IBIZA ISLAND - BEACHES


Ibiza`s coastline offers beaches to suit all tastes, from isolated coves to bask in the sun, to continue partying from the night before, or to relax in a family friendly place. Ibiza`s coastline is made up mostly of small calas (coves) with only a few long beaches such as Ses Salines, Es Cavallet or Platja d`en Bossa. You will find varying types of beaches in Ibiza from fine sand to pebbles or rock like the mythic Punta Galera. Some beaches are developed for tourism where as other are completely virgin and wild. Most Ibiza beaches are perfect for snorkeling where the Mediterranean marine life is easily observed through goggles. Another great features of many beaches in Ibiza are the `chiringuitos` or beach bars, where you can buy cool drink or eat `bocadillos` which are perfect for a lunch time snack. These chiringuitos will often play chilled music which is great while lying and enjoying the sun.

After the party (and before), you need to know where to go and chill out during the day; remember to bring your sunglasses, although nowadays they`re more `de rigueur` on the club terrace at sunrise, than on the beach at midday. Ibiza has some truly beautiful beaches and they are also among the cleanest in the Mediterranean, with the Balearics usually picking up prestigious Blue Flags from the EU Commission for the Environment.

Ibiza Beach Tips
The sun is at its hottest at 2pm and for many a good time to find some shade or eat lunch.
If you see that no one is swimming when you arrive to a beach, ask if there are jellyfish (Medusas in Spanish) as over the past few years there has been a lot, especially in smaller coves where they get trapped. The jellyfish or `medusas` wield a nasty sting which you will remember for a few days.
If you are not already a bronzed god like creature, take sunscreen and put it on. This will avoid people mistaking you for a lobster when returning from a day at the beach.
If you do explore the island and find a secluded corner of the island, you`ll probably find that there is nowhere to leave your rubbish, so please take it away with you.

PARTY BEACHES

Platja d`en Bossa
Ibiza`s most famous party beach takes traditional beach bars to a new level. Home to the infamous Space and Bora Bora bar, Platja d`en Bossa is the place for danceaholics. We`re talking serious, hardcore partying 24 hours a day. Not for the fainthearted!
Platja ses Figueretes
Ibiza Town`s most conveniently located beach is not the world`s prettiest beach but is a popular spot with tons of beach bars and a constant buzz all summer long.
Platja ses Salines
Touted as the top Ibiza beach, Ses Salines is an attractive place to spend the day with clean water and perfect white sand. Named after the salt lakes in the south of Ibiza, this mile-long crescent of sand on the southernmost tip of the island is bordered by a small pine forest. It has also become the place to be seen on the island and is definitely worth a little excursion south of Ibiza Town. The partying is not as manic as on Platja d`en Bossa, making it the perfect spot to perfect your tan, sip a cocktail and mingle with the beautiful people whilst the DJ pumps out laid back tunes. There are plenty of buses from Ibiza Town. In a car, follow signs to the airport and then, at the roundabout by the Hippodrome, take the second turning to Salinas and follow the signs.
Platja d`es Cavallet
Very popular with gay visitors, this rugged and wild looking sandy beach is home to some funky beach bars and a lot of nudity. If you`re coming from Ibiza Town, Playa d`es Cavallet is just before the turn off for Ses Salines.
San Antonio Beach
The government`s plan to make San Antonio de Portmany more beautiful mainly centered on the creation of a `perfect` beach right in the centre of the town. The result is white sand, palm trees and a lot of people. Definitely a convenient stop if you`re staying in San An, the beach is always lively and is lined with touristy bars and restaurants.
Cala Conta
These beaches just west of San Antonio de Portmany come highly recommended. The motto here is not just party, party, party and many families come to enjoy the nice surroundings. However, the beach is home to some cool beach bars and attracts a trendy, fun loving crowd.
Santa Eularia Beach
As with many of the beaches located in the cities, Santa Eularia beach is a bit of an eyesore, none the less, there are plenty of bars, great water sports and lots of people enjoying sun, sea and fun together.
Niu Blau
Niu Blau strikes the perfect balance. The stunning cove embodies what beaches are all about really - sand, clean water and great sunsets. It is truly relaxed during the day, but at night often hosts some amazing beach parties - perfect if you fancy a change from the clubs. Niu Blau is just a stone`s throw (north) from Santa Eularia.
Cala Llonga
One of the hotspots on any clubber`s agenda - Cala Llonga is a thriving beach resort minus the slabs of concrete dropped on the likes of San Antonio, making it a prettier place to spend the day. Located just south from Santa Eularia, Cala Llonga is packed in the summer and has a busy, buzzing vibe and lots of amenities.
Playa Porto, S`arenal Gros, S`arenal Petit
These are the most accessible bays if you are in Portinatx. For a beach resort, they are really pretty and the hotels which surround them have gone some way to not ruin the vistas. In the summer months these beaches are heaving with people - a less party crazed crowd than the island`s other resorts, but a fun loving atmosphere all the same.
Benirrás
Just a stone`s throw from Portinatx, Cala Benirrás is up there with Ses Salines in Ibiza`s top beaches. This is not for hardcore partying but more for those of you that enjoy watching the sunset whilst dancing to the rhythmic patter of bongos. By day this beach is a relaxed, family friendly spot but at sunset the hippies arrive to spread the love (and the beer). A truly perfect way to spend an evening if you want a breather from the mayhem of Ibiza`s clubs.


RELAXING BEACHES

If you`re looking for a secluded sandy spot or an non-commercialized bit of coastline you need to get out of the big resorts in Ibiza. However, that does not mean to say that they are necessarily miles away from where you might be staying - in fact, nothing is too far away in Ibiza. With a rental car or a local bus service, you can get away from the masses in half an hour.
Platja de Talamanca
Just a tiny bit further up the coast from Ibiza town, this is a perfectly located beach if you want to escape the clubbers and the bars which are commonplace on most of the other beaches in the area. Talamanca is popular with families and is not a secret getaway; however, it is a safe, accessible, sandy option for some relaxed beach action.
Cala Llenya
This little cove is a favorite with locals and is located just up from the Santa Eularia resort. There is a mixture of sand and rocks at this untouched and attractive spot. Not so highly recommended for young children, but it`s perfect for couples or groups of friends looking for a bit of peace and quiet.
Cala Mastella
Within easy striking distance from Santa Eularia, Cala Mastella is an idyllic spot especially for those who like snorkeling. Amenities are few and far between here, so bring your own lunch! There is a famous fish restaurant in the cove (make sure you reserve in person the day before you plan to eat there).
Cala Pada
A cute, sandy beach just a stone`s throw from Santa Eularia, Cala Pada is recommended for those in search of a totally untouched little gem of a beach.
Niu Blau
This great sandy beach is a beautiful, tranquil place to spend the days and is easily accessible from Santa Eularia, however, after the sun goes down it often springs into action with beach parties. This reputation means it tends to attract a younger crowd.
Cala Moli
If you`re based at San Antonio de Portmany and want to escape the noise of the city, this is a perfect choice. You need a car to get here and it`s a bit tricky to find so is only recommended to those who are confident on the roads. However, this means that is never gets too packed which is what keeps it so special.
Cala Salada
This is another popular choice with clubbed out clubbers and families alike. The secret is out and this cove does get pretty full during the summer months so it isn`t an isolated option, nonetheless, it has a nice chilled out vibe and feels very safe. Cala Salada is just north of San Antonio de Portmany and whilst the main beach is generally busy, the northern cove is a lot quieter.
Benirrás
This incredible beach manages to enchant all types of people. It doesn`t get too busy during the day when families and friends come to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and nice water. At sunset it is famous for attracting hippies who bang on their bongos into the night, attracting those who want to while away their evening in an extremely relaxed fashion. Benirrás is most easily accessible from San Miguel inland and Portinatx along the coast.
Cala Xuclar
Located a tiny way west from Portinatx, Cala Xuclar is undoubtedly one of the best Ibiza beaches for enjoying some beautiful scenery without too much company. The beach tends to attract locals but it is suitable for everyone, just be warned there are not many facilities here so come prepared!
Cala Xarraca
Right next to Xuclar you will find another perfect little cove to explore - Cala Xarraca makes a great getaway from Portinatx. There are more pebbles than sand, but there is some great snorkeling to be had here and a lovely day out for everyone.
Cala Jondal, San José
Of the 80 beaches in Ibiza, Cala Jondal is the most relaxed. Set in a secluded bay, with some of the most atmospheric bars and restaurants, Cala Jondal feels serene, sophisticated and happening all at the same time. Housed in a conservation area and overlooked by pine-clad hills, it offers a 20-yard deep slab of sand and pebbles. Cala Jondal is on the south-west tip of the island, 25 minutes by car from Ibiza Town or 35 minutes from San Antonio. Take the road from the airport towards Sa Caleta. A few hundred yards after you pass the bay of Sa Caleta, turn left and follow the signposts.
Cala D`Hort, near Cala Vadella
In the south-west of the island, the beach is a broad arch of fine, white sand with a mesmerizing view of the volcano-shaped Es Vedra rock. Gaze out to sea towards Es Vedra. Perhaps you`ll have a mystical experience. But if not, you could try to spot an Eleonora`s falcon – there is a colony of them in the rocks near here. Looks a bit like a female Peregrine, if that helps at all.
Nudism the norm on many beaches, particularly quieter ones, but there is no pressure to disrobe.