Cala San Vicente

Sandwiched between two towering, green-topped hills that are dotted with sugar-cube villas, Cala San Vicente is a long, crescent-moon shaped Ibiza beach with bundles of celestial charm. Located on a northern tip of Ibiza, around a 10-minute drive from the village of San Juan, it’s a resort-style beach holidaymakers and locals both make a beeline for rather than stumble across by accident, because here, you always know what you’re getting: stunning azure waters and golden sand backed by a pretty, palm-tree lined promenade.

At Cala San Vicente, there are lots of laid-back eateries too, plus a very distinct, relaxed atmosphere – even on busy days, it’s rarely loud or overcrowded, especially if you head in the direction of the traditional fishermen’s huts at the southern end of the beautiful Ibiza beach.

With an abundance of nature to admire, along with the many beautiful boats bobbing on the horizon in the distance, this popular beach in Ibiza still feels relatively low-key despite the presence of lots of hotels, restaurants and sun loungers. It’s a great spot for a sun-drenched afternoon spent popping to and from to your favourite eatery for snacks and drinks. There’s plenty to keep the kids occupied too, with banana boats, kayaks and boats all available for hire and acres of space on the beach for games.

Who goes there?
Cala San Vicente is a resort town so there’s a strong international flavour here, with tourists – particularly Brits and Germans – decamping to get their annual dose of sunshine from all over the world.

Best time to go?
Cala San Vicente is so expansive that even in the height of summer it’s never too busy. That said, parking can be trickier in July and August, and at weekends. Plan a midweek visit to avoid any unnecessary hassle.

Where to eat and drink
There’s a great selection of restaurants for all budgets on Cala San Vicente. One of our favourites is The Boat House, a rustic beachfront restaurant with excellent sea views and interiors inspired by the boughs of, you guessed it, a boat. The paella here is famously good and there’s a great selection of veggie and vegan options, plus hammocks for slinking into if you’re tired out by the walk from your sun lounger to the restaurant. Elsewhere, On The Beach boasts an alfresco terrace designed for laid-back Mediterranean dining, with a menu made up of tapas, sushi, salads and good old-fashioned sandwiches, while the colourful cocktails taste best at sunset, or as a reward when you come back down from the viewpoint.

White Ibiza loves
The opportunities are endless with water sports, volleyball and even horse riding available, but a basic must-do is a slow walk up to the top of the cliff to witness the breathtaking views of the beach unfurling below. Do yourself a favour and avoid a midday amble – it’s cooler and prettier first thing in the morning or in the early evening as the sun drops.