Beaches East Intro |
The east coast offers the largest number of easily accessible beaches within the shortest stretch of coastline.
The lucky residents of Santa Eulalia, midway up the east coast, have a choice of over twenty beaches within five miles of their home. Almost any of those beaches is the perfect place to be on the eve of the full moon, as she rises out of the sea to the east. |
Aguas Blancas |
 Pine forests, almond trees anchored in red soil, steep rocky coast, hidden coves, crystalline waters - the island's northeast has managed to keep much of its countryside charm despite the boom in tourism. One of the most popular coves along this stretch of coast is Aguas Blancas, the other official nude beach on the island, but it isn't just the naturists who love the place. You'll see a whole lot of families with children, couples, individualists, yuppies, old hippies and bat and ball enthusiasts. This long sandy beach and the rustic charm of the two beach bars give the place a certain 'je nais sais quoi'. These two establishments are everything but chic and trendy. You don't need starched white tablecloths and chinaware to have a good time. Aguas Blancas is certainly no secret, which makes it all the more surprising that the beach has maintained its great atmosphere of relaxation and freedom. The icing on the cake is the view - the island of Tagomago rises up like an oasis on the shimmering sea. If you want peace and quiet then walk along the beach heading north and find a more secluded spot. To get there head from Sant Carles towards Cala Sant Vicent, or take the serpentine stretch of road in the opposite direction from Cala Sant Vicent to Sant Carles. Then follow the signs to 'Aigues Blanques'.  |
Alla Dins |
 This isolated cove sits at the foot of the Punta Grossa promontory on the opposite side to Cala San Vicente. It is tucked away between vertical cliffs over 100 metres high, which makes access nigh on impossible. For this reason it can only realistically be accessed by boat. The beach itself is of light gravel and pebbles, 40 metres long and about 5 wide. It faces to the north which can mean that the sea is rough if the prevailing wind comes from that direction. However, since the prevailing summer wind comes from the east, it enjoys tranquil summers sheltered by the Punta Grossa, while divers enjoy the beautiful subterranean landscape and overall tranquility of this unique spot. |
Cala Blanca |
 This rocky beach between Siesta and Cala Llonga is almost inaccessible by any means other than by boat. It is fairly steep as are the cliffs that surround it, but it is definitely secluded. It is possible to reach the beach on foot from a mini roundabout at the top of the hill that separates the Cala Llonga road from the coastline. However, the walk is long and the route is un-signposted as it passes through thick forest. The only reason we went was to report back to you via the site, but we were rewarded by the discovery of a tunnel through the hillside that finally brings you out onto the beach. |
Cala Boix |
 Incredible but true: even at the height of the summer season, Cala Boix to the north-east of the island is a quiet, peaceful spot. "Hardly anyone comes to the beach before 11 o'clock in the morning," says Teresa, the owner of the one and only bar on the beach. Her mother, Francisca Ferrer, opened the simple beach bar almost 35 years ago. Half a lifetime may have elapsed since then, but the beach has changed very little over the years. It has unusually dark sand, which sometimes makes it look a little grubby compared to neighboroughing beaches, but that is just an illusion. The sand is actually fine... A few chalets have been built among the pine trees overlooking the craggy coast, but apart from this, the natural surroundings are totally unspoilt. Many local residents come here for the atmosphere. At one point, the path down to the beach turns into a stairway of stone. There are a few recliners and sun umbrellas, as well as plenty of space for people who prefer to spread out their towels in the sun. Two good fish restaurants can be found on top of the cliffs around the bay. How to get there: Drive towards Figueral from San Carlos and watch out for the signposts for Cala Boix on your right hand side.
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Cala d'Espart |
 The Cala d’Espart is reached through the huge and slightly intimidating urbanization of Roca Llisa, alongside the golf course. To reach it you have to enter the urbanization and pass the manned barrier, then keep to the right until you descend to sea level. The stony beach is only about 35 metres long and 10 metres at its widest point, but it is sheltered and good for snorkeling. |
Cala d'Olivera |
 Despite the fact that you have to pass through the Roca Llisa urbanization alongside the golf course to reach this beach, you are almost totally unaware of the holiday housing estate once you arrive. A forest of pine and sabina covers the hillside around this pretty beach, which is barely 30 m long and 15 wide. It has coarse white sand and is enclosed by rocky promontories on both sides, making it perfect for both swimming and snorkeling. As with all of the most peaceful beaches there are no facilities on hand, so a pleasant picnic would be perfect for the ambience of this bay. |
Cala Llenya |
 A sea that shimmers with all possible shades of blue, a broad beach with soft sand that the children can play in to their hearts' content - Cala Llenya is the perfect place for a family day at the beach. The bay is sheltered and the sea is shallow. Showers, recliners and sun shades are provided and you can hire a pedalo. The small beach kiosk sells snacks and drinks. Vicente and Maria have been running this bar for almost 40 years. Back then, when they sold their first glass of wine, Cala Llenya was still completely untouched and there was no direct access road to the beach, no houses, villas or apartment complexes, and provisions were delivered in boxes and crates that had to be carried down to the bay on foot. The couple's main means of transport was a moped. Those times are long gone, but Cala Llenya has still managed to retain much of its natural charm. How to get there: follow the signposts from Sant Carlos.
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Cala Llonga |
 By the sea in between Ibiza town and Santa Eulalia, this pretty little bay is home to a relatively new family holiday resort. It used to be remote and difficult to get to, except by boat, which probably explains why it was a favoured haunt of smugglers for the 500 years prior to the arrival of the property developers. Nowadays it offers all of the facilities required by its many tourist visitors, including the ability to be a sheltered spot on a windy Spring day and to offer a cool breeze on hot summer days, when the wind blows from the south and all you want to do is immerse yourself in that lovely blue sea? It is a beach that is ideally suited to families. The infrastructure caters for tourists: there are shops, restaurants, bars and, of course, plenty of hotels. The sandy beach is well maintained and even toddlers’ tiny feet will have no trouble making their way into the shallow waters of this sheltered bay. Cala Llonga is at its busiest in August, but this will not stand in the way of a good time. The people who frequent this beach are usually guests at one of the nearby hotels, but if you happen to be travelling around the island and feel like taking a dip, we can definitely recommend stopping off at this bay. Jordi Juan’s beach kiosk (right beside the car park) is a good place to stop for a snack or a drink. “What’s more, we serve the best sangria in town,” the owner adds. A small hippy market takes place every Thursday in Cala Llonga, filling the main street with stalls selling all sorts of produce. How to get there: Take the road from Jesús towards Santa Eulària, then take a right towards Cala Llonga a few kilometres after you pass the Roca Llisa golf course. Alternatively, drive in from Santa Eulària by taking the road towards Jesús and then turning left after about five kilometres down the well signposted road to the bay. |
Cala Martina |
 A flat calm laps the beach almost silently under the gaze of a milky winter sun. The numerous mooring buoys out to sea are unoccupied, as most of the island’s boats are either under wraps or out of the water for the winter. The beach too is deserted and all of this meets with the approval of dozens of cormorants serving as an audience on the nearby rocky outcrop of an offshore island. We’re sitting on the beach in front of the Restaurant Martina at Cala Martina awaiting the imminent sunset – and life is good. Two old Ibicencos in flat caps row slowly past having cleared the pile of accumulated seaweed from the front of their ancient boathouse. They disregard the option of an outboard motor, perhaps to better preserve the authentic tranquility of this perfect Ibizan winter afternoon… Sparrows hover expectantly in the sand at our feet beneath the table occasionally brawling over the odd crust lobbed to them by the audience of diners. In the meantime wagtails studiously inspect the water’s edge, as if to prove their superior intelligence and decorum. A waiter politely breaks into the moment and responds to our request for the menu with a memorized diatribe covering the day’s offerings, and the selection is fairly extensive. They clearly don’t bother with a printed menu, just a crude blackboard facing out to sea beneath the ‘Perros No’ sign. It also becomes clear that none of the many dogs in attendance can read Spanish! However, the menu is excellent, very reasonable and changes daily depending on the previous day’s catch. After all, this is a chiringuito on one of the most tranquil of winter beaches, and as good an opportunity to sample the way that Ibiza used to be before tourism as you could wish to find – with lunch as an option too? |
Cala Mastella |
This sandy beach is about 50 metres long by 15 wide and slopes gently into the sea making it possible to paddle, or struggle, over the boulders on the seabed. This a worthwhile exercise as the snorkeling here is some of the best on the island with myriad fish to be found amongst the fallen rocks by the cliff sides. To the left hand side of the beach along a rocky path you will find the renowned ‘El Bigote’ restaurant, which is a culinary experience the like of which you may never have the pleasure to better. Bear in mind if you fail to obtain a table that you are in good company. The king of Spain has been refused service here before... |
Cala Nova |
Considering that Cala Nova is only a few kilometres away from the tourist stronghold of Es Canar, it's particularly surprising that this bay has managed to hang on to so much of its romantic charm. Nature lovers will adore the sandy beach, cliff lined coast and pine woods. Then there's the sea, full of all possible shades of blue and green. At the end of the bay, you will find the tiny "Can Colomaret", a cheerful beach kiosk that does a bustling trade in the holiday season. The owner, Vicent Mari Juan, has been running this family business for over a quarter of a century. Beach recliners and sun umbrellas are available for hire, but you can also opt to seek out a sheltered little spot of your own where you can chill out and tune in to yourself and the world around you. How to get there: Turn left as you enter Es Canar and follow the road for a few kilometres before taking a right to the beach. Don't worry if you miss the turn: the walk along the coast is a great experience in itself.
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Cala Pada |
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Cala Roja |
 Sheltered by Cap Martinet, this beach is actually two distinct beaches. The more popular is some 35 metres long by 30 wide and can be accessed on foot from the Cap Martinet road from Jesus. The second beach, which runs along the side of the promontory is 90 metres long by 4 wide, but can only be reached from the sea. Both beaches are made up of small pebbles and the seabed drops quickly, making this a good spot for snorkeling. |
Cala San Vicente |
 If you're a family with young children, you'll probably know the usual procedure: no sooner have you arrived at the beach than one of the kids will want to go to the toilet, while the other starts clamouring for ice cream or lemonade. To cut a long story short, families have different criteria for selecting a beach than singles or childless couples. Mothers and fathers avoid craggy coastal spots and rocky, inaccessible bays like the plague. Beaches with no bars or supermarket facilities mean that they have to bring everything the children need with them - and the list can be a long one. A logistical nightmare! Parents' eyes light up when they see a soft, sandy beach where the "infrastructure" is just right. Cala Sant Vicent is one such location. The beach is clean, the sea is easily accessible, and showers, recliners and sun umbrellas are provided. There's a supermarket on the tidy promenade and a range of bars and restaurants serving a wide variety of meals. Hamburgers and chips, spaghetti and pizza for the kids and fresh fish for mum and dad - a dream come true for any large family. Although Cala Sant Vicent offers everything a tourist could wish for, it has also managed to retain its natural beauty - with the exception of one hideous hotel that was built here a few decades ago with no consideration for the surrounding bay. On the left hand side, there are a few scattered fishermen's cottages and the Punta Grossa hill with its villas, while off in the distance, the craggy island of Tagomago nestles in the sky-blue waters. Cala Sant Vicent: located on the island's north coast. Can be reached by taking the winding road from Sant Joan or Sant Carles. |
Es Canar |
 Es Canar in the summertime is predominantly English and the beach restaurants generally cater for this with the sort of fare that a young family on Blackpool beach would devour with relish. In the winter, when the English tourists and most of the seasonal workers have fled the island, these restaurants close, because their potential audience is restricted to the local Ibicencos, who have put their feet up for the winter to discuss the success, or otherwise, of the season just passed and slowly begun to lay plans for their May re-opening. There is one restaurant right in the middle of the beach, however, that stays open throughout the winter – much to the delight of the local Ibicencos. So to cater for this completely different clientele the restaurant is very classy, with luxurious furniture arranged in such a way that you’re almost unaware of the tables around you. There are in fact only nine tables, of various sizes, in the spacious airy restaurant. Outside a large raised terrace overlooking the centre of the beach, which at this time of year is an idyllic expanse of empty sand and sea, is an option. But even inside you feel that that you’re ‘on the beach’ as three sides of the restaurant are entirely glazed in by French windows. |
Es Figueral |
 A beach of soft, fine sand, a gorgeous view and the perfect tourist infrastructure combine to give Es Figueral its unique charm. This bay is the ideal place for families with children. You can bring a picnic with you or opt to stop off and stock up at one or more of the many bars, restaurants and shops around the beach. Recliners and beach umbrellas are available to hire and there are pedalos galore if you're feeling a little more active. The sandy beach is long and broad, so you can always take the kids a little further down the coast to find a spot where they can run around to their hearts content. Although the bay is home to a number of hotels and apartment complexes, you should have no trouble getting away from the crowds. The terrace of the "Hostal Es Alocs" is particularly attractive: here, you can pick a spot under the trees, order a snack or cold drink to enjoy in the shade and observe the comings and goings on the nearby beach from a safe distance. How to get there: Simply follow the signposts on the road from San Carlos.
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Niu Blau |
If you know the east coast, you will also know that the Niu Blau bay is located in beautiful natural surroundings. Shade is provided by large pine trees, which means that you won't necessarily have to bring along or hire a beach umbrella. This is a real advantage if you have children. They can play under the pine trees or take a nap. Juan Marí Ramon’s beach bar serves Mediterranean dishes and fresh fish. The food is very good, which means that you will find a lot of locals eating here at the weekend. This family run business has been going for almost 35 years. The guests like the cosy, relaxed atmosphere of the place. At the other end of the beach, the neighbouring cove of s'Estanyol Pudent is only known to very few. It is not to be confused with Cala s'Estanyol near Talamanca. Then you’ll find another name that can lead to confusion - Bora Bora. Again, we aren't talking about the party location on Platja d'en Bossa. Instead, it is a beach restaurant on s'Estanyol Pudent known to only the most knowledgeable of Ibiza's visitors and a real sleeper of a place. The spacious terrace of the Bora Bora restaurant offers a terrific view of the sea and the surrounding countryside. The food on offer is qualitatively high class and varied - fresh fish, hearty meat dishes, Mediterranean specialities. They also have a select wine menu. How to get there: drive from Santa Eulària towards Es Canar and then turn right when you see the signpost for Niu Blau. |
Playa Des Riu |
 Some 400 metres long and 100 metres deep, this beach is rarely crowded by virtue of its size. They have a good and extensive range of water sports available making this a popular for young people and those with families. Additionally, being so close to the centre of town, it has a great variety of services close at hand. The walk up the river to the old Roman bridge is very popular, yet very peaceful. This area of town is to be the focus of the new mayor's attention this year. sSo we can expect to see a major facelift and a visitor's centre, to educate all upon the important role the river has played in island life down the centuries Similarly, a paddle along the shore is the perfect way to wake up if you're lucky enough to live in Santa Eulalia. |
Playa Ses Estaques |
 A pretty little beach only a kilometre from the middle of Santa Eulalia tow, but more often than not overlooked by visitors on their way to the better known beaches all the way up the coast to Cala San Vicent in the north. The beach is not big, it's shell shape measuring no more than 80 metres in length and 3 to 4 metres in width. It is overlooked by pine groves and offers few facilities. At one end is the Hotel Ses Estaques which supplies most of the beaches visitors, at the other is the Ses Savines restaurant which has sunbeds and parasols for hire. |
Playa ses Roquetes |
 A solitary cove separated from Santa Eulalia by a hill that overlooks the entire bay. It used to be very quiet, but as the town has expanded northwards the approaching new developments have now shouldered up to the coast as close as they are permitted. It still forms a pleasant section of the lovely coastal walk that runs all the way up the coast to Es Canar. |
Pou des Lleó |
If you're not bothered by a lack of recliners and sun umbrellas, then you're going to like Pou des Lleó. The coast is rugged and unspoilt and the blue sky contrasts beautifully with the red earth and green pine woods. Although Pou des Lleó does have a small sandy beach, we recommend walking a little further down the coast to find a more secluded spot to go swimming. Bear in mind that the sand around here is not the softest, but the beauty of the natural surroundings and the view of the little island of Tagomago more than make up for the lack of creature comforts. If you're hungry, you can opt to stop off at one of the two restaurants, Can Salvadó and Pou des Lleo, which serve a selection of fresh fish and typical Ibizan rice dishes. You also have the Bon Estar, a small kiosk on the sandy beach, that sells snacks and drinks and is relatively cheap for a chiringuito with such fine views and ambience... How to get there: From Sant Carlos, drive towards Es Figueral, then follow the signposts. |
S'Argamassa |
 If you're interested in getting more from your day on the beach than rest, relaxation, a cold cocktail and paddling about on a lilo, then you should come to s'Argamassa. This cove is the ideal location for almost every water based activity known to mankind - you can sail, dive, water ski, hire a canoe or even take a wild ride on a banana boat. If you're still not satisfied, then go for a trip on a parasail. It's a great opportunity to combine the two elements of air and water! At the cove of s'Argamassa on the east coast those of a water based activity disposition will be sure to have a good time. Large pine trees throw their shadows onto parts of the beach, in the distance you can see the rocky red coastline and the silhouette of Santa Eulalia. Beneath his idyllically located beach bar Cesar Jerez has established an aquatic sports centre. Friends and loved ones who are less athletically inclined will still have a great day lounging around on the beach. S'Argamassa is located off the road from Santa Eulalia to Es Canar. Just after the Club Cala Pada make a right and follow the signs. |
s'Estanyol |
 Individualists wouldn’t be seen dead in a place frequented by the masses. They prefer spots a little further off the beaten track. The more difficult to reach and poorly signposted the place is the better, in their opinion. The S’Estanyol bay fulfils all of these criteria. A track that is transformed into a dust trail in the summer leads down to the sea and the PK2 beach restaurant. For years, this bar has been one of the main haunts of the Ibizan ‘in crowd’. The key to its success is great music, good food and rustic understatement. The owner, Xavier, wouldn’t be best pleased if the community of Santa Eulària opted to tarmac the road. He likes the potholes. He’s an individualist himself, and he knows that the bumpy access road gives his bar that certain something. Although it might sound odd, this is exactly what his guests come here for. If you choose to visit PK2 in the morning, you’re in for a surprise: with the exception of a couple of early birds, the place is dead. It really starts to liven up in the afternoons and evenings. By the way, the way down to the sea is just as rocky and uneven as the road to the beach. However, the view of the craggy coast and the clear blue water more than compensate for the lack of comfort. Mother Nature obviously has a soft spot for individualists. S’ Estanyol: Take a left on the road from Jesús to Talamanca. Follow the winding road until you see the sign for PK2 on your right-hand side, then follow the track. |
Sa Caleta |
 The beach of Sa Caleta is about 100 metres long with a width of about 6 metres. Much of this is covered in pebbles making it unsuitable for sunbathing, particularly as the beach is the narrowest section of the local coastal path. However, alongside the beach you'll find the busy Mango's beach bar offering free wi-fi internet connection. This popular snack restaurant consists of a long sandy terrace very similar to a levelled beach. It has showers, sunbeds and parasols all of which are free of charge to their clients. The beach is about one and a half kilometres out the of Santa Eulalia heading in the direction of Es Canar. Watch out for the signpost to Mango's. |
Santa Eulalia |
 Santa Eulalia is a five-star municipality, if the election motto of the new mayor Vicent Mari is to be believed. So the town hall are sprucing up the public plazas and streets to make them even more attractive for residents and holidaymakers alike. The same holds true for the local beach. Despite the fact that it is definitely an urban beach, it has numerous charms. Locals, and tourists without transport, appreciate it... Santa Eulalia's beach is ideal for families who don't want to transport their children, kit and caboodle very far. The comparatively wide sandy beach is clean and the beach promenade is great for a walk in the sun and some window shopping. Bars, restaurants and other businesses are all just a stone's throw from the beach and there's no lack of diversity. The long beach is split down the middle by a rocky outcrop and both sections offer a variety of water-based activities. You can also hire loungers and umbrellas on the southern half of the beach. |
Siesta Beach |
 Locally known as Es Calo de s'Alga, this peaceful little beach is predominantly enjoyed by those holidaying in the adjacent resort of Siesta. For this reason it can prove to be a relaxed alternative to the busier beaches of nearby Santa Eulalia. A shell shaped beach with fine sand about 100 metres long and 15 metres wide. It sports a tiny kiosk serving drinks and beach beds and parasols are available to rent. To get to the beach from Santa Eulalia on foot, cross the suspension bridge over the river and follow the coast around the corner for a few hundred metres. |
Sol den Serra |
 Finding a place to escape to by the sea during the high season is quite an achievement in itself! But it can be done... This stretch of beach at the foot of the steep coast near Cala Llonga is one such place - it's pristine and can't be developed. The vista is gigantic, the rocky cliffs are rugged, the path down to the sea has stairs and pine forests at the top of the steep hillside round off the wild and romantic ambiance. Forget about a sandy beach, it's more of a venue for watching the open sea roll in and crash on the pebble beach. The acoustics of the place are extraordinary, surrounded as it is by towering cliffs. Birdsong and the sounds of the sea are all that break the occasional clink of glasses and the low hum of subdued conversation... To get there drive to the end of Cala Llonga and then make a right and follow the signs to Sol d'en Serra. |
