Sala salada Cove
Cala Salada is tucked away in the pine forests just 10 minutes from San Antonio. In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Ibiza, with light yellow sand, clear turquoise water and a dense pine forest all around.
Yachts and catamarans stop in the bay during their mini-cruises. A visit to the bay is included in the day boat tour. This includes a visit to the aquarium on the outskirts of San Antonio, lunch at a restaurant in Cala Salada and snorkeling.
You can get here by taking the #34 bus from San Antonio.
- It runs from 09:30 to 20:15, from May 18 to September 30.
- Fare is €1.90.
Cova de Can Marçà Grotto
The Cova de Can Marçà cave was formed over 100,000 years ago — and all this time stalactites and stalagmites have been growing here, gradually forming a waterfall and an underground lake.
Scientists have found fossilized bones of ancient animals here. And in the XVII century, the cave was a smugglers' hideout — you can read inscriptions and ciphers left by them on the walls.
Since the early 1980s, guided tours of the grotto have been organized with light and sound shows. They last about 30 minutes, in English or Spanish.
- The cave is open daily from 10:30am, closing times vary depending on the season.
- The ticket is €10.5.
San Antonio is the closest to the village, from where route L22 runs. You have to arrive at Port de Sant Miquel (Port of Sant Miquel). It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the stop to the grotto.
Village of Sant Miquel (Port de Sant Miquel and Sant Miquel de Balansat)
When traveling to the Can Marçà grotto, take a walk through the village of Sant Miquel. The village seems to be divided into two parts — the coastal Port de Sant Miquel, which used to be a fishing area, and the Sant Miquel de Balansat quarter.
The beaches along the coast are almost all sheltered in calm bays and the sea is always crystal clear turquoise. One and a half kilometers from the village stands the Torre des Molar observation tower. It was built in the middle of the XVIII century and is well preserved to this day. From the second floor you can enjoy picturesque views of the sea and the village below. In the past, you had to climb a rope ladder to the second floor observation deck, but in the middle of the 20th century a spiral stone staircase was built. Entrance to the tower is free and open 24 hours a day.
Sant Miquel de Balansat hosts an artisan market on Thursdays near the church. During the market you can also listen to live music and watch folk dances.
The white-washed Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel (Parroquia de Sant Miquel Arcángel) was built in the XIII–XIV century and is the only church on the island built in the shape of a cross. Entrance to the church is free. Masses are held on Saturday at 18:30 and on Sunday at 10:30 am.
If you want to experience the atmosphere of a folk festival, come on September 29 for the day of the patron saint of the village, St. Michael. The festival marks the end of the summer season. The village hosts entertainment and a fair, concerts by local musicians and dancers. At the end of the evening there is a fireworks display.
Cala Benirrás beach: drum show
On Sundays at sunset there is a drum show. Hundreds of people gather to listen and dance to the hypnotic drum rhythms. This tradition started on August 18, 1991 — Drum Day in Ibiza: on a local beach, several hundred hippies started playing drums to protest against the Gulf War. This grew into a big annual celebration, but after a couple of years the authorities banned it. To continue this tradition, every Sunday they see off the sunset and play drums on the beach to emphasize the need for world peace. Drum shows also take place on other days of the week — but they are much smaller than Sunday’s.
The sun sets just behind a rocky cliff in the sea — Cap Bernat. The locals call it the «finger of God».
The beach here is sandy and pebbly, and the sea is clear. The rocky bottom attracts snorkelers. During a 3.5 hour kayak tour for 50 € you can visit several grottoes, jump off the rocks and swim in secluded coves and watch the sunset from the sea.
The easiest way to get here is by bus from San Antonio(L23A) and Ivisa (route L23).
The driveway is blocked on Sundays from June to early October because there are not enough parking spaces for all the tourists.
Ses Salinas salt mines
Near the airport is the Ses Salinas Natural Park, which used to be a salt mine. Now there are observation decks with the most beautiful views. The former salt fields have unreal pink sunsets, as if made of cotton candy.
Nowadays, Ses Salinas is home to fashionable beaches favored by soccer players. And Platja de ses Salines is the most popular nudist beach on the island. And these two facts have nothing to do with each other.
Everyone can be on the beach, no one is forced to strip naked. There is a lifeguard, beach cafe, umbrella and sunbed rental for 10 €.
The beaches here are sandy, there is seaweed near the shore — but it is constantly removed, so it does not interfere with swimming. And the presence of these algae is like a sign of quality, as they can live only in clean water. Near the end of the beach there are many stone platforms — it is convenient to sunbathe on them or organize beautiful photo shoots.
Theoretically you can walk to the beaches from the airport — about 5 km. The road goes through fields and fig trees grow along the road. But it is easier and faster to take a bus from Ivisa or Playa den Bossa: routes L11 and L11B.
Formentera
Once you’ve visited all of Ibiza’s coves, take a trip to neighboring Formentera. It’s ideal to come here for one day to lie on the white beaches, swim in the clear turquoise sea and breathe in the cleanest air with the scent of pine trees and spicy herbs.
Almost all beaches on the island are marked with the «blue flag» — a sign of ecological purity. The island’s shores are home to a rare underwater plant called posidonia, which is the reason why the water here is such a deep turquoise color.
UNESCO has declared the entire island a biosphere reserve, so there is no airport or high-rise buildings. There are few hotels and prices are much higher than in Ibiza.
The island is small and it is convenient to get around by bicycle. Cycle paths run along the island’s picturesque coastline. Rent a bike for €10 per day at La Savina port, where Ibiza boats dock, and admire the typical Formentera architecture of white houses with blue shutters and windmills.
In Formentera, nudism is officially allowed on all beaches.
Don’t be lazy to drive to the cape of La Mola. Here, an 18th century windmill and lighthouse are preserved on a steep cliff at the highest point of the island. It is said that Jules Verne was inspired by this lighthouse and wrote the novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
A seafood lunch is a must on Formentera. Go to any restaurant or snack bar and get a selection of fish.
- The specialty of many establishments is lobster in olive oil with garlic. Costs from 30 €.
- For an aperitif, order the local Frigola liqueur — it is infused with thyme.
A souvenir from Formentera is liquid salt with a reduced sodium content. It is extracted from the local water and is oxygenated thanks to algae.
Ferries to Formentera depart from the port of Ivisa. They run from 07:00 to 21:30, about once an hour.
The duration of the trip is 30—60 min.
Tickets cost from 15 € one way, buy online or at the ticket office in the port.
Ibiza isn’t just about moving between clubs and beach bars. Don’t be lazy to wake up before lunchtime and drive around the island — those blue lagoons and unspoiled forests win a place in your heart. Collect your own collection of fiery sunsets from Ibiza’s different beaches.
