10 Best Beaches in Ibiza

Soft, white sand stretches along 3 km of shoreline at Playa d’en Bossa, creating one of Ibiza’s most popular beaches. Just 4 km from the Old Town of Ibiza and easily reached by public transport or bike, this beach caters for families and party-goers alike. Sun loungers are scattered along the shore throughout summer while the beach enjoys blissfully vacant stretches through the winter.

Clear waters and a shallow sea bed make for the ideal location for children to play games as well as offering the largest variety of watersports anywhere on the island. Take a late-afternoon stroll to the watchtower at the far end before returning to enjoy sundowners at one of the many beach bars peppered along the promenade.

Nestled among rocky paths and lush pine forests rests the sheltered bay of Cala Xarraca. Crystalline waters boast an abundance of aquatic life that will enthral snorkelers as they explore life below the surface. Relatively secluded and not yet on the radar of most travellers, you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled upon your own private slice of beach in the Island’s north.

Skirted by rocky red cliffs, there are a number of walking paths surrounding the beach, with the sparkling waters in the bay below a welcome sight after some exploring. Make your way to the left of the main beach to treat yourself to a truly relaxing experience in the naturally occurring mud baths set among the rocky outcrops.

The longest expanse of fine, white sand on the west of the island belongs to Cala Tarida. The resort area is best known for its clean emerald waters and family-friendly shores, which are characterised by a shallow, sandy bottom on the right side of the beach. Uninterrupted views extend out across the ocean thanks to the wide mouth of the bay.

There’s no shortage of activity at Cala Tarida, with beach volleyball and snorkelling popular among those who are quickly done with sunbathing. You can also learn to dive here, with a dive school making the most of the interesting rock formations in and around the bay.

Those up for a small challenge will be graciously rewarded with the pink-gold sands and turquoise waters of Cala Saladeta. Visible from the neighbouring bay of Cala Salada, those seeking to soak up the more intimate atmosphere of this small beach will need to climb over the rocky divide between the beaches. The task of scaling the terrain means you’ll share the beach with a mostly adult crowd.

While the beach doesn’t offer tourist amenities or chiringuitos (beach bars), you can find yourself a freshly made mojito from a local vendor. For the best way to make the most of the serenity of Cala Saladeta, pack a picnic lunch, perch under an umbrella, and while away an afternoon frolicking in the shimmering waters.

Conveniently located just 15 minutes from Ibiza Old Town and the most cosmopolitan of the island’s beaches, Talamanca offers the ultimate beach day. Brimming with tourist amenities from massages, sun loungers and umbrellas to lifeguards, showers and lockers, you’ll be in comfort at Talamanca.

The wooden promenade features an array of excellent beach bars and restaurants for when swimming has worked up an appetite. Watch the sunset from the dining terrace of Can Bof before tucking into a delicious seafood feast with a special nod to the local salted cod, finished with a side of cheese and homemade fig jam.

Sa Caleta is best known for its distinguishable red-rock cliffs contrasted against aquamarine waters in the horseshoe-shaped bay. It’s highly popular among locals on weekends and can fill quickly in the summer. Shallow waters make for the ideal playground for small children and snorkelers in search of sea life.

Just beyond the rustic fishing sheds above the cove you can find ruins belonging to the first Phoenician settlement in Ibiza. Dating back to around 650 BC the area was listed as a World Heritage site in 1999. Walk to the top of the cliff on the left side of the bay to explore the ruins for an injection of culture.

If your idea of Ibiza revolves around beach bars, dance clubs and pulsing bass lines, Ses Salines is the best for you. Located at the southernmost point of the island and named after the nearby salt lakes of the region, Ses Salines is widely regarded as one of the best beach party hotspots in Ibiza. It’s also known as Las Salinas Beach, but the meaning remains the same.

Pleasure-seekers particularly favour the parties at the lively Sa Trinxa, dancing the day and night away. When the winds pick up, swimmers can make the most of the waves by bodysurfing. On calmer days, make use of the stand-up paddleboards and kayaks available for hire.

Tucked away at the end of a rocky valley you’ll find the spectacular beach of Benirras. Incredibly clear waters and light pebble and sand-blend shores make this beach a talking point, not only for the scenery but also for the atmosphere. The sheltered cove is a favourite spot for private yachts and small motorboats to anchor.

On Sunday evenings in summer, crowds descend upon the beach for the iconic hippy ritual of the sunset tribal drumming session. Nearby, a local boho market sells a selection of boho chic-inspired art, crafts and jewellery.

Water laps gently against a mix of sand and rocks across the 3 smaller beaches at Portinatx – S’Arenal Gros, S’Arenal Petit and Playa Porto. When other beaches across the island are jam-packed in the height of summer, escaping to the fine white sands of this bay is ideal. The resort is most popular with families due to the accessibility of the beach from nearby hotels, apartments and a number of restaurants in the area.

Perfect for panoramic views, Portinatx offers a number of scenic walks and spectacular opportunities for photos. Beach huts flank the sea’s edge with a lighthouse tucked away in the far cove at the end of the third smaller beach at Portinatx.

Surrounded by jagged cliffs and fragrant pines, you’ll find the picturesque beach of Cala Jondal. One of Ibiza’s more up-market beaches, it’s popular with fashionistas and party-seekers alike. The ideal location for anchoring for the day to immerse yourself in the azure waters, superyachts claim their stake before visitors make their way to shore for all-day dining and cocktails.

For those looking for a quieter experience, the far end of the beach is more suitable for young families who can enjoy splashing around in the glittering waters. Those in search of a more relaxed meal will be pleased to find plenty of chiringuitos peppered along the pebbly shores.