Spread over a stunning hillside on the west coast of Ibiza, Cala Vadella (Cala Vedella in Catalan) is a small and charming resort. The central feature is the delightful cove of Cala Vadella beach, which can be best viewed from the winding roads that lead down into it.
Here, cute houses line the hillside, dotted with pretty green trees and a rocky outcrop that holds its crystal clear water. Bobbing boats and rustic fishermen's huts create a picturesque scene in this family-friendly resort.
The main entrance passes through the more residential area at the top of the hill, along the northerly road of Carrer de Sa Torrassa. You’ll then drive down into the beach resort, with panoramic views of the bay and Mediterranean below.
Keep your eyes peeled for glancing views of the rocky island of Es Vedrà in the distance.
Along this winding passage that leads down into the bay, you’ll find designated areas to park your car. Consider parking here and then strolling down the walkway and cycle path into the resort. The small nature of the resort means parking can be difficult, especially in high season.
The beach
Thanks to the sheltered nature of the bay, its wide sandy beach and shallow waters, the resort and its beach are very popular with families, both in high and low season.
Calm and peaceful, you’ll find many small children playing in the waters, and with families and groups relaxing on the beach or on sunbeds that are dotted along the beach.
It’s also very popular with yacht owners who anchor in the safe waters of this natural harbour and provide a beautiful scene from the sheltered cove.
Restaurants and bars
Lining the beach is an excellent selection of restaurants and beach bars, most with great views of the bay.
Hosting a wide selection of menus, the many restaurants that sit on the beach and within the small bay offer excellent cuisine with worldwide flavours, to suit the international crowd that gathers here.
There are also many ice-cream shops and small convenience stores, where snacks, drinks, inflatables, and snorkels can be purchased for the beach day ahead. Clothes boutiques are also speckled along the beachfront, selling the latest beachwear and evening outfits.
At night, the bars can become more lively, and the sunsets, coupled with the twinkling sea and silhouetted boats, are a splendid sight to behold.
In the larger expanse of the resort, and in the nearby village of San José, you’ll find an even wider selection of fantastic eateries.
Things to do
The calm waters of the sheltered bay invite you to take part in all kinds of water activities, including pedalos, kayaks, and Stand Up Paddle. The dive school also offers diving excursions for beginners and for those more experienced, at the stunning Es Vedrà and neighbouring islands in the bay.
All activities take place outside the protected area for swimmers, so bathing is safe at all times.
Especially in the hot summer months, a boat excursion is highly recommended and is great fun for the whole family. From Cala Vadella, you can enjoy boat trips to the rock of Es Vedrà and the sister island of Formentera.
There’s also the option of chartering a boat and exploring the beautiful west coast for yourself.
Getting there
Cala Vadella is around a 25-minute drive from San Antonio or Ibiza Town.
You can reach the quaint village of San José in around 10 minutes by car, or there are also bus connections during the summer months. A shared taxi is reasonably priced. We recommend a visit on Saturdays, from April to October, where there is a lovely ecological food and craft market along the main road of San José.
You could choose to hire a car and then fully explore this beautiful part of the island. Parking in the resort itself can be limited; however, there are paid parking facilities just down by the beach and some free parking along the streets. Be prepared that in the summer months, this will fill quickly.
Accommodation
There is a choice of mostly smaller hotels and apartments in the resort itself and in the surrounding hills, offering tranquil surroundings and a relaxing atmosphere.
Or you could rent a holiday villa and really live the Ibiza dream, many of which are located in the surrounding countryside or with beautiful views of the coastline. If you travel with the family or a group, the price per person is much lower than you might think.
