Cala Codolar

The adventurous Ibiza traveller will relish the bumpy ride leading to Cala Codolar, a camino that whisks you down a dusty hillside and slithers through a forest before spilling out onto a clifftop. From here, it’s a case of following a path with panoramic sea views downward, the Med casting out to the horizon beyond, before finally arriving on the Ibiza beach.

Located on Ibiza’s picturesque west coast, Cala Codolar is a pretty, secluded cove with a mixture of golden sand and pebbles. The water is still and clear, which makes it perfect for snorkelling, and of course, there are excellent sunset views to be enjoyed, particularly if you clamber to the top of the surrounding rocky hills, which are dotted with leafy green vegetation and sugar cube villas.

There’s a small wooden jetty that’s a great launchpad for leaping into the turquoise water and a tiny chiringuito from where you can hire comfy sun loungers and all-important parasols — there’s very little shade on this Ibiza beach so best to come prepared.

Who goes there?
Predominantly locals, who prefer their sunbathing to come with a side of solitude. You can spot them because they come with beach blankets, pre-wrapped bocadillos and ice coolers full of beer. Some visitors make it here too though, especially those on the hunt for beautiful Balearic beaches away from the tourist trail. Kids have a great time exploring the beach’s unique nooks and crannies, but they best do it with a pair of swim shoes on so that pesky pebbles don’t stand in the way of grand sea-inspired discoveries.

Best time to go?
Cala Codolar provides a quieter viewing platform for Ibiza’s world-famous sunset spectacle, so sticking around until dusk is always a good idea. And although it’s a locals’ beach, it can still get busy, so best to arrive early morning or late afternoon to secure a prime seaside spot.

Where to eat and drink
There’s only one chiringuito on Cala Codolar and it’s a no frills sort of place serving snacks like sandwiches, burgers, tapas and some fresh seafood. Cocktails are available too, naturally, so settle in with a jug of strawberry-shaded sangria, toes in the sand. For a more luxurious dining and drinking experience, head to nearby 7Pines Resort Ibiza, where The View offers unparalleled vistas of Es Vedrá jutting majestically skyward alongside a internationally inspired feast. Downstairs at Cone Club, share a selection of tasty tapas accompanied by delectable sundowners and distinctly eclectic beats, or opt for sushi at Pershing Yacht Terrace.

White Ibiza loves
Packing a picnic, staying for the day and heading home from the Ibiza beach with rosy cheeks and salty hair. At sunset, we love to ascend the set of stairs to the top of the cliffs, where a surprising and unusual view of Ibiza’s west coast unfolds. If it’s not too hot, it’s well worth hiking to see Andrew Rogers’ Time & Space sculpture (otherwise known as ‘Ibiza Henge’) – a spectacular 13-pillar monument made from imported basalt. The tallest column reaches 10m high and is capped in 23-carat-gold that’s designed to capture the sun’s rays throughout the day, with perfect alignment on the summer and winter solstices.