With more than 80 beaches spread across Ibiza’s coastline, this Balearic island is well positioned to dish out more than its share of seaside bliss – and it can be as uptempo or relaxed as you like. From secluded, picturesque coves and bustling family resorts to small pebble coves and long sandy beaches, there is something for everyone on White Isle. Adopt the mentality of a local and take a mid-afternoon siesta, or spend entire days partying under the fiery Mediterranean sun: Ibiza is, as always, whatever you make of it.
For more Ibiza inspiration, check out our guides to the best hotels, restaurants, bars, nightlife and things to do on the island.
Find a beach by area
East
Cala Llonga
Cala Llonga is extremely popular with families thanks to its clear, shallow waters, ideal for children to play in, and the surrounding restaurants and shops that make it feel like part of a resort, and is packed with nostalgic charm. Located on the east coast of Ibiza, it is an arc-shaped bay of golden sand that is large enough for all kinds of seaside activities. From beach volleyball to pedal boat rental; from a diving school to an adventure playground – entertainment packages will keep the little ones entertained all day long, and an abundance of sun loungers and bars to keep mum and dad happy.
Talamanca
The nearest beach to Ibiza Town, Talamanca, is a vast stretch of golden sand with a wooden boardwalk at the back. There are reasonably priced restaurants that are often packed with locals (especially on Sundays), but it is also popular with a younger crowd who come straight from nearby clubs looking for a nap and a sand pillow to lay their heads on. Despite being close to the capital, it is rarely crowded, making it ideal for a midsummer afternoon outing. For total peace and quiet, take a walk first thing in the morning, when the sea is still sufficient to perfectly reflect the cerulean sky above.
south
Las Salinas
Long holder of iconic status, Las Salinas is widely regarded as Ibiza’s original party beach. It’s a vast stretch of pale sand, surrounded by beach clubs and Las Salinas National Park. It is a favorite of young, beautiful and local people who descend in groups to spend the day in and out of the azure waters. It’s a great place for a boozy lunch or dancing in the sand, but also excellent for some peace and quiet. To do this, head towards the observation tower on the southernmost tip of the island and explore the cute little bays along the way; you may be lucky enough to stumble upon your own private paradise.
Cala d’Hort
A crescent of golden sand with magical views of the island of Es Vedra, rising dramatically above the horizon just a few hundred meters from the coastline, Cala d’Hort is adored by locals and tourists alike. This wonderfully relaxing beach is surrounded by gently rippling, clear water where yacht owners anchor en masse. During the afternoon sun you can cool off in the crystal clear water or take a dip in one of the modest fish restaurants along the beach. And don’t forget to arrive early: it’s at the foot of a steep hill, parking is limited here and the climb back to the top is only for the brave.
Playa d’en Bossa
Officially Ibiza’s longest beach, Playa d’en Bossa is rivaled in length only by its flashiness – but skipping a visit here would be doing the island a disservice. Backed by some of the White Isle’s best beach clubs (some gentler than others) and the occasional swaying palm, many of Ibiza’s most famous superclubs are also just a stone’s throw away. Prepare to show off and polish with the best of them and don’t forget to pack a change of clothes in your beach bag; the party continues here long after the sun has set. No wonder there are many comparisons to Miami’s South Beach.
West
Cala Conta
Cala Conta is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Ibiza and offers plenty of Mediterranean charm. Located on the west coast of the island, with soft white sand and crystal clear water, it is a perfect beach that is busy all day long. Nevertheless, it’s definitely worth jockeying for a spot on the sand, especially if you stick around until dusk, when the front-row seats to that famous Ibiza sunset will leave you speechless. Bring a snorkel to catch a glimpse of the schools of fish in the shallow rock pools, and follow the coastline to the left if you’re happy to take off your gear with fellow naturists.
Cala Saladeta
Another sparkling gem on the west coast, Cala Saladeta is the little sister of Cala Salada and requires a scramble over relatively smooth rocks or a climb up a steep slope to reach it. Still, the small bay with soft golden sand and crystal clear water make it worth it. The crowd here is often young and lively and everyone packs their own picnic, because there is no beach bar or chiringuito. Luckily, there’s a vendor selling freshly made mojitos, so be sure to bring cash so you can enjoy the icy, tangy freshness – well deserved after a sun-filled day of lounging.
Cala Tarida
A vast stretch of sand that claims the title of longest on Ibiza’s west coast, Cala Tarida is a beach for everyone. Loved by families (where the kids spend the day jumping from one activity to another or splashing around in the clear, shallow waters) it is also popular with locals and couples who come from the area to take advantage of the world-class beach clubs and restaurants. It is very busy in high summer, so it is best to arrive early to save a spot in the sand. You can also head to the north side of the beach, where some smaller coves are likely to offer a touch of tranquility.
north
Aqua Blancas
Aguas Blancas, a long stretch of golden sand surrounded by towering cliffs, lies on Ibiza’s rugged northeastern coast. It is one of the few official naturist beaches on the island and attracts a local population who usually gather on the south side of the coast. It is also one of the few beaches on the island that gets shallow waves when the wind picks up, hence the name ‘white water’. To make the most of it, set your alarm early and arrive in time for sunrise, when the first rays of sunshine dance across the sand and you can snag one of the nearest parking spaces.
Benirras
A beach with its heart firmly planted in Ibiza’s bohemian roots, Benirras is located on the island’s picturesque northwest coast. Enclosed by steep cliffs and an abundance of pine forests, the sand here mixes with small rocks and pebbles, but is surrounded by astonishingly clear water that is great for snorkeling. A rock formation called ‘the finger of God’ by locals juts out from the horizon, making sunsets here instantly recognizable. The best day is Sunday, when the market draws crowds from all over the island and hippie drummers gather to say goodbye to the sun at dusk. In the summer months it is essential to take the bus as all roads to the beach are closed to traffic.
For more inspiration, read Telegraph Travel’s guide to the best hotels in Ibiza.
How we choose
Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to bring you their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveler. We update this list regularly to stay informed of the latest vacancies and to provide current recommendations.