Ibiza’s rocky coastlines and cliffs undulate with the ocean, and with each bend there may be a delightful little cove with sparkling blue water protected from Mediterranean swells, but not all of Ibiza’s coves have beaches.
When the coves do harbor small beaches, they range from pebbles to powdery sand, but the water is always reliably bright blue and clear, thanks to strict environmental regulations. Reaching some of the beaches may involve a bit of walking over short hills on the coastline, and even that brief bit of effort will keep many visitors away, so coves that take slightly more work to reach can be wonderfully private.
The bigger beaches can be overrun by the party crowd—Nikki Beach on the east side is a celebrity hangout, and the beaches of Sant Antoni de Portmany (San Antonio) on the southwest side around Caló des Moro (pictured) are party central—but on the northern coast of the island, beaches like Portinatx provide a more civilized vibe.
It should be noted that Ibiza has plenty of beaches where small sections have been designated for nude sunbathing, if bathers choose to do so. Platja Des Cavallet is Ibiza’s best-known nude beach, but many of the island’s public beaches also have nude sunbathing areas. As an added bonus, Des Cavallet has clear water thanks to protection from nearby seagrass, so it’s excellent for snorkeling, but bring your own gear, because rental provisions are scanty, as they are in many coves.