Ibiza has over fifty beaches, and the water is crystal clear thanks to the Posidonia seagrass meadows, a UNESCO site (see nature). Here are the best, by area. For the island see our Ibiza guide.
The south
- Ses Salines: the most famous beach, in the salt flats natural park, with fine sand, pines and fashionable beach clubs.
- Es Cavallet: next to Ses Salines, wilder, partly naturist and popular with gay visitors.
- Platja d'en Bossa: the island's longest beach, with big clubs and beach clubs (see nightlife).
- Talamanca and Figueretes, near the town.
The west and sunsets
- Cala Comte: turquoise water, islets and spectacular sunsets; very crowded in summer.
- Cala Bassa: a bay sheltered by pines and junipers, with calm water.
- Cala d'Hort: facing the islets of Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell, steeped in legend.
- Cala Tarida and Cala Vadella, ideal for families.
- Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta, near Sant Antoni, among the island's most beautiful.
The north
- Benirràs: famous for its Sunday sunset drum gathering, with the "Finger of God" rock.
- Cala Xarraca, Portinatx and Cala d'en Serra, small and quiet.
- Cala de Sant Vicent, wide and family-friendly.
The east
- Aigües Blanques, beneath cliffs, naturist.
- Cala Llonga, Es Canar, Cala Nova and Cala Mastella, with its fish restaurant on the rocks famous for bullit de peix.
Tips
- In July and August car parks at the most famous beaches, such as Cala Comte and Ses Salines, fill early: arrive by 10 am or take the bus.
- In some protected areas car access is restricted and parking is paid.
- Respect the Posidonia: don't anchor on the meadows and don't remove dead leaves from the beach, which protect it from erosion.
- For the most isolated coves bring water shoes and water; many are best reached by boat.
See also Formentera's beaches.