Cala d’Hort

The horseshoe-shaped bay of Cala d’Hort lays claim as one of Ibiza’s most legendary beaches and it has the striking limestone monolith of Es Vedrá to thank. The distinctive shaped rock that rises skywards from the Mediterranean seabed has become synonymous with the white isle (with some claiming it’s the third most magnetic place on earth) and from the golden shores of this particular beach, it’s visible in all its glory.

Located on the island’s southwest coast, at the bottom of a steep slope that winds down a cliffside, what Cala d’Hort lacks in easy access, it makes up for in bundles of charm. The beach is divided into two parts: one half sand; one half shingle, but wherever you lay your sarong you’re guaranteed unobstructed Es Vedrá views.

The turquoise water here is clear, calm and shallow for quite a distance, which makes it great for splashing about, snorkelling and playing padel on the shoreline. Traditional fishermen’s huts dot one section of the coast and there’s a small jetty for jumping off, as well as sun loungers and parasols available for hire.

It’s a truly remarkable sight at sunset, when Es Vedrá transforms into a majestic silhouette backed by candy floss skies.

Who goes there
Families, couples, and lots of Ibicencos, who’ve been regulars at this beach for decades. It also attracts those seeking to root out Ibiza’s spiritual essence — many proclaim that Es Vedrá’s magnetism is what makes the island buzz; others say its energy has the power to transform mind and body so don’t be surprised to see alfresco yoga sessions in action.

Best time to go?
Cala d’Hort is an extremely busy beach with limited parking facilities so to bag a car parking space and avoid the long and hot trek back up the hill at the end of the day, you need to arrive very early indeed. Otherwise, it’s a case of parking at the top of the hill wherever there’s space and walking down.

Where to eat and drink
There are three restaurants located at Cala d’Hort. Restaurant Cala d’Hort and Restaurant El Carmen are traditional beachside restaurants specialising in seafood and other Spanish dishes. And just beyond the beach and fishermen’s huts there’s Es Boldado, one of the most famous destinations on the island for classic paella. On weekends, locals gather here in droves for long, leisurely family feasts that last well into the afternoon. Reservations are essential.

White Ibiza loves
Sunset from anywhere on Cala d’Hort is a spectacle but for an even more memorable experience, head to the top of the cliffs overlooking the beach and Es Vedrá in the distance. Islanders and visitors alike gather here at dusk to watch the sun melt into the horizon, so in peak season the clifftop is often packed. Nevertheless, there’s a sense of togetherness summoned here that you simply don’t get in lots of other sunset spots. Is it Es Vedrá’s magic in motion? We wouldn’t like to say, best to go and experience it for yourself…