White Isle wonders: Ibiza's best beaches & bays

Ross Clarke

Ibiza^* might be known as the White Isle thanks to its iconic whitewashed houses and architecture, but it could easily take its moniker from its glorious white sand beaches, of which there are more than eighty.

Aerial view of Cala Bassa, Ibiza © Javier Duran - Adobe Stock Image

While this particular Balearic Island might have had a reputation for hedonism and the party scene in years gone by (and that still goes on if you're looking for it), in recent times, it's reinvented itself as the ultimate wellness destination.

And it's easy to see why. With a year-round temperate climate, multiple sandy coves and beaches, and plenty of spaces to chill out, Ibiza really is the place to relax, refresh and revive. With that in mind, our expert rounds up the best beaches in Ibiza, whatever your travel type.

Getting to Ibiza: check out the latest offers from British Airways on flights^* and holidays to Ibiza^*, which operate year-round from both London Heathrow and London City.

Cala Bassa

As one of the best-known beaches on the island, Cala Bassa is not for those who want the sand to themselves. But, if you like your beach with a side of style and atmosphere, then this is the place for you.

The water here is swimming-pool calm and clear and the beach is backed by pine and juniper trees. Perhaps the best part of this cove though is its amenities.

There is a beach club, multiple restaurants and beach bars to sate your thirst and appetite as you lounge among the day-trippers who've taken the boat from nearby Sant Antoni.

Port de Sant Miquel

This protected cove on the island's north coast is ideal for families and those wanting a mix of beach and activities. The sea here is Bombay Sapphire blue and wonderfully gentle, making it perfect for splashing around with the kids.

You can also rent pedalos and kayaks meaning there's something for all the family. The beach is relatively compact but there's a small resort behind it, where you'll find shops, bars and restaurants for some much-needed shade when the summer sun is at full strength.

Es Cavallet

This gorgeous kilometre stretch of natural, fine, white sand is one of the best places to top up your tan on Ibiza. Be mindful that there's not a lot of shade here, so take plenty of SPF and a parasol, or rent one while you're there.

This is the most popular spot for LGBTQ travellers looking to sunbathe and socialise around the famous Chiringay beach bar.

The water here is beautifully crystalline for when temperatures start to soar and you need to cool off. On your way here, you'll also pass the scenic salt flats and sand dunes.

Talamanca

Just a pebble's throw from Ibiza Town, Talamanca Beach is one of the most accessible beaches on the island with its wooden boardwalk stretching its full 400-metre length.

There are plenty of services and amenities here too including showers, lockers and lifeguards. If you get peckish, head to one of the many places to eat that line the promenade, such as The Fish Shack (aka Chiringuito de María) which sells freshly cooked fish (think sardines, tuna and swordfish) caught just off the coast.

Platja de Santa Eulària

This resort beach has a very shallow gradient making it ideal for bathers and paddlers of all ages and abilities. It was the first beach in the Balearic Islands to be certified for accessibility purposes with sea access for disabled people including an amphibious wheelchair.

This is also a great place for watersports including snorkelling and kayaking. If you tire of the sun, head up into the town of Santa Eulària (Santa Eulalia) for markets, art galleries and shops.

Punta Galera

While this might not look very much like a beach, it is a popular bay to go sunbathing. The cliffs here have been weathered and eroded to create flat shelves or platforms, perfect for uninterrupted tanning.

If you get too hot, you simply need to slip straight into the water from the rocks. Head there after the midday sun to enjoy the warmth of the stones underneath you and stay for sunset when the cliffs take on a beautiful burnt orange colour and the sun gently disappears over the inky horizon.

Cala Carbó

A secluded little cove on Ibiza's west coast, Cala Carbó is one for those looking to get away from it all. Enjoy the laid-back way of life here, whether that's basking in the sun, floating in the clear seawater, or casting a fishing line off the rocky outcrops that hug either side of the beach.

You'll probably want to pack a picnic and spend the day, although there are two popular seafood restaurants here serving excellent rice dishes.

S'Aigua Blanca

Fans of the all-over tan should make a beeline for Aguas Blancas. It's one of the official nudist beaches on the island and very popular with locals, who enjoy the privacy afforded by the high cliffs that surround the beach.

It can get refreshingly breezy at times, so take your bodyboard to make the most of the swells. Do as the locals, and mix some of the silty cliff mud with water to create a purifying body mask before washing it off with a revitalising swim.

Cala Benirrás

Once famous for its sunset drumming ceremony each Sunday, this small cove on Ibiza's northwest coast has long attracted a laid-back, hippy crowd. The many rocks in the bay are rich with sea life, making this a top spot for snorkellers.

There's a small market here most days selling homemade clothes, jewellery and souvenirs. A few beach hut bars and restaurants are at hand, often frequented by those dropping yacht anchors in the bay.

Weather in Ibiza

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C	15	15	16	18	22	26	29	29	27	23	19	16
Hours of sunshine (daily)	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	10	8	7	6	5
Days with some rainfall	14	12	12	10	8	5	3	5	6	11	11	13
Sea temperature °C	15	14	15	16	18	22	25	26	25	22	19	16

The above shows the weather in Ibiza Town. You can find out more about conditions across the island with our complete guide to the weather in Ibiza.

Ready to hit the beach? See the latest offers on flights and holidays with British Airways.

More about Ibiza

Ibiza by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Ross Clarke

Ross Clarke is a Welsh travel, food and wine writer, specialising in his homeland, the Canary Islands and mainland Spain. As well as writing regularly for The Times, BBC Travel and National Geographic Traveller, Ross is a lecturer in journalism at Cardiff University and publishes a regular newsletter, "The Welsh Kitchen".

Posted on Friday 23rd September 2022 in: Beach Europe Nature Summer

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Ibiza - quick facts
Flight time^✝	2.5 hours
Time difference	UK +1 hour
Language(s)	Spanish
Currency	Euro
Electricity	C plug (230V)
Driving side	Right
Why visit?	Beaches Nature Nightlife
Tourist info	Ibiza Tourist Board