My 20 favorite beaches in Ibiza after living on the island for over two years

Before you start: how to get around Ibiza's beaches in summer

One thing I learned while living in Ibiza is that choosing a beach doesn't just depend on which one is the most beautiful. It also depends on the time of day, the wind, traffic, parking, access, and whether that cove has restrictions during high season.

There are beaches where you can get almost to the sand. Others, however, require you to park uphill and walk down. And some of the most famous ones—like Cala Salada, Cala Saladeta, Platges de Comte, Cala Bassa, or Benirràs—can temporarily open and close on crowded days, depending on occupancy and access control.

My personal rule: in July and August, if you're going to a famous cove, go early, use a scooter if you're experienced, consider a bus, shuttle, or boat if available, and don't carry more than necessary. Towel, sarong, water, sunscreen, and little else.

Quick guide: best time, transport and parking

1. Cala Saladeta: my essential cove

Cala Saladeta is one of my favorites in Ibiza. Not because it's a secret—it's not anymore—but because it retains something difficult to explain: a mix of clear water, rock, fine sand, and a sense of refuge that perfectly sums up the Ibiza I love.

It's next to Cala Salada, separated by a rocky area with fishermen's huts. It's one of those coves where the color of the water changes with the time of day, and where the experience greatly depends on arriving at the right moment.

• My favorite time: early morning.
• Ideal for: a long swim, natural photos, and disconnecting.
• How to get there and park: in high season, road access to Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta is usually controlled. The most practical option is to go very early, use a scooter if you're experienced, or consider transport from Sant Antoni or sea transport when available.
• FLOWEL tip: I wouldn't go late in August. Saladeta is for waking up early, going light, and not bringing half your house.

2. Cala Tarida: beach, food, and sunset

Cala Tarida offers a very Ibizan combination: clear water, spaciousness, services, atmosphere, and a very rewarding sunset. It's not the wildest cove, but it's one of those beaches you return to because it just works.

For me, Cala Tarida is perfect for a full plan: beach at midday, a peaceful swim, and then lunch or an after-meal drink overlooking the sea.

• My favorite time: long lunch and beach afternoon.
• Ideal for: full day plan, families, couples, or friends.
• How to get there and park: you can go by car, scooter, or bus. In summer, it's advisable to check updated bus schedules on the official Ibiza transport website: ALSA Ibiza.
• Gastronomic plan: here I'd include one of the best plans in the article: eating a bullit de peix at Ca’s Milà in Cala Tarida.
• FLOWEL tip: if you want to do the full plan, make a reservation. Cala Tarida + bullit de peix + a long afternoon makes for one of those days that justify the trip.

3. Aguas Blancas: the sunrise beach

Aguas Blancas —S’Aigua Blanca— has a different energy. It's on the east coast, beneath cliffs, and for me, it's best understood early in the morning, when the light is clean and the day hasn't yet worn you down.

It's not the most comfortable beach, and that's part of its charm. It has a wilder, more exposed, less tamed feel.

• My favorite time: sunrise or early morning.
• Ideal for: swimming in clean light, people looking for something wilder, and a sense of an authentic island.
• How to get there and park: best by car or scooter. You usually park at the top and walk down a sloping access.
• FLOWEL tip: check the wind before you go. When it's calm, it's spectacular; when the sea is rough, it loses much of its appeal.

4. Cala Gració and Cala Gracioneta: comfortable and beautiful Ibiza

Cala Gració and Cala Gracioneta have that small, easy, and charming cove feel. They are beautiful without demanding too much. Close to Sant Antoni, they work very well for a quiet, family plan or an uncomplicated afternoon.

Cala Gracioneta is more intimate, more special, and more photogenic; Cala Gració is more practical.

• My favorite time: quiet afternoon.
• Ideal for: families, easy swimming, couples, and relaxed plans.
• How to get there and park: you can go by car, scooter, taxi, or even walk if you are in Sant Antoni and feel like it. Parking is limited, especially in Gracioneta.
• FLOWEL tip: if you go late in summer, don't expect to park at the entrance. Gració works better as a practical option; Gracioneta, as a treat.

5. Cala Vedella: the natural pool of the west

Cala Vedella is comfortable, family-friendly, and very pleasant. It has that calm sea that seems made for swimming without watching the clock. It's not the wildest, but precisely for that reason, it works very well for those who want a beautiful beach, services, and comfort.

• My favorite time: midday and a relaxed lunch.
• Ideal for: families, couples, and people who want a good beach without logistical adventures.
• How to get there and park: car, scooter, or bus. Check updated schedules on ALSA Ibiza before planning your day.
• FLOWEL tip: it's one of those beaches where a sarong serves you both for going down to the sand and for staying to eat afterward.

6. Cala de Sant Vicent: spaciousness and the north

Cala de Sant Vicent is on a different scale. It's more open, wider, and has that northern Ibiza feel that sets it apart from the western coves. I recommend this beach when you fancy space, a beautiful drive, and a plan that isn't just another typical postcard.

• My favorite time: long morning.
• Ideal for: comfortable beach, the north of the island, and a family plan.
• How to get there and park: car or bus from the Santa Eulària, Sant Carles, or Sant Joan area. Check routes and seasonal schedules on the official Ibiza transport website.
• FLOWEL tip: combining it with a route through Sant Joan or with a stop in the north makes the day more meaningful.

7. Ses Figueretes: the urban beach that also counts

Ses Figueretes doesn't compete with Cala Saladeta or Comte, but it has something many guides overlook: it's part of the real life of Ibiza town. For me, it's valuable precisely for that reason. It's the beach for a stroll, a quick swim, an urban afternoon, for experiencing Ibiza without taking the car.

• My favorite time: late afternoon on a weekday.
• Ideal for: those staying in Ibiza town, a quick swim, a walk, and an urban plan.
• How to get there and park: if you're in Ibiza town, it's best to walk, take the bus, or a taxi. Parking in the city can be difficult during high season.
• FLOWEL tip: you shouldn't measure it like a wild cove. Figueretes is something else: local life, city, and the Mediterranean on foot.

8. Port de Sant Miquel: family beach and tranquil north

Port de Sant Miquel is a beach that works very well for family plans or comfortable days in the north. It has services, restaurants, and opportunities for water sports. Additionally, close by is the Cova de Can Marçà, allowing you to complete the day with a different kind of plan.

• My favorite time: full day with lunch.
• Ideal for: families, children, kayaking, paddleboarding, and a hassle-free beach.
• How to get there and park: car or bus. It's an easier-to-access beach than other small northern coves.
• FLOWEL tip: a good option when you want the north but don't want to compromise on services.

9. Platges de Comte: the sunset that never fails

Platges de Comte — or Cala Comte — is probably one of Ibiza's most recognizable sunsets. It can be crowded, it might not be a secret, but when the light falls on the water and the islets, you understand why everyone keeps coming back.

• My favorite time: late afternoon.
• Ideal for: sunset, photos, swimming, and a first visit to Ibiza.
• How to get there and park: car, scooter, bus, or boat from Sant Antoni. In high season, the boat is one of the best ways to go because you avoid traffic and parking. You can check official tourist information for ferries from Sant Antoni to Cala Bassa and Platges de Comte at Visit Sant Antoni.
• FLOWEL tip: don't just go for the photo. Arrive earlier, swim, dry off, and stay until the last bit of light fades.

10. Cala d’Hort: gazing at Es Vedrà in silence

Cala d'Hort is a beach that is admired more than it is walked on. You go for a swim, yes, but above all for Es Vedrà. Some places have a presence, and this is one of them.

• My favorite time: late afternoon and sunset.
• Ideal for: scenery, photography, and an emotional visit.
• How to get there and park: car or motorbike. Parking is limited, and during high season, the area is very crowded.
• FLOWEL tip: I wouldn't plan it as a comfortable all-day beach, but rather as an experience. Go with plenty of time, park well, and be prepared to walk a bit.

11. Ses Salines: the social and elegant Ibiza

Ses Salines is a different Ibiza: more social, more open, more atmospheric. It has a long beach, pine trees, services, people, music, food, and that sophisticated touch that is also part of the island.

It is located within the Ses Salines Natural Park, a protected area of high ecological value between Ibiza and Formentera.

• My favorite time: full day.
• Ideal for: atmosphere, long beach, food, and stylish summer.
• How to get there and park: car, motorbike, or bus from Ibiza town. In summer, check updated schedules on ALSA Ibiza.
• FLOWEL tip: Ses Salines requires you to travel light but smart: towel, sarong, sunglasses, water, and little else.

12. Benirràs: the freest sunset

Benirràs preserves some of that free and bohemian Ibiza that everyone imagines before arriving. It's not the most comfortable or the finest beach, but it has character. The landscape, the islet of Cap Bernat, and the sunset atmosphere make it special.

• My favorite time: sunset.
• Ideal for: bohemian atmosphere, sunset, and a timeless plan.
• How to get there and park: early by car, motorbike, or bus/shuttle. On busy days, especially in summer, there may be restrictions or significant parking pressure.
• FLOWEL tip: Benirràs is very special, but if you're looking for calm, I would avoid Sunday afternoon. If you're looking for atmosphere, then yes: go prepared and with plenty of time.

13. Cala Bassa: comfortable, beautiful, and very Mediterranean

Cala Bassa is a safe bet. Clear water, sand, pine trees, shade, and services. It has a more touristy feel, but it's also one of those beaches where you almost always want to swim.

• My favorite time: morning or midday.
• Ideal for: comfortable swimming, families, and a full day.
• How to get there and park: car, motorbike, bus, or boat from Sant Antoni. As in Cala Comte, the boat is a very good alternative to avoid traffic and parking in high season. You can check the tourist route on Visit Sant Antoni.
• FLOWEL tip: good for those visiting Ibiza for the first time and wanting a beautiful beach without too much hassle.

14. Cala Xarraca: northern calm

Cala Xarraca is one of those northern beaches that have a less obvious, more mineral beauty. It's not the perfect postcard, but it has something captivating: clear water, rocks, calm, and a feeling of being far from the noise.

• My favorite time: quiet morning.
• Ideal for: snorkeling, serene swimming, and natural landscape.
• How to get there and park: car or motorbike. Parking is limited, so it's best to go in the morning.
• FLOWEL tip: wearing water shoes can greatly enhance the experience. In northern coves, the seabed and rocks are part of the plan.

15. Cala d'en Serra: for those who truly want to arrive

Cala d'en Serra is not the easiest, and that's part of its charm. The access is more uncomfortable, the surroundings wilder, and the feeling more authentic. It's not always perfect, but when you catch it right, it has something very special.

• My favorite time: morning.
• Ideal for: explorers, calm, and a more authentic north.
• How to get there and park: small car or motorbike. The final stretch can be uneven; if you're unsure, it's better to park at the top and walk down.
• FLOWEL tip: I wouldn't go heavily loaded. Cala d'en Serra is for those who accept a bit of discomfort in exchange for a more special cove.

16. Cala Mastella: small, simple, and authentic

Cala Mastella is one of those coves that doesn't need to compete with the big ones. It's small, secluded, with boats, pine trees, and a feeling of simple Ibiza. It's not an immediate impact beach, but one of detail.

• My favorite time: relaxed midday.
• Ideal for: quiet meal, short swim, and an unpretentious plan.
• How to get there and park: car or motorbike. It's small and parking is limited, so it's best not to arrive late.
• FLOWEL tip: go with the right mindset: here you're not looking for a spectacle, you're looking for authenticity.

17. Sa Caleta / Es Bol Nou: color, rock, and history

Sa Caleta—also known as Es Bol Nou—has a very special color. The reddish cliffs, the sheltered water, and the landscape create a different image from the rest of the island. In addition, nearby is the Phoenician settlement of Sa Caleta, part of Ibiza's heritage recognized by UNESCO.

• My favorite time: afternoon.
• Ideal for: photography, short swim, history, and landscape.
• How to get there and park: car or motorbike. There are nearby parking areas, but they fill up quickly because it's accessible and very recognizable.
• FLOWEL tip: the late afternoon light brings out the most beautiful tones of the rock.

18. Talamanca: the practical beach near the city

Talamanca is not the hidden cove one imagines when thinking of Ibiza, but it has great practical value. Close to Ibiza town, wide, easy, and with restaurants. For living on the island, these beaches also count.

• My favorite time: quiet morning or lunch by the sea.
• Ideal for: those staying in Ibiza town, easy plans, and days without a long car journey.
• How to get there and park: on foot if you are near Marina Botafoch or Ibiza town, by taxi, bus, or car. Parking depends a lot on the area and time.
• FLOWEL tip: not all beaches have to be an adventure. Sometimes, the best is what you have nearby.

19. Cala Jondal: the most sophisticated Ibiza

Cala Jondal represents a more adult and sophisticated Ibiza. It's not the typical cove with fine sand and easy swimming, but a beach of pebbles, boardwalks, restaurants, and a more premium atmosphere.

• My favorite time: long lunch.
• Ideal for: special plans, gastronomy, atmosphere, and style.
• How to get there and park: car, taxi, or transfer. In high season, if you're going for a meal, book and ask about parking, valet, or restaurant directions.
• FLOWEL tip: I wouldn't improvise here. Cala Jondal is more of a "plan" than a simple beach: food, atmosphere, and a stylish afternoon.

20. Es Cavallet: freedom and open landscape

Es Cavallet has its own personality. It's an open, natural beach, with dunes, wind, a free atmosphere, and a very marked identity. It's not always the most comfortable, but it is one of those that best represent an Ibiza without too many rules.

• My favorite time: morning or afternoon with good weather.
• Ideal for: walking, unwinding, and experiencing a freer Ibiza.
• How to get there and park: car, motorbike, or bus to the Ses Salines area. It's a sensitive and protected area, so access, dunes, and signage must be respected.
• FLOWEL tip: Es Cavallet changes a lot depending on the wind. Before going, I would check the forecast.

My real advice on transport in Ibiza

After living in Ibiza for more than two years, my conclusion is clear: in summer, a car gives you freedom, but it can also ruin your plans if you choose the wrong time.

For famous coves like Cala Saladeta, Cala Bassa, Cala Comte, or Benirràs, I would try one of these three options:

1. Go very early.
2. Go by motorbike if you have experience and travel light.
3. Use a bus, shuttle, or boat when that option is available.

For urban or comfortable beaches like Figueretes, Talamanca, Cala Vedella, Port de Sant Miquel, or Cala Tarida, a car is more viable, but even then, it's advisable not to be overconfident in August.

And for wilder beaches like Aguas Blancas, Cala d'en Serra, or Cala Xarraca, the advice is different: bring fewer things, better footwear, and accept that part of the charm is precisely that they are not so comfortable.

In Ibiza, the perfect beach is not always the most beautiful. It's the one you choose well according to the time, the wind, the access, and the experience you want to have.

FLOWEL Bonus: Formentera deserves its own article

I wouldn't include Formentera in this TOP 20. I would keep it as a bonus, precisely to open the next editorial.

Because Formentera is not an extension of Ibiza. It has a different rhythm, a different light, and a different way of experiencing the sea. Ses Illetes, Cala Saona, or Migjorn deserve their own story.

In fact, our Ses Illetes Towel is born from that inspiration: the white sand, the transparent blue, and that feeling of suspended summer that the north of Formentera has.

Suggested next article: The best beaches of Formentera according to FLOWEL: a personal selection to experience summer without haste.

Closing

After living in Ibiza for more than two years, I understood that its best beaches are not just those with the clearest water or those that appear in more photographs. They are the ones that fit each moment.

Cala Saladeta to remember the brightest Ibiza. Aguas Blancas to start the day. Cala Tarida for a good meal and to extend the afternoon. Cala d'Hort to gaze at Es Vedrà in silence. Ses Figueretes to experience the island from within. Benirràs to end the day without a watch. Cala Gració for an easy swim. Cala Vedella for a family plan. And so, each beach ends up occupying a different place in memory.

FLOWEL is also born from that perspective: having lived the Mediterranean closely, understanding that a towel, a sarong, and a day at the beach can be part of something bigger. A way to travel, to dress, to give gifts, and to remember summer.

That is the Ibiza that inspires FLOWEL.

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