Ibiza experiences roughly 300 days of sunshine each year, and it boasts 80 beaches to keep up with the demand. Some of these are affected by prevailing winds that bring waves worthy of body or wind surfing, while others are tranquil sun-traps with serene waters.
San Antonio
San Antonio is average beach-wise. You’re better to head to Coastline Café on the sunset strip to chill out in the surrounds of their magnificent pools bordered by the sea. There are always a few bikini-clad skanks still dancing as if they are in a club to either; a) ogle at if you’re male, b) scowl at if you’re female.
Cala Xaracca
If a quiet, tranquil vibe is what you yearn for, head north to Cala Xaracca. The beach is surrounded by imposing cliffs and translucent waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkelling. You can even hire water bikes and explore the coast, taking breaks as needed on the tiny deserted beaches.
Las Salinas
Named after the salt flats, Salinas is a 1,500 metre long beach at the southern-most tip of the island. It is bordered by pine trees and attracts its fair share of nudists – some hot some not. Strangely, even when conditions are overcast the sun may still shine on Salinas. Sit near one of the bars and you can have cocktails brought out to you as you laze on your sunlounge. The sunlounges cost an arm and a leg – as do the cocktails – but you’re worth it. Sip on the same one all day and feel like royalty. Situated 10km from Ibiza Town and 6kms from Playa D’en Bossa, you can catch a bus and position yourself as close to or as far away from the tunes as you desire.
Es Cavallet
Head past the pirate tower from Las Salinas toward Playa D’en Bossa and you’ll discover Es Cavallet. The beach is an unspoilt 30-40 metre stretch of powdery sand. Brace yourself though, as this is the island’s official nude bathing beach. It attracts a largely homosexual population and is strictly for the open-minded. Within the Salinas nature reserve and fringed by sand dunes, if you stumble upon it without prior knowledge it can be a bit of a shock. I bet those dunes could tell some stories!
Playa D’en Bossa
Playa D’en Bossa is more renowned for being home to Bora Bora bar, the place to go before Space, after Space, or if you’re refused entry into Space. The beach lies directly under the flight path of all planes descending on Ibiza and munters seem to enjoy clapping every time they see a plane. If it’s relaxation you seek, give this beach a miss. Noise pollution here takes on many forms and sun worshippers frequently launch from their prone position to whoop in appreciation of the beats. The price of sunlounges is, once again, exorbitant, so arrive early to maximise value. As the parasols cost extra, it’s wise (and entertaining!) to head into Bora Bora bar when you need to get out of the sun.
