Apart from the pretty whitewashed village of San Jose, with its fantastic choice of restaurants and light entertainment, and the petite town of Es Cubells, one of the tiniest villages in Ibiza, the 80-kilometre long coastline is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and coves on the island.
Follow in the trendsetters footsteps and visit chic Cala Jondal or Cala d'Hort to marvel at the mystical island of Es Vedra. Really want to escape the crowds? Try Cala Codolar for a calm, relaxed scene. Whatever beach you visit you can be sure of one thing: natural beauty. Turquoise waters collide with soft sands, brilliant white pebbles and enough activities to keep the whole family entertained.
San Jose
A charming, pretty village set slightly inland is far removed from the world famous party scene Ibiza is usually known for, and it’s here you’ll find a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you can enjoy a peaceful meal and a slice of local Ibizan character.
San Jose has an easygoing and friendly atmosphere. The wonderful bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a relaxed and delicious meal add to the character of this lovely little village. Take the restaurant hidden in a tiny alcove behind the church, which dominates the village skyline. Can Manyanet restaurant offers typical Ibicencan food such as casseroled lamb, chicken, potatoes and saffron at an extremely reasonable price, and there’s a great choice of tapas restaurants and cosy bars. Want to be entertained? There’s often jazz and blues music to be heard coming from the odd bar and an open air cinema with slapstick comedies.
For a dose of holiday retail therapy, you’ll find all sorts of products; fashion, antiques, gifts, traditional pottery. There’s something for everyone. So take some time to slow down and discover the true charm and beauty of this lovely little village.
Es Cubells
It may be a tiny village but Es Cubells, situated on the edge of an immense cliff, more than makes up for its size in its delightful appeal.
At the very centre you’ll find the whitewashed village church and two bars, and from here you can appreciate the Ibizan way of life as the locals go about their business. Es Cubell’s church is only small but plays a significant part in Ibiza’s history. Founded by a Carmelite monk named Fransesc Palau, who spent long periods of time living as a hermit on the mystical island of Es Vedra, there is now a sculpture next to the temple commemorating his life.
Cala D'Hort
One of Ibiza’s most magical and laidback beaches, the arc-shaped wonder is a natural spectacle. Boasting views out to the island of Es Vedra, a rocky limestone formation jutting out of the sea, which is said to be the third most magnetic point on earth, Es Vedra is shrouded in mystery and there’s nothing like watching the sun set over this mystical little island.
A much-loved beach that’s sandy on one side and pebbly on the other, Cala d’Hort is a great place to body surf on breezy days or just unwind and enjoy the view.
With three excellent beach restaurants, one renowned for its fresh fish, you won’t go hungry and there’s a small boutique open in high summer selling designer beachwear if you need a little retail therapy.
Cala Bassa
Surrounded by a wooded area of ancient, gnarled Sabina trees, Cala Bassa not only boasts the softest golden sand, but also possibly the clearest, cleanest water you’ll ever see in Ibiza, with wooden walkways for easy access.
And for those who want to enjoy this special place there’s not only large rock formations for those brave enough to leap from them, there’s an array of watersports, boats and even a designated protected area for swimmers, making this a great beach for the whole family.
Cala Bassa has three restaurants to serve any budget from a classic Mediterranean menu to a high-end Sushi restaurant. There’s also a snack bar and a couple of obligatory tranquil beach bars.
With interesting sculptures dotted here and there, shops and boutiques selling clothes, beachwear and accessories, a treatment and massage area and DJs who play ambient dance music you’ll be spoilt for choice as to how you can spend your time at Cala Bassa.
Cala Conta
Sand dunes, rocky cliffs, breathtaking views of the islands dotted around the coastline, gorgeous turquoise waters and the most stunning sunsets each and every night, this blue flag beach has it all.
Children love it here, the shallow water is safe and the golden sand a delight to play in. Entice the family to explore the little private cove where the sea is deeper but gloriously clean and clear.
For the adventurous, this is an ideal beach for windsurfing, which many take up, although most visitors come to unwind on this superb beach to sip their favourite cocktail at one of the bars or grab their front row seats at a seafood restaurant for one of nature’s greatest spectacles – a sunset view.
Cala Codolar
If you really want to escape the headiness of the island then make your way over to this petite, enclosed beach. With just one kiosk serving drinks, burgers and hot dogs the vibe at Cala Codloar is relaxed and intimate, although there is a restaurant above the beach which you can find by climbing a set of steep steps.
And, if you make it to the top, here you’ll find a truly spectacular view all the way down the west coast to the mystical island of Es Vedra.
Cala Tarida
It's not difficult to see why Cala Tarida is popular with families. The longest and widest beach of fine white sand on the west coast of Ibiza, famed for its striking turquoise and emerald waters, there’s something for everyone – beach volleyball, water sports, a diving school, child-friendly activities and space to sunbathe and enjoy the scene.
As well as truly magnificent waters, there are many interesting rock formations to swim out to and explore. And when you’re done exploring, why not head over to the hotel club or one of the fabulous beaches and restaurants. There’s also a ferry boat to San Antonio if you decide to explore further.
Cala Jondal
A conservation area of natural beauty bounded by pines and impressive cliffs, this white pebbly beach is possibly one of the chicest beaches on the island and is much loved by the trendsetters, locals and holidaymakers alike.
A fantastic selection of stylish restaurants, beach clubs providing safe access into the water with little bridges and ramps, a massage area, a boutique shop selling swimwear and beach bars bringing you drinks to your boats (if you so wish), this is a classy beach, and very beautiful.
The secluded bay manages to emanate a serene, sophisticated and trendy aura minus the pretension – somewhere the whole family can feel at ease.
The Blue Marlin is worth a visit – white cushions, day-beds, refreshing drinks and ambient music stretching all the way down to the sea, you can also enjoy the wonderful seafood this establishment has to offer. Lobster ravioli anyone?
Cala Moli
Tranquil Cala Moli, declared a ‘natural beach’ by the town of San Jose is a pretty, pebbly cove tucked away at the end of a cleft in the hillside. Home to a lovely bar and restaurant with its own swimming pool and sunbeds, this is a smart choice.
The sea bed is quite rocky but this combined with the crystal clear waters makes it a marvelous spot for snorkeling and spotting all sorts of marine life.
Surrounded by woods of pine trees and Mediterranean vegetation, you can enjoy extraordinary views of the west coast of the island when you’re not unwinding and appreciating the view.
Cala Vadella
There’s only one way to approach Cala Vadella – drive around the winding road. From here you’ll see the deep blue bay dotted with white yachts and breathtaking views from the pine-clad hills.
The wide arc of fine white sand slopes gently into shallow turquoise and emerald waters, and again it is these transparent Ibizan waters that make for great swimming and snorkelling.
Probably one of the most outstanding aspects of this beach is the large range of services it offers. There’s restaurants, bars, and a number of watersports to try your hand at. This is one for all the family.
Cala Carbo
Around 10km from San Jose sits the petite sheltered sandy cove that is Cala Carbo and is one of the island’s most private beaches. Sandy and pebbly with clear waters, there’s also the rocky coastline that’s great fun for children to climb over. Then when they’re done, head over to the popular restaurants which serve great seafood and paellas, sure to be appreciated by everyone in the family.
The beach itself fans out from the head of a narrow cove, which provides shelter from the wind, making this such a lovely spot to swim in. Again, the wonderful clear waters of the area make this a fantastic place to snorkel or even fish in.
Cala De Bou
This bustling little beach has it all. Apart from soft sands and beautiful azure waters, the facilities in the area are plentiful. With a hotel-lined promenade bursting with cafes, relaxing bars, restaurants and shops, there’s also an abundance of watersports and fantastic spots to watch the sun set. And, if you do fancy trying a slice of the celebrated Ibiza nightlife, there’s local buses and water taxis waiting to transport you right into the heart of vibrant San Antonio for a fun-filled night or for a more peaceful scene to the coves and nature reserves along the stunning coastline.
Take your pick of places to stay in this stunning region and you’ll be delighted. Whether you want to be near a village or beach, Sun-hat villas can help you choose the very best there is on offer. From much-sought after seaside villas to hillside romantic apartments, stylishly decorated whitewashed villas and typical Ibicencan hideaways you’ll be spoilt for choice. All villas come with a private pool for you and your family to spend many relaxing hours enjoying when you’re not luxuriating on one of the many beaches in the area of course.
With the number of beaches in the area, this part of Ibiza offers families a natural playground. With shallow clear waters, soft sand and rocks to explore, there’s enough to entertain children of all ages. And, if you’re feeling more adventurous try the slightly larger beaches such as Cala Tarida for an array of different watersports. With great food at the restaurant on most beaches and in the nearby villages, and a relaxed summer soundtrack playing from many of the bars, this is a holiday you and your family will not forget.
The sunset at Cala Conta beach is a must-see. Reserve your front-row seat on the soft sand or at the nearby bar with cocktail in hand and prepare yourself for one of nature’s most wonderful shows.
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