Ibiza is often lauded as having a much-admired array of beaches to suit any mood or orientation. Allegedly, there's a beach for every day of the year, and we are inclined to believe it. Around the coast, you can find a cove, bay or stretch of white sand upon which to relax and take a dip in the crystal-clear azure seas for any occasion.
Here's our definitive guide to the beaches of this magical White Isle.
Hidden beaches
Oh, there are so many hidden beaches, it would be criminal not to reveal at least a couple to you. Mostly located down barely accessible dirt tracks, finding them would involve a little bit of exploring; however, the glorious rewards are easily recognisable.
The coves around Cala Tarida and Cala Conta, and in the north of the island, on the way to Benirrás and Puerto de San Miguel, are favourite beaches of the locals. If you get off the beaten track and stumble across one of these elusive sandy bays, you may even find a shack selling ice cream and beer as an extra prize for your efforts.
Or you may be one of the privileged ones who find a beach in the height of the summer with hardly anyone else on it. Imagine.
Top tip
You really don't have to go far to discover some of these secluded bays. As long as you're in sensible shoes, then a careful clamber over the rocks on the periphery of a frequented beach will do the trick. Be brave and run the gauntlet. It is so worth it. Local favourites include S'Estanyol, Cala Saladeta, Pou d'es Lleo, Cala Xuclar and Cala Xarraca.
Snorkelling beaches
Ibiza's rugged coastline lends itself perfectly to snorkelling, where you can swim with the fish in the peaceful waters of an underwater paradise. Snorkels are available from many shops around Ibiza.
Find a beach that is surrounded by cliffs, and you are almost guaranteed to find a whole underwater microcosm of activity. Starfish, sea urchins and octopuses are also commonly seen. Ibiza's waters are home to the protected Posidonia meadows - vast expanses of rare seaweed where an abundance of marine life makes its home.
Snorkelling is a delightful and inexpensive way to be at one with this colourful sub-aquatic world.
If this has piqued your curiosity, why not check out our recommendations on cool Ibiza beaches ideal for snorkelling?
Top tip
The area around Sa Caleta in the south of the island and around the beach of Portinatx in the north are some of our favourite snorkelling spots, where gently sloping beaches reach out into the depths, surrounded by rocky enclaves.
Sandy beaches
Beaches on Ibiza have been likened to those of the Caribbean, thanks to their fine white sands and stunningly transparent blue waters. These long expanses of sweeping beach are perfect for you to chill on, and they are not difficult to find!
You will always have the choice of simply laying your towel or hiring a parasol and sun lounger to while away the day. Or, if you want to push the boat out, why not splash out on a day bed at one of the island's famous beach clubs, where you will get table service all day?
Top tip
The iconic beach of Las Salinas has got to be one of our top destinations for beautiful vistas and the cream of the island's beach restaurants. On the west coast, you'll find Cala Vadella, where the beach's edge borders a small road with a delightful smattering of lovely restaurants and rustic beach bars.
And finally, the ultimate sandy paradise lies just across the water on Ibiza's sister island of Formentera. Make the short ferry trip over for the day, head to the long beaches of Playa Illetes or Playa Migjorn or find your own secluded sandy hideaway. You'll never regret a day spent on this stunning paradise.
Rocky beaches
If sand in your sandwich is not your thing, or you find lying on a towel only to be covered in grit a bit of a bind, then Ibiza still has a rocky outcrop for you. Although many of the beaches are hemmed in by rocks and cliffs, with a touch of ingenuity, you can find yourself a less grainy place for relaxation.
Top tip
The ultimate rocky backdrop has to be Punta Galera on the outskirts of San Antonio, a striking bay consisting of amber rocks jutting out from the cliff face. You have a natural spread of perfectly comfortable ledges upon which to lie out in the sun. Recline in the sun or plunge into the sparkling waters from nature's diving boards.
Punta Galera is also a favourite spot for nudists, which leads us nicely to our next category...
Nudist and gay-friendly beaches
So, you want to be at one with nature and be free from your clothes? Or tan alongside other LGBTQIA-friendly souls? Well, you're not the only one, and Ibiza is home to a number of nudist beaches where you can go au naturel without feeling out of place.
Top tip
A beloved bare-all beach, Es Cavallet is one of the more renowned and popular nudist beaches and boasts a gay-accepting attitude. However, its spotless white sand and beautifully clean waters attract people from far and wide. Lined with sand dunes, it has a beautifully natural appeal; however, please don't venture into the dunes, as these are protected and home to many birds.
Though not official nudist beaches, there are many places where people enjoy getting their desired all-over tan. For example, in the small bays towards the watchtower at the end of Las Salinas beach or at the small bay far left of Cala Leña and in the central cove space at Cala Nova.
Family beaches
Ibiza isn't just for party people, you know! In fact, many Ibiza resorts are geared towards family holidays and fun for the kids, with the beautiful beaches, shallow waters and lifeguard stations making it particularly appealing for those with little ones.
You may even wish to amp up the adrenaline and join a family-friendly activity, organised by reputable and experienced companies, whilst you're here.
Top tip
Cala Bassa sports a number of child-friendly activities, including pedalos, banana boats and jet skis, as do many of the beaches along the San Antonio Bay. Up the east coast, Santa Eulalia, Es Caná and Cala Llonga are family-friendly resorts containing every form of entertainment for any age - kiddies to grandparents, and also reasonably priced for food and activities.
Sunset beaches
Ibiza sunsets are legendary, but where are the prime-time viewing platforms to catch them? Well, luckily, our Ibiza Insiders' Guide will help you experience that warm glow, night after night. Watching the sun go down as the prelude to your night out is a must-do if you're on the island. So what are you waiting for? Grab a celebratory drink and settle in.
Top tip
For the most glorious vista, studded with pretty islands, the view from Cala Conta is impossible to beat. Or, if you want to get away from the crowds of San Antonio Sunset Strip, then why not try the peaceful Cala Gracio or its pretty little sister Cala Gracioneta?
Sunrise beaches
Just as spectacular are the Ibiza sunrises. As many of you will be leaving a club just in time to see this wondrous natural show, there's no excuse not to catch one. It's one hell of a way to start the day.
Top tip
As Playa d'en Bossa beach and Talamanca beach are ideally located just a shimmy away from the clubs, and are blessed with this stunning early morning cry, you'll find many crowds snuggled in for the show.
Further up the east coast, just north of Santa Eulalia, Es Caná and Sol d’en Serra are where the hippies used to flock for their dose of sunrise magic. You may find the odd one still there, taking it all in.
Party beaches
Yes, we know, you're here to party. And you've come to the right place. If you want to keep the energy going during the day, there are many great spots where the party mood lingers in the warm sea breeze, until the sun goes down again.
There are even a few key dates when the local council and authorities run official beach festivals and parties. These are free and usually hosted around local public holidays or cultural events, often featuring great international headline DJs playing. Keep your eye out for Ibiza Gay Pride (June), and the Ibiza Global Festival and La Movida (both mid-August) in San Antonio.
You'll also find fantastic yearly celebrations in resorts that often move onto the beach for live music, such as in Cala Llonga every August.
Top tip
The beaches of San Antonio and San Antonio Bay attract the cool crew staying locally in the resorts, with a great selection of beach bars directly on the sands or the beach promenade. While Playa d'en Bossa boasts the longest stretch of sand on the island, it's still easy to spot those who are still in the party spirit. Plus, with its fantastic choices of beach clubs, you can spend the day with great music and a sangria in hand - living the Ibiza dream.
Whilst we generally wouldn't encourage taking personal speakers to the beach - best not to annoy your neighbours - should you feel compelled to do so, those listed above would be the best choice.
For every other sandy spot, wherever you may find yourself on the island, our complete guide to beaches on Ibiza knows them all.
WORDS | by Leena Sharma, Stephen Hunt and Hayley Morgan
PHOTOGRAPHY | by Peter Young and La Skimal
