Known as the party island of the world, tourists flock to the white isle to dance and enjoy themselves every summer. But away from its lively nightlife, this Balearic Island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And there are plenty of options when it comes to beaches in Ibiza. From white powdery sandy bays with lively chiringuitos to isolated unspoilt coves and hippie havens, there is a beach in Ibiza to suit all tastes.
Read on to discover 10 of the most beautiful beaches in Ibiza:
1. Cala Conta (Platjes de Comte)
One of the most popular beaches in Ibiza, and for good reason! Platjes de Comte consists of three sandbanks, separated by rocky outcrops. The dramatic rock formations and soft sands look out to some little islands which are surrounded by turquoise waters, creating breath-taking views. One of the best sunsets in the south of the island, the beach bar Sunset Ashram gets very busy during the late afternoon as crowds gather to watch the sun go down whilst listening to some cool Balearic beats.
2. Benirrás
Benirrás is situated in the north of the island near San Miguel and is known for its spectacular sunsets and hippie spirit. The small cove is enclosed by pine covered cliffs and features some picturesque wooden fishing huts to one side. There are a couple of restaurants, a beach bar and a hippie boutique on Benirrás beach, and the usual sun umbrella and sunbeds are available for hire too.
Make sure to visit on a Sunday evening and watch the drummers perform as the sun drops below the ocean horizon. The carpark can get very busy on the lead up to sunset and once at capacity the local police usually close the road. It is recommended to arrive early or take the bus to avoid parking problems.
3. Ses Salines
No visit to Ibiza is complete without a beach day at Ses Salines. Located in a Natural Park, the beach here has powdery sand and crystal-clear water. And because of the salt flats nearby, the saline content is high, so it is the perfect place to float around in the sea. You will find a handful of restaurants and beach bars scattered along the beach. Although there are quieter areas to relax on this beach, it is worthy to note that the beach bars play cool Balearic dance tunes which attracts hordes of young tourists looking to party in the summer.
4. Sa Caleta
Also known as Es Bol Nou, Sa Caleta beach is enclosed by dramatic red cliffs. The horseshoe-shaped bay is tranquil and calm compared to other beaches in Ibiza, and the shallow, clear waters make it a perfect place to visit with kids. There is only one restaurant here, but it is rumoured to have some of the best seafood dishes on the island.
There is a path from the restaurant that leads to the top of the cliffs where you will find the tunnel of Sa Caleta. Walk through the gap in the rocks and admire the beautiful view over the bay! If you keep following the path you will eventually get to the ruins of a Phoenician settlement. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, it is also well worth a visit.
5. Cala Tarida
On the west coast of the island, near San Jose, you will find Cala Tarida. With shallow waters and lifeguards on duty, it is one of the best beaches in Ibiza for those with children. On the beach you will find umbrellas and sunbeds for rent and there are a couple of cafes and restaurants along the seafront. Numerous water sports are also available and there is a dive school in the area.
6. Cala d’Hort
Looking for a rugged and unspoilt beach? Then Cala d’Hort is for you! Sandy on one side and pebbly on the other, this small bay is extremely popular with the locals. Facing the magical Es Vedra rock, crowds flock here in the summer for the spectacular view. Make sure to arrive early to get a decent spot for the day. The beach is in a national park so the area is pretty undeveloped, but you will find a couple of restaurants serving quality seafood.
7. Cala Xarraca
A sheltered bay surrounded by rocky paths and green forests; this wild beach is devoid of crowds. A great place to snorkel or scuba dive, Cala Xarraca is the perfect beach for underwater lovers. You can also use it as a base to explore the smaller coves nearby which can be accessed by swimming or walking along the coastline. There is only one restaurant here so pack a picnic if you plan to stay all day.
8. Es Cavallet
Located near Ses Salines, you will find one of the island’s most popular nudist beaches, Es Callavet. Wild, natural and backed by sand dunes, this beach is one of the most beautiful in Ibiza. There are three restaurants on the beach, but if you don’t want to pay beach prices then we recommend you take a picnic. There is limited parking so try and get there early!
9. Cala Saladeta
Near San Antonio, this slice of paradise shares the limelight with its twin, Cala Salada. However, Cala Saladeta has no amenities, so it feels much more unspoilt. To get to Cala Saladeta, you need to follow a rocky trail from Cala Salada. Featuring clear waters and glistening white sand, this is the perfect spot to relax in quiet surroundings. Make sure you pack a picnic and some cool drinks for the day. The nearby Cala Salada has a beach restaurant, so you can always head back for a spot of lunch there if you need to.
10. Cala Bassa
Located on the west coast of Ibiza, Cala Bassa is surrounded by Sabina trees and is famous for its gorgeous white sand and some of the clearest water you’ll ever see. You can take part in water sports, and you will also find all the usual amenities available here. Accessible by bus or boat from nearby San Antonio, Bassa can get very busy in the high season.