The waters that lap Ibiza’s coast glitter like jewels, varying from shades of rich sapphire to striking emerald. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot beneath pine-topped cliffs, want to join the fashionable set on the sands, or are looking for the perfect sunset viewpoint, there is a beach for everyone. Coves, known as calas, feature slivers of sand tucked between rocky cliffs, and the longer the walk to reach them, the fewer people you’ll share them with. Then there are the crescent bays with shallow waters, perfect for families, and beach clubs where grand Bali beds and waiter service are the order of the day.
Main photo: Es Cavallet beach (Alamy)
1. Agua Blancas, Sant Carles de Peralta
One of the first spots to see the sun rise on Ibiza, this northern beauty is all golden sands and turquoise waters backed by pine-draped cliffs. There’s a relatively steep walk to get there, but that helps keep the crowds away. It’s actually one of Ibiza’s few naturist beaches, although there is generally a mix of clothed and not. The cliffs cast a shadow across the sand in the afternoon, so this is an ideal spot if you’ve had your fill of Balearic sunshine.
Café Y
Family-friendly N
2. Benirras, Sant Joan de Labritja
A curve of pebbly sands and crystalline waters on the northwest coast, this beach is renowned for its sunsets. Go on a Sunday and soak up the hippie vibe as drummers gather, creating hypnotic rhythms as the sun melts into the horizon (parking is a challenge so best arrive early and make a day of it). With sun loungers, parasols and chiringuito beach bars, you’ll have everything you need for the day.
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Café Y
Family-friendly Y
3. Cala Bassa, Sant Josep de sa Talaia
A beautiful wide bay on the west coast fringed by palms and pine trees, this beach is a favourite with both tourists and locals. Arrive by car — there is plenty of parking — or boat from San Antonio to find fine white sand and shallow waters of deep blue. The Cala Bassa Beach Club is the place for gourmet lunches tucked among the trees.
Café Y
Family-friendly Y
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4. Cala Boix, Santa Eulalia
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Uniquely, the sands on this beach are darker than on the rest of the island, but the waters are just as blue, creating a pretty contrast. Embraced by pine-topped cliffs with steps down to the sand, it feels like a protected spot, ideal for families. There’s a lifeguard, and sun lounger and parasol rental. For lunch, hike back up to the clifftop to try one of the three restaurants perched above the beach.
Café Y
Family-friendly Y
5. Cala Carbó, Sant Josep de sa Talaia
This sheltered cove is tucked into the rocks, with serene waters of brilliant turquoise and a mix of golden sand and pebbles. There is limited parking nearby, and sun loungers with parasols for rent, making it a good spot for families. Locals also love to come here for Sunday lunches at the two beach restaurants, which do a brisk trade in paella and fresh seafood; it’s worth booking ahead.
Café Y
Family-friendly Y
6. Cala Jondal, Sant Josep de sa Talaia
This wide cove is the favoured hangout of yachties and lucky holidaymakers staying in the homes dotted in the hills behind the beach. Take your pick from the trendy beach restaurants or enjoy a little hedonistic fun at the famous Blue Marlin beach club. It’s naturally a pebble beach, but often the beach clubs add sand to make it easy to paddle into the clear waters — and what waters they are: gleaming blue-green against the honeyed cliffs.
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Café Y
Family-friendly N
7. Cala d’en Serra, Sant Joan de Labritja
Tucked up in the northwest corner of the island and dwarfed by soaring cliffs, this little crescent of sand manages to escape the tourist hordes. Don your snorkel and explore the marine life around the rocks, admire the fishermen’s huts and grab a refreshing drink from the little bar. This is Ibiza at its natural best; just prepare yourself for the steep walk down and the winding drive to get there.
Café Y
Family-friendly N
8. Cala d´Hort, Sant Josep de sa Talaia
The 400m-high rocky islet of Es Vedrà can be viewed in all its glory from this dinky beach, a mix of sand and pebbles. If the wind’s up, expect to see bodyboarders enjoying the surf. Sun loungers can be rented, there are lifeguards, and a clifftop restaurant serves fantastic fish dishes.
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Café Y
Family-friendly Y
9. Cala Mastella, Santa Eulalia
Pebbles, pines and pristine waters — that’s the sum of this little-known cove. The yachting set like to arrive by boat for lunch at the beach restaurant (legend has it the former king of Spain was once turned away for not having a reservation). But other than that, it’s quiet and natural, with sandy stretches, a smattering of sun loungers and a peaceful ambience that locals and long-time residents love.
Café Y
Family-friendly N
10. Sant Miquel, Port de Sant Miquel
Families love this spot for shallow waters, soft golden sands and multiple options for lunch and drinks. A few small resorts are dotted in the hills overlooking the bay, and it’s a popular spot for weekend lunch with restaurants, bars and shops. For a more secret side to Sant Miquel, walk through the pines to the hidden chiringuito, Utopia, serving fresh sardines and seafood on a separate little beach.
Café Y
Family-friendly Y
11. Es Cavallet, Sant Josep de sa Talaia
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From this white-sand beach you can look back to Ibiza Town and across to Formentera, with lovely rolling waves and dunes. There’s a little of everything here; it is one of the island’s official nudist beaches and gay-friendly too, with a scene focused around beach restaurant Chiringay to the south. Kite-surfers come for the wind and waves and the occasional A-lister is not unheard of at the stylish beach bar and restaurant El Chiringuito.
Café Y
Family-friendly N
12. Las Salinas, Ses Salines Natural Park
The far southern tip of the island is where the beautiful people congregate. They come for the 1.5km of fine white sands, crystal-clear waters and pine-tree backdrop. It’s also where you will find beach bars playing chilled tunes and trendy restaurants such as Jockey Club and Sa Trinxa. Grab a daybed or enjoy the water sports and relaxed party vibe just a few kilometres from Ibiza Town and busy Playa d’En Bossa.
Café Y
Family-friendly N
13. Sa Caleta, Sant Josep de sa Talaia
Some beaches dazzle with more colours than others. Sa Caleta is one of them, with rust-red cliffs, pale sands and waters a delicate hue of aquamarine. The beach is small and gets busy in the summer months but, with beautiful shallow waters and the ruins of the island’s first Phoenician settlement set on top of the cliffs, it’s quite the showstopper. Enjoy the views and tranquillity and book lunch at the restaurant of the same name.
Café Y
Family-friendly Y
14. Ses Balandres, Santa Agnès de Corona
It’s an adventure to reach this unspoilt pebble beach, involving a vertiginous narrow path, a wooden ladder, rope supports and some scrambling (wear closed shoes). But it’s all part of the charm and well worth it for the clarity of the water awaiting you at the foot of the cliffs. Just make sure you bring all your food and drinks with you.
Café N
Family-friendly N
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