I’ve been to Ibiza three times (2019, 2021 and 2023). Why? Because it’s amazing not only for it’s famous nightlife (which I love to partake in) but for its stunning Mediterranean beaches which have so much variety there’s something for everyone. In 2021 I went to Ibiza in the middle of COVID-19 which meant NO CLUBS. Why did I go? The flight was 9€ from Barcelona. And the beaches are more than enough for a reason to visit. Here are all the Ibiza beaches I recommend if you aren’t a party person. (One day I’ll write a club guide)
Be aware that transportation around the island is quite limited. There are buses but they are few and far between and often not on schedule. Renting a car is probably the most convenient and taking taxis is the least since there are not enough for every tourist on the island but is sometimes your only option. You will need the phone number of the taxi company and you will probably have to wait a while for them to pick you up. Good thing we’re all on island time!
Ibiza Beaches Map
1. Take a ferry to Formentera and rent a scooter
Formentera is a tiny island 30 minutes by ferry from Ibiza. It’s a great way to escape the crowded Ibiza beaches and experience somewhere a bit more remote, with stunning blue waters. You’re going to take the Balearia ferry from the port in Ibiza City to Formentera which departs every 30 minutes and is 21€ one way which you can book in advance here.
If you want to explore the island you definitely should rent a scooter as it’s too big to explore by foot or bike. As soon as you arrive to the port of Formentera you will see all the stands to rent scooters. As long as you have a valid driver’s license you should be okay to rent. If they ask you if you have experience, say yes and you should be good to go. If you don’t have luck with one rental stand, try the next!
Platja de Ses Illetes
This beach (platja = beach in Catalan) is just north of the port in Formentera and as the picture accurately depicts, it’s a really unique beach that’s pretty much a long strip of sandy beach and large stretches of rock surrounded on both sides by water – really stunning! It’s quite windy here but the sand is super soft and the water is so refreshing and blue and there’s plenty of space to lie out. In the distance you can see Ibiza.
Cala en Baster
This little hidden beach is so unique. It’s a bit of a trek to get there and it’s quite hidden but so worth it. There’s no actual sand beach part and it’s more of a cove but there’s all these cave structures along the sides that you can set up shop in and seek refuge from the sun. The pictures that you get from taking the photo from inside the cave come out really great with the contrast of the darkness and the light as well as the sky and the sea.
2. Cala Salada + Cala Saladeta
Cala Salada is a super popular Ibiza beach because of its really scenic red cliffs and soft orange sand and little huts built for boat storage (a local had recommended it!) The water is super shallow for a really wide area so it’s great for chilling in the water with a beer or playing a game with a ball. Be warned that it is usually quite crowded, there’s very little sandy real estate. Cala Saladeta is the next beach over that is accessibly by a 5 minute narrow cliffy-hike. Be warned that these beaches are at the bottom of a fairly big hill so you must hike up the road to the entrance to get a bus or call a cab (especially because there is minimal cell service at the bottom).
3. Cala Benirrás
This Ibiza beach is a nice large scenic pebble beach surrounded by pine trees that has a few sun beds for rent. It’s more family friendly-vibes which was perfect because I was with my friends and we were a family (but maybe not the best vibe for blasting your personal speaker). Just for fun we rented a car-shaped paddle boat with a slide on top and it was probably the best decision we made that trip. It allowed us to paddle out to the rocks in the middle of the cove and explore the waters. It may look look like it’s for children but anyone can have fun with it. We rented a real car for the day and drove here!
4. Cala Alto de Porta
If you’re staying in Sant Antoni de Portmany, which is a high likelihood if you’re a budget traveler and staying at the only hostel on the island (Amnistat) orrr you’re a Brit looking for a party, you’ll find out quickly there’s not a lot of beach options within walking distance. The beaches in that area are mostly rocky, small and underwhelming. This Ibiza beach is a nice exception and is maybe a 15 minute walk from the center of town. It is very small with only space for about 4-6 towels but it’s a great place to hang out in the water with a paddleball set.
5. Platges de Comte/ Sunset Ashram
Sunset Ashram is actually the name of the restaurant with a beautiful terrace that overlooks the Platges (beaches) de Comte and is perfectly situated to watch the sunset. The restaurant is a bit pricey but it’s the only restaurant in the area and the food, which is quite elevated, focuses on seafood and sushi. To the left of the restaurant are some cliff like structures to sit on and to the right there is a nice sand beach. My tip for this area is to stay until the restaurant closes because there may or may not be a DJ that starts to play when the sun goes down and the restaurant evolves into an outdoor night club. There’s a bus that comes here a few times a day but your best bet is a taxi if you want to stay for sunset.
Every time I go to Ibiza I have a blast. It’s truly a destination I could keep going back to, not only for the parties but also the beaches. It’s a really fun place to go with a group a friends and absolutely lives up to the hype!
