Ibiza Beach Guide - A List or ours picks. ++ Google Map

Playa d'en Bossa gets a bad rap for being overly "touristy" but Ibiza's biggest beach is still one of its loveliest. Walk right to the southern end of the beach and discover hidden coves and an ancient pirate watchtower.

So sophisticated it eschews sand in favour of stylish pebbles (so minimal!) the south coast's Cala Jondal is home to some seriously swish bars, including Blue Marlin, and offers excellent swimming once you've braved the rocky shore.

Stretching between Playa d'en Bossa to the north and Salinas to the south, Es Cavallet is a favourite hangout with the gay crowd who enjoy its relaxed, clothing-optional ambiance and great food at its famous chiringuito.

This small beach southwest beach is essential for one thing: its uninterrupted view of Es Vedra. The mystical islet seems close enough to touch and sunset here is spectacular.

A firm favourite with the locals, Cala Conta is the westernmost point of the island, meaning exceptionally clear waters for swimming and gorgeous sunset views.

A famed hippie hangout, this tiny crescent on the north coast still attracts loads of nostalgic long-hairs and hip youngsters to its sunset drumming parties.

A beautiful little nook just next to Cala D'Hort on the west end of the island. Its sheltered aspect makes it a great swimming hole and there is an excellent chiringuito on hand.

Another San An bay favourite, Cala Bassa is a nightmare to get to by road but there are ferries from San An, meaning an effortless arrival even if your budget doesn't stretch to a yacht.

One of the nicest, and most accessible beaches in the west of the island, Cala Vadella offers loads of white sand, a pleasantly shallow sea and - if you're feeling energetic - cooling walks along the pine-clad hills on either side.

On the same stretch of coast as Cala Tarida but a world away from the bustling resort vibe of its neighbour, Cala Moli is small, peaceful sandy beach at the bottom of a one-lane road. An ideal hideaway.

Banana boat heaven! This big, family-oriented beach on the northwest side of the island is a bus ride from town and offers lots of water-sports for activity-loving beach bums.

Like many of Ibiza's best beaches this beautiful, sheltered cove at the end of San An bay is easier to approach from the sea, at least it'll save parking headaches.
Buzzing restaurants and a friendly vibe make it a great place to spend the day.

A sandy expanse on the northeast side of the island, Cala Boix has one thing you don't often find in Ibiza - waves. It's not exactly Hawaii style but you can break up your sun sessions with a bit of body surfing.

At the end of San An bay, safely past the tourist hordes. There is no beach as such, but it's an off-the-beaten track retreat for sunset and the rocky cliffs are a magnet for daring divers

A generously sized sand beach on the northeast tip of the island, Cala San Vicente is well-served with ferries, restaurants and all those other little amenities which mean an enjoyable day and no stress about tricky roads or what to do if you forget to bring snacks.

A petite neighbour to Cala Boix, Es Figueral has a touch of a resort feel about it, but makes up for it with a relatively quiet location, a couple of funky bars and a fun-but-cheesy mini-golf course.

A vast swathe of white sand means plenty of room here to spread out your towel, even in summer. The swimming is average but easy accessibility from Ibiza Town (there are regular buses) and Sol Den Serra restaurant make up for it.

Skip the heathen hordes at Es Canar and head for this nearby beach on the northeast side of Ibiza.
A favourite barbeque spot with locals, it also offers great swimming and a few nice bars.

The northernmost tip of the island, Portinatx is a perinneally popular spot. Chose between the main, sandy beach or a hard-to-reach nook in the rocks that offers sheltered swimming and snorkeling

A more intimate alternative to Portinatx, Xarraca has a rocky coastline but beautifully clear waters for swimming.
There is a very good fish restaurant open during the summer and nature-lovers come to wallow in the nearby mudbaths reputed to have skin-soothing properties.

Named after the mythical lost city, this ancient rock quarry's location is a bit of an island secret. If you ask the right people, nicely, someone will point you on your way to discovering the incredible "swimming pool" formed where stone was hewed out of the cliff.