Cala Vadella

If you haven’t been to Ibiza before, you might not have the island pegged for epic drives but take our word for it: the road to Cala Vadella is a corker. Snaking through pine forest while hugging the dramatic western coastline, you suddenly emerge at a hilltop, where down below a dazzling gemstone of an Ibiza beach, glittering in the golden sunlight, emerges.

On approach, the colours of the sea blaze though different shades of blue and green and the fineness of the soft white sand becomes apparent. This little enclosed bay is a vision of prettiness – perfect for whiling away the laid-back Balearic days.

Lots of people other people have cottoned on to this fact too, especially families who are drawn to the shallow, clear waters that are always calm thanks to protection from the surrounding bay. More often than not, it’s busy (especially in peak season), with people sitting atop the many sun loungers available for hire or spread among sarongs directly on the sand, but in lots of ways, this beautiful Ibiza beach feels a million miles away from other resort beaches and even when it’s lively, it’s still distinctly chilled. There are no beach clubs blaring loud music for a start, and the family vibe keep things low-key.

Loads of activities are available to keep the kids busy, including pedalos, SUP boarding, boat rental and a diving school, and the whole beach promenade is lined with a good selection of restaurants and shops. Cala Vadella is also popular at sunset, with lots of boats dropping anchor in time for nature’s nightly spectacle.

Who goes there?
Mostly families, but also people looking for a relaxed spot with easy access to lots of amenities.

Best time to go?
Cala Vadella is less busy during the early summer months, so the start of the season is a great time to visit.

Where to eat and drink?
No trip to Ibiza is complete without lunch at a traditional Ibiza beach restaurant and Cana Sofia is the quintessential option in Cala Vadella. Perched just back from the Ibiza beach and with a menu featuring paella, seafood dishes, salads and tapas, an ice-gold glass of rosé sipped on its sun-drenched terrace has never tasted better. Further along the promenade and Restaurante Bon Sol is an excellent, relatively cheap pizzeria – the perfect holiday pitstop. Meanwhile, Vadella Beach Bar, located directly on the sand, is a great spot for sandwiches and snacks throughout the day and sundowners come evening.

White Ibiza loves
The pine-topped hills surrounding Cala Vadella are laced with hiking paths that offer beautiful views of the bay, and are well worth checking out in the cooler months of the year when you don’t break a sweat simply by imagining moving. In peak summer, head to the southern end of the beach with a snorkel and cool off while exploring the colourful underwater world. On Saturdays, combine a trip to the beach with a visit to the San José market, where local craftspeople showcase their handmade wares – San José is famous for its ceramics.