S'Arenal, the main beach of San Antonio
Location: In the centre of the resort of San Antonio, the second-largest town on Ibiza
Facilities: Sunbeds, parasols, showers (turned off to save water), beach ashtrays, lifeguards, restaurants, bars, shops, supermarkets, ATMs
Activities: On the beach or accessed from the many harbour kiosks: pedalos, banana boat, SUP, jet ski, waterski, diving, boat trips and much more (book activities online here), calisthenics bars on the beach
Size: 500 metres long, 50 metres wide
Getting there: Walk along the promenade from either San Antonio or from the San Antonio Bay resort. San Antonio can easily be reached by bus, and the main bus station is just a 5-minute walk from the beach (bus timetables). There is a large paid car park behind the beach, or you can park on the surrounding streets, which can become very busy in the summer. Away from the beach, but only a 10-minute walk, there is a free car park at the Lidl roundabout (as you drive into San Antonio from Ibiza Town, see Google Maps).
The beach
Below the beautiful palm-fringed promenade, the authorities of San Antonio have created a long, wide beach of fine, white sand drawn from the sea. Being easy to walk to, and backed by holiday accommodation, this beach is popular but never appears too full.
The waters are shallow, safe, and great for messing about in - perfect for what is largely a youth-focused beach in the summer. The daytime atmosphere is relaxed, becoming busier in the afternoon and evening as the many bars lining the promenade become livelier and people stop to watch the sunset views.
There is a wide range of watersports that can be accessed from the nearby harbour: Here you can also catch small ferries to other beaches or enjoy a boat trip along the west coast and even as far as Formentera.
In the evenings, the beach is awash in a golden light, and becomes a great place to watch the sun set behind the many boats moored further out in the bay.
If you follow the promenade around the bay to the south, you'll reach the Bay of San Antonio resort with several small sandy beaches.
Restaurants and bars
There is a great choice of restaurants and bars near the main beach. After a long day on the beach, people mingle in the popular bars along the beach promenade for a sundowner and some pre-party action.
Accommodation
You'll find lots of great hotels, hostels and self-catering apartments - the perfect choice for travellers on a budget who prefer to spend their money in the clubs or on excursions. But if you want to spoil yourself, there is also a good selection of more upmarket 4-star hotels and even some 5-star ones.
A fantastic alternative to a traditional hotel is a beautiful villa. Here you can have complete privacy and enjoy your own pool, barbecue corner and private garden. If you travel in a group, you'll be surprised how reasonable they are per person.
Caló des Moro beach
Location: In the resort of San Antonio, at the end of the famous Sunset Strip
Facilities: Non-smoking beach (please respect this!), showers (turned off to save water), lifeguards, restaurants, bars, small supermarket, shops, chemist, ATMs, access for the disabled (also into the water under supervision of the lifeguards with amphibious wheelchair and special crutches, from June till mid September), roofed wooden platform and toilet for the disabled (please ask the lifeguards for the key to the toilet)
Size: 60 metres long, 20 metres wide
Getting there: Walk from San Antonio centre; the nicest way is along the promenade which goes all the way from the harbour to Caló des Moro, passing the famous sunset cafes. If you come by car, there are parking possibilities in the nearby streets, and there is a large sandy car park only a five-minute walk away (Google Maps)
The beach
Caló des Moro is situated on the north side of town around the bay; follow the promenade along the harbour, climb a few steps and you'll reach the famous Sunset Strip. Dotted along its length, you'll find the many famous sunset bars and restaurants. At the very end, as you come around the corner, you'll find Caló des Moro beach with even more bars and restaurants just behind it.
This beach has grown in popularity over the years and, though very small, is now a busy and lively part of Ibiza in the summer months. The sandy cove has limited space, but there is also a lovely decking area just above the sand with lots of room to laze for the day.
The water is shallow and warm, a great place to have a dip, with rocks along the side for exploring. Along the rocky coastline you can also find a more private spot for sunbathing. Bring bathing shoes for the descent into the water!
A little further around the coastline (around a 15-minute walk), you'll find Cala Gració beach, with a much larger sandy beach.
Spotlight tip
Walk further along the coast, away from the town centre, to reach the Aquarium situated on a small promontory. Here you can view local marine life - and the small snack bar is also a great sunset spot away from the hustle and bustle of the Sunset Strip.
Beach bars and restaurants
Come to the Sunset Strip and know the true meaning of 'spoilt for choice'. Here, there's a fantastic array of world food on offer, all with views to die for.
For some relaxed refreshment, right by Caló des Moro, there are some cute snack and ice-cream bars with a lovely beach-style feel. You can get more traditional meals in one of the lovely restaurants situated nearby in San Antonio.
