Vamos a la playa: Ibiza’s most stunning beaches, as shortlisted by the Lucas Fox team on the white isle, Part I

From the era when Bob Dylan lived in a windmill by the sea on Formentera, when droves of hippies descended upon the serene white isle, to George Michael frolicking in the Club Tropicana video, Ibiza’s coastline has provided the setting for so many iconic moments in pop culture history. From secluded pebbly coves to vast sandy bays, Ibiza’s beaches are renowned for their crystal clear sparkling waters and unique natural settings. Lucas Fox recommends our favourite beaches from secret inlets to not so secret jet set havens, perfect for creating some iconic memories of your own this summer.

North

Cala Xarraca

This hidden cove is one of Ibiza’s best kept secrets. Surrounded by winding rocky walkways and lush woodlands, Cala Xarraca is unspoiled and idyllic. Set 4km north of San Juan, the incredibly picturesque beach attracts islanders, local families and some very ancient, wise fisherman! With hardly a tourist in sight, it couldn’t feel further from the bustling beaches in the south. Make sure to coat yourself in the oozy natural healing mud baths nearby for peachy soft, glowing skin.

Getting There? The beach is only accessible by car, just off the road to Portinatx (5 minutes from San Juan). It is around a 40 minute drive from Ibiza Town, and 15 minutes from San Antonio.

Pitstop: El Restaurante Cala Xarraca

This traditional Ibicenco restaurant has been run by the Tur family for 30 years and boasts some of the freshest fish on the island. Expect simple local dishes served in an unpretentious setting with breathtaking views.

South

Cala Conta

Playa de Cala Conta lies nestled among tiny rugged coves in the San Antonio area to the east of Ibiza, appearing almost by accident after a winding drive through the unexpected greenness of the island’s interior. Surrounded by sand dunes and rocky cliffs and looking onto the sacred rock of Es Vedra (where the bona fide Atlantis is said to be), the cove is incredibly still and sheltered. The crowd is effortlessly bohemian, with a mix of all nationalities, young and old alike. As one of Ibiza’s most distinguished sunset spots, don’t head home until long after dark!

Getting There? Buses and Ferries depart regularly from San Antonio throughout the summer months. From any other spot on the island, hope in a taxi or drive. There is ample parking.

http://ibizabus.com/ibiza/lineas/?route=5

Pitstop: Sunset Ashram

Sunset Ashram is perched on a rocky outcrop out into the sea overlooking the beach. The heady scent of incense amalgamates with a Balearic soundtrack and fusion cuisine from the Far East and India to form the perfect laid-back vibes for the island’s hippy-chic crowd. Be sure to reserve a booth around the edge for the perfect vantage point from which to watch the explosion of colours at sunset.

Cala Conta s/n
07829 Sant Agustí des Vedrà
Sant Josep de sa Talaia (Eivissa)
+34 661 347 222

info@sunsetashram.com

Open every day from 10:00am to 00:00am

East

Cala Nova

Cala Nova may well be the island’s best beach for surfing! While not quite in the same league as the South Pacific for gnarly waves, when the brisk northerly wind picks up, the beach is regularly home to Ibiza’s surfing community (albeit known more for bodysurfing than the stuff of Quicksilver adverts…). The beach boasts powdery golden sand and is long enough to provide ample space to spread out and picnic. With scenic views over the rocky red cliffs and pine forests, this setting is characteristic of Ibiza’s east coast.

Getting There? By car or by bus via Es Canar in the Santa Eulàlia district.

Pitstop: Chiringuito Atzaró

Just a few feet from the shore, this rustic, laid-back Chiringuito is the latest addition to the Atzaró Agroturismo family. Boasting a light, fresh and healthy menu with an impressive array of natural juices and cocktails, this old school beach bar with the sophisticated influences of owners Victor Guach and Philip Gonda is perfect for taking in the natural beauty of Cala Nova.

www.atzaro.com/en/the-beach/the-restaurant

West

Cala Salada

One of the island’s most rustic beaches, Cala Salada remains relatively uncrowded and tranquil due to its off-the-beaten-track location through a pine forest, down many steps. Despite its proximity to the bustling resorts of San Antonio, it is still overlooked by tourist ferries and buses. Popular with local young families and mature couples, there are some tourist facilities, but the beach remains pretty basic. Beware the long climb on the way back up!

Getting There? 15 minutes by car from San Antonio.

Pitstop: Restaurante Cala Salada

A firm favourite among local Ibicenco families, this rustic restaurant serves up tasty paella and traditional Spanish food. It’s a shoes-off, laid-back establishment with none of the glamour of its more ritzy beach club counterparts, but boy is the food good!

For an even more secluded spot, clamber over the neighbouring rocks past the fisherman’s boathouses to Cala Saladita.

This even smaller, quieter beach is a secluded paradise, as people are often put off by the fairly physical access! It is well worth the extra exertion, and the privacy afforded brings many a nudist. There are no tourist amenities here so picnicking is definitely the way forward; set up a huge beach blanket and bring a feast. Avoid arriving during the sun’s peak at midday (due to aforementioned clamber), and stay late into the cooler evening, when the setting sun turns the turquoise bay into a golden pool.