual at the smaller beaches) can be hard to find. Save yourself the frustration and park after the last car on the hill; don’t try to go any closer to search for a
space.
Eat in El Carmen restaurant. Book your table in advance.
This is a lovely beach to body surf on breezy days when the waves get a little higher and bash the shore. There is also a small boutique open in high summer selling designer beachwear.
Location: 10 minutes drive from either San Jose or Cala Vadella.
Getting there: Reached only by car, follow signposts from San José. Parking is a bit haphazard and can prove difficult in high season, so go early to guarantee a spot.
BEACH BARS AND RESTAURANTS
There are three excellent beach restaurants in the area, renowned for fresh fish dishes including the traditional seafood paella. El Carmen is a popular choice right on the beach whilst Es Boldado is situated high in the cliffs above the bay. It is accessed from the road to the beach from San José (signposted), or, if you’re brave, you can scramble over the rocks and fishermen huts to the wooden staircase that takes you up to this very popular restaurant.
CALA SALADA BEACH
This is one of the most famous Sant Antonio beaches, really close to the town, and is perfect for families and couples. Surrounded by pine forested hills, the small, protected sandy cove of Cala Salada is a favourite for residents and private boat owners. The water is beautifully clear, shallow and perfect for swimming, and the sea bed mostly soft sand. The best part of this beach however is the color of the water: so turquoise!
The Caves at Ses Fontanelles
hese are famous for cave paintings dating back to the Bronze age. For the explorers amongst you, just before you reach the entrance to the bay, turn off to the right and drive up the camino(dirt track). You will have to park the car and continue on foot up the cliffs to the caves at Ses Fontanelles. The walk is long, but the views from the cliffs are incredible. The caves are actually more of an overhang and are protected by iron bars, which means you unfortunately won’t see much of the cave paintings which date back to the Bronze age. However if you still have the energy, you can climb down the enormous stone steps to the sea, where you can bathe in complete privacy.
Tips:
The parking here can be tricky. Park as soon as you start to see cars parked on the road; don’t try to get into the parking lot.
Leave your beach base to explore the neighboring little bay of Cala Saladeta on foot (to the right side of Cala Salada.) Look out for the signs; it can be a bit tricky to find!
Location: 15 minutes drive from San Antonio
Getting there: Reached by car, bus or water taxi. If you come by car, follow the signposts north from San Antonio. The road meanders down a steep gradient to a small parking area with 65 spaces that are shaded by pine trees, with a footpath to the beach.
BEACH BARS AND RESTAURANTS
There is a beach restaurant called Cala Salada at the far corner of the beach which is extremely popular with the locals and great for traditional dishes like seafood paella. It also has a kiosk for grabbing quick ice creams and cold drinks to take away.
CALA BENIRRAS BEACH
Benirras is the most hippy beach on the island, and every Sunday you can enjoy the free and spontaneous music of the drummers sitting in a group on the beach, who play until the sun goes down. Every Sunday is different and special on Benirras Beach and the sunset must be seen. It is a pretty beach of partly pebbly sand with rocks either side that you can clamber over and a picturesque view across the water to an interesting rock formation known as Cap Bernat (or referred to locals as ‘the finger of God’). The sea bed is rocky which makes it excellent for snorkellers but not so easy to walk into… but that’s all part of the fun! The water is crystal clear, you must explore the sea.
Tips:
Visiting on a Sunday? Feel free to dance to the rhythm of the drums! And if you are a drummer, bring your drum and join the group. You will be more than welcome!
Visiting here after lunch on Sunday is great, but be aware, the beach will be packed. If you want to find a relaxing and peaceful beach, come in the morning and avoid Sundays.
Sometimes you’ll find arts and crafts vendors displaying their wares on towels laid out on the sand.
Come on the boat, with one of the great Aquabus Benirrás Sunday sunset excursions from San Antonio, San Miguel or Portinatx.
Location: 10 minutes drive from San Miguel
Getting there: Reached by car, follow signposts from San Miguel. There are 2 car parks (free of charge) with a capacity of 400 cars.
BEACH BARS AND RESTAURANTS
There are three restaurants on the beach, a clothing boutique and a small beach bar. Spotlight recommends the restaurant Elements, with a fabulous fresh menu and plenty of cultural events all season.
PORTINATX BEACH
One of Ibiza’s best known beauty spots, the little resort Portinatx is a popular stop on the Round The Island excursion. The bay offers magnificent panoramic views, crystalline clear water that’s great for snorkelling, high, rocky shorelines and a seabed of fine, white sand. There are three good, sandy beaches in this area, all safe for children and offering a variety of activities
This is the perfect place for families with kids, featuring plenty of recreational facilities as well as shops and restaurants. You can stay in this area for the whole day, enjoy the beach, buy some souvenirs, eat in the restaurants, and stay overnight in one of the hotels.
Tips:
Bring your goggles to do some snorkeling.
Location: 3 beaches in the resort of Portinatx, 10 minutes drive from San Juan
Getting there: Reached by car or bus, well signposted. Parking facilities are good. A boat trip is also available from San Antonio.
BEACH BARS AND RESTAURANTS
As the beaches are located a short walking distance from the resort there’s a good choice of shops, bars and restaurants close by all three.
AGUAS BLANCAS BEACH
This beach is called ‘white waters’ due to the foam created when the wind hits the water, making it appear white. Backed with beautifully coloured and textured high cliffs, it has unblemished surroundings with a dramatic effect. The beach has golden sand that is soft and fine, and the sea bed is also sandy but with some rocks dotted around – so watch your step! This is an official nudist beach and a really alternative place to go and live the real Ibiza.
Tips:
If you want to see a different beach landscape, with dark sand (something unusual on this otherwise white island,) you should come here.
You will need to walk up a big hill to get here, but it’s worth it.
There is paid parking at the end of the road.
Go to Yucas Chiringito for refreshments, frequented by all the beach locals.
Location: 10 minutes drive from San Carlos
Getting there: Reached only by car. On the road from San Carlos to cala Vicente, turn right at the Aigües Blanques sign. If you follow the lane straight on, you come to the middle of the beach where there is a parking area (small fee) at the top of the cliff; the access to the beach is down a steep way and some steps.
BEACH BARS AND RESTAURANTS
You can grab a drink and a bite at one of the two beach bars lining the sand. At the south end of the beach there is the much-loved Chirinquito frequented by the hippy fraternity, locals and holidaymakers alike. It’s charmingly rustic and serves very tasty bocadillos and other snacks. It’s always packed, so mornings are the best time to get one of their ramshackle, coconut-umbrella shaded tables.
PLAYA D'EN BOSSA
This is the longest and most visited beach on Ibiza, as it offers a huge variety of places to experience, all along the same sandy stretch. Depending on what part you choose to visit, you can find everything from quiet, secluded spots to busier bases where club nights are showcased; and from local hangouts to beach club parties (like Nassau and Bora Bora.) Plus, with facilities ranging from Balinese beds to watersport rentals, the list really is endless! There are excellent watersports facilities including stand-up paddle, catamaran, jet ski and plenty of fun water toys.
By night, Playa d’en Bossa becomes the focus of the island’s clubbing crowd. Superclubs Ushuaïa and Hï Ibiza are some of the island’s most popular venues attracting A-list DJs every night. If you are looking for a more intimate, underground vibe, Sankeys is a must visit. Playa d’en Bossa has loads of cool bars to enjoy a pre-club cocktail. .A must-see beach where you can have a wide range of experiences depending on your mood.
Tips:
We recommend staying in a hotel in this area, as you can find reasonable prices for Ibiza here.
The family side is the closest stretch of sand to Ibiza city.
Location: Directly in the resort of Playa d’en Bossa.
Getting there: Reached by car, bicycle, or bus from Ibiza Town, only 4 kms away. Parking is fairly easy as there are dedicated car parks along the length of the beach, usually close to popular restaurants, though these do fill up in peak season.
CALA TARIDA BEACH
A sheltered bay at the tiny resort of Cala tarida with the longest and widest beach of fine white sand on this side of the island. The clean, clear waters over a sandy bottom are shallow to quite a way out on the right, deeper and more rocky to the left. The colours of the sea here are truly magnificent; turquoise, azure blue and emerald green.
Behind the beach are well-urbanised hills with the hotel club just behind, the convenience of this making Cala Tarida a popular family beach. There are also shops right on the beach to buy inflatables, snorkel gear and beach balls if sunbaking just doesn’t cut it for you. If you’re looking for a solitary spot, there are some small hidden coves north of the beach with a selection of interestingly shaped rocks to swim out to.
Facilities: Sunbeds, parasols, restaurants, bars, lifeguards.
Getting there: Reached by car or ferry in the summer season, follow signposts from San Antonio or San Jose. Parking in dedicated spaces.
FIGUERETAS BEACH
The beach of Figueretas is a well-made, centrally-located beach, divided into smaller parts by rocky piers, creating great areas for children to play in by day and convenient piers to fish from in the evening. The whole bay is bordered by a beautiful palm fringed promenade.
During the summer Figueretas beach is busy with holidaymakers and locals alike. Small ferries go to Ibiza Town and Playa den Bossa and there are a good many boat trips that go from here, including those that go to Formentera. In the evening the promenade comes alive with people strolling along, the setting up of small stands selling jewellery and souvenirs. You will also see many happy diners enjoying their dinner on outside terraces watching other people pass by.
Facilities: Promenade, loungers, parasols, showers, access for the disabled, restaurants, bars, shops
Activities: Kayak, SUP (Stand Up Paddle), boat trips (book activities in Figueretas).
Getting there: Located in the middle of the Figueretas suburb of Ibiza Town. Easily reached on foot (ca. 15 minutes from the centre of Ibiza town), by bus and in summer also by ferry.
SA CALETA BEACH
To the east of Cala Jondal and reached by an unsurfaced access road, the beach of Sa Caleta, also named Es Bol Nou, is in an absolutely beautiful setting. The beach is backed by dramatic red cliffs, creating a feeling of seclusion compounded by its horse-shoe shape. This sandy beach has very shallow, clear water, making it ideal for families and younger children, and also a great spot for snorkelling. Sa Caleta is very popular with the locals at the weekend and, being only small, it can get very full.
Tip: This picturesque cove, lined with rustic fishermen’s sheds, is also home to the ruins of the first Phoenician settlement on Ibiza dating back to 654 BCE. Declared a world heritage site in 1999, it is free to look around with plenty of historical information available. Walk up to the top of the cliff on the left hand side.
Facilities: Sunbeds, parasols, restaurant, massage, beach boutique
Activities: Relaxation, snorkeling.
Getting there: Reached by car, on the road from Ibiza Town, past the airport towards Cala Jondal. Parking is on rough ground close to the beach and can be very busy in August. Or take \n 26 bus, 4 times a day in summer, on the route Ibiza Town – San José – Cala Vadella (get off at the stop ‘La Caleta’ and walk 10 minutes to the beach).
BARS AND RESTAURANTS
There is one restaurant here, which shares the name of Sa Caleta. Beautifully decorated in a rustic nautical theme, this seafood-focused eatery is popular amongst locals and open all year round. In high summer a masseur also sets up shop in front, just at the entrance to the beach.
CALA GRACIO BEACH
Situated far enough outside of San Antonio to keep the masses away, but near enough to walk, you reward is Cala Gracio, a somewhat typical Ibiza beach, whose delicate sand and pristine water mean you’re likely to make this one you visit again. The nearby hotels are hidden and don’t overlook the beach, allowing a rare sense of privacy and seclusion so close to the activity of San Antonio.
It really is the perfect beach for children, thanks to its safety, being a deep cove there are no extreme waves or currents. The beach itself is a slightly unusual shape, being much deeper than it is wide and sloping gently into the sea. When sea and sand is not enough for the kids, there are some boat houses, shacks, rocky areas and, of course, pine trees for exploring together. For the more adventurous types, the rocky areas also provide a good spot for snorkeling.
Tip: A short walk around the line of the coast from Cala Gracio and you find Cala Gracioneta, a tiny beach with all the same characteristics as its bigger neighbour but with an intimacy many only dream of. Cala Gracioneta is home to El Chiringuito, the beach bar and restaurant, brought to you by the respected Mambo Group. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a sundowner cocktail or tasty meal in the evenings. Look out for nights with live music, with everything from flamenco fusion to contemporary Latin pop jazz.
Location: 2 km north of San Antonio
Facilities: Loungers, parasols, showers, lifeguards, access for the disabled, restaurants, bar
Getting there: There is no need to stress about bus or boat timetables, since it is only a 15-minute walk (approx 2km) from the centre of San Antonio. Otherwise, there is easy car and bus access and small ferry boats go there from San Antonio. Parking is available near to Cala Gracio, or clients of the restaurant El Chiringuito can park there for free.
BEACH BARS AND RESTAURANTS
There is the Cala Gracio beach bar on the sand at the back of the cove that serves refreshments, drinks and snacks all day. Not as cheap as a kiosk, but a very special spot. Away from the beach, there are also a couple of restaurants nearby. And of course a short walk away there is Cala Gracioneta’s fabulous El Chiringuito, mentioned above.
