Article published on July 11, 2014 in LF Recommends
Vamos a la playa: Ibiza’s most stunning beaches, as shortlisted by the Lucas Fox team on the white isle, Part 2
North
Benirras
Benirras beach, set on the island’s northwest coast, is a medium sized beach with grainy, gravelly sand sheltered in a stunning valley with thousands of aromatic pine trees (many of which have been replanted since a devastating fire in 2010). Due to this sheltered position and translucent water (perfect for snorkelling!), the bay is popular with families and bohemian types as well as being a popular anchoring spot for many yachts. Don’t miss the iconic Benirras Sunday Sunset Ritual, when hippy drummers descend upon the beach to bid the sun farewell as it dips behind the rock of Cap Bernat, painting the sky in a vivid burst of orange and pink.
Getting There? 10 minutes drive from San Miguel on the island’s northwest coast. Access is by car only, with limited parking so be sure to arrive early!
Pitstop: Elements Ibiza
Elements Ibiza is a stylish concept space set in the corner of Benirras beach, integrating an Ibiza beach restaurant, a healthy juice bar, a relaxed lounge cocktail bar, treatment and massage room, boutique, snack bar and more. Created by long-term Ibiza resident, Italian born Kiko Malcarne, the open-plan space is a unique fusion of all-white surfaces, modern furnishings and décor created from recycled materials to create a natural, organic feeling.
South
Ses Salinas
From San José, drive over the island’s impressive, sparkling salt flats to Ses Salinas. This sweeping 2km arc of pale sand provides a more low key alternative to pumping Playa d’en Bossa, but offers plenty of seaside glamour with a variety of St Tropez style beach clubs where the jet set and yachties dock for a spot of lunch with a side of house and electronica. Also look out for the vibrant “parades”, which pass several times a day (whereby the likes of Pacha and Space send throngs of dancers, drag queens and general party people to drum up a buzz around the biggest events happening that night).
Getting There? There are regular buses from the bus station in Eivissa Town. There is extensive parking, but to claim the loveliest spots, aim to arrive before 2pm in high season!
http://ibizabus.com/ibiza/lineas/?route=12
Pitstop: Experimental Beach Club
The Experimental Beach Club is the latest establishment to join the Experimental group of innovative speakeasy style cocktail bars in London, Paris and New York. Quintessentially Ibiza, this island style outpost was described by Condé Nast Traveller as the group’s “summer-loving little sister”. The food menu is delectable (their head chef Gerard Ortiz Arlandis began his culinary journey as a fisherman before working with the big-hitters at El Bulli and El Celler de Can Roca!) but the real heavyweight is their cocktail menu. With sophisticated influences from around the globe, their drinks list reads like a round-the-world ticket, featuring tempting concoctions of the rarest and most exotic spirits. Tally ho!
Las Salinas
07817 Ibiza
+34 664 331 269
www.eccbeach.com
info@eccbeach.com
East
Sa Sal Rosa, Playa d’en Bossa
At a whopping 3km in length, Playa d’en Bossa is the island’s longest, most iconic beach. A fantastic stretch of sand for people watching, the area boasts a spectacular number of bars, (both booming and Balearic), with an intense party vibe on summer evenings. Skip the more iconic hotspots and head right to the far end, called “Sa Sal Rosa” (by Coco Beach), for a more secluded vibe. Walk right to the very tip to investigate “Sa Sal Rosa Tower”, an ancient watch tower which was built to protect Ibiza Harbour (particularly from Pirate attacks). Yargh.
Getting There? A stone’s throw from Ibiza Town!
Pitstop: Take your pick – there’s something for everyone at PdB!
West
Cala Tarida
Cala Tarida is one of Ibiza’s real “postcard” beaches; the longest playa on the west coast complete with white powdery sand and clean shallow waters in a spectrum of blues from turquoise to emerald. This is a great beach for active folks, with volleyball courts and fantastic facilities for water-sports, (including a dive school); you’ll be wake-boarding like a pro in no time! Definitely swim out to explore the beautiful flat rocks, which harbour some spectacular marine life, and are perfect for tanning in solitude like a divine mermaid.
Getting There? By car or by ferry during the summer. Follow signs from San Antonio or San José.
Pitstop: The Cotton Club
The Cotton Club is the epitome of Balearic chic. Decked all in white to contrast the intense blues of the sky and sea with sweeping views across the glittering Med, the newest addition to the island’s beach club scene is the hottest ticket this season. Don’t miss their enchanting outdoor cinema soirées!
