Best Beaches in Ibiza: Coves, Sands and Sunset Spots

Ibiza has dozens of beaches, and the coast you pick shapes the day more than the beach itself. Small coves fill quickly in July and August, and roads to the popular ones jam by late morning, so arrive early or use the summer beach buses (our getting there guide covers buses and car hire).

West: coves and sunsets

Cala Comte (Platges de Comte) is a string of small sandy bays and flat rocks facing open sea and islets, the classic sunset spot. Parking along the access road is limited and fills by midday; the summer bus from Sant Antoni is easier. Cala Salada and its smaller neighbour Saladeta sit in a pine-wooded inlet north of Sant Antoni. From May to mid-October, Sant Antoni council controls car access during the day and only lets in as many cars as the car park holds; come by bus, by boat from Sant Antoni port, or on foot from the upper car park. Cala d'Hort is a pebbly bay with the rock island of Es Vedrà offshore, better for the view and a long lunch than for a swim day. Cala Bassa is a sheltered, pine-backed bay with beach clubs, popular with groups.

South: long sands and salt flats

Ses Salines and Es Cavallet lie inside the Ses Salines Natural Park, long stretches of pale sand backed by dunes and salt pans. Ses Salines has the fashionable beach bars; Es Cavallet is calmer and has a naturist section. Platja d'en Bossa, the island's longest beach, suits those staying for the clubs rather than anyone after quiet.

East: calm bays for families

Cala Llonga is a deep, sheltered bay with shallow water, the easiest choice with small children. Cala Nova, near Es Canar, is more open and gets waves when the wind blows from the east. Cala Mastella is a tiny inlet in the pines, best on a weekday morning.

North: quiet coves

Benirràs is known for its Sunday sunset drumming and for the rock in the bay locals call the Finger of God. Cala Xarraca is rocky, with clear water for snorkelling. Cala de Sant Vicent offers a full sandy beach in the far north-east, reached on a scenic drive. These coves suit travellers who skip the party coast, as the travel guide explains.

The seagrass in these waters is protected. Balearic law bans anchoring on Posidonia meadows, which are mapped by the regional government, and patrol boats check moored yachts in summer. On a hired boat, drop anchor only on sand or use a mooring buoy.