Ibiza has some of the most beautiful coves in the Mediterranean, of turquoise water and legendary sunsets. But also the usual summer problem: minimal parking and fashionable coves overflowing. This guide sorts them by area, tells you which have services and where to watch the best sunset, with the trick of going early to enjoy them.
The island is small: the south-west holds the most photogenic coves and the sunsets; the north is calmer and wilder; the south has the trendy beaches by the salt flats.
By area
| Area | Standout coves | Character |
|---|---|---|
| South-west | Cala Comte, Cala d'Hort, Cala Bassa, Cala Jondal | Turquoise, sunsets, beach clubs |
| North | Cala Salada, Benirràs, Cala Xarraca, Portinatx | Wild, pine woods, calm |
| South | Ses Salines, Es Cavallet | Trendy, beside the salt flats |
| East | Cala Llonga, Cala Mastella, Cala Boix | Family-friendly and small |
The essentials
Cala Comte (south-west). Turquoise water with islets opposite and one of the best sunsets on the island. Very popular: go early.
Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta (north). Two coves in a row of transparent water and pine wood, north of San Antonio. La Saladeta, smaller and wilder, is reached on foot.
Cala d'Hort (south-west). The cove with views of Es Vedrà, the legend-wrapped islet. The sunset here, with the rock behind, is the postcard of Ibiza.
Benirràs (north). Famous for the sunset drummers on Sundays. A hippy atmosphere and a sunset with a distinctive rock ("the finger of God").
Ses Salines (south). The trendy beach, beside the salt-flats natural park, with beach clubs and clear water (thanks to the posidonia).
Where to watch the sunset
- Cala d'Hort / Mirador des Savinar, with Es Vedrà behind: the classic.
- Cala Comte, one of the loveliest.
- Benirràs on Sundays, with drummers.
- The San Antonio Sunset Strip (Café del Mar), the best-known and busiest.
⭐ Tip: the sunsets fill up in summer. Arrive an hour ahead to get a spot, or go out of high season. For the small coves, before 9:00 or after 18:00.
What we don't recommend
- Going to the small coves at midday in August. No parking and overflowing.
- Expecting services at the wild coves. Some in the north have no beach bar; bring water and shade.
- Stepping carelessly on the posidonia. The meadows (a World Heritage Site) give the crystal-clear water.
- Staying only on the Playa d'en Bossa beaches. The best coves are elsewhere.
Common mistakes
⚠️ Warning: the slip-ups we see most.
- Not going early. It's the only way to park at the fashionable coves.
- Not booking at the beach clubs of Cala Jondal or Ses Salines: high minimum spend.
- Not checking the wind. Depending on the direction, a cove will be sheltered or choppy.
In one sentence
The best coves in Ibiza range from the turquoise of Cala Comte to the sunset at Cala d'Hort with Es Vedrà behind; going early makes the difference. It's the other side of the island told in what to see in Ibiza.