Cala Xarraca is synonymous with Ibiza, nature, transparent waters, tranquillity and safe swimming. Come and visit this gorgeous cove, which is surrounded by pine trees and renowned for a swing that hangs just inches above the calm waters of the Mediterranean. One of the hallmarks of this beautiful beach in northern Ibiza, which is located between Portinatx and Cala Benirrás, is a swing that hangs directly above the sea.
Cala Xarraca belongs to the municipality of Sant Joan de Labritja (San Juan Bautista) and is divided into three sections. The first section is the one you see as you access the beach. The section on your left is a wilder area where posidonia oceanica, or Mediterranean tapeweed, grows abundantly and where nudism is practised. In the section on the right, meanwhile, you will find dry docks and several fishermen’s huts. There is no sand in this final section. However, there is a concrete ledge that stands two-to-three metres above sea level, where many people hurl themselves into the refreshing water that lies below.
- Cala Xarraca’s characteristics and services
- Cala Xarraca swing
- Snorkelling in Cala Xarraca
- Where to eat in Cala Xarraca
- Where to stay near Cala Xarraca
Standing opposite Cala Xarraca are a pair of small islands that look like they were specifically designed to further decorate the beautiful natural surroundings. The first one, Es Remolí, is very close to the shore and can be reached by swimming. It is a great spot for snorkelling, since the seabed is totally visible thanks to the clarity of its waters. Further away is the Illot de Sa Mesquida, which has a more abrupt morphology.
Cala Xarraca’s characteristics and services
Cala Xarraca is a small beach of coarse golden sand that is surrounded by rocks, cliff faces and a smattering of pine trees, which are commonly found in Ibiza. It is set within a large inlet and is split into different sections, despite only measuring 100 metres long and 15 metres deep. Many visitors to this beach apply mud to their bodies, since it is believed to possess special curative properties.
How can I get to Cala Xarraca? Cala Xarraca is located 30 kilometres from Sant Antoni de Portmany, 40 from Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, 30 from Ibiza Town, 19 from Santa Eulària des Riu and 10 from Sant Miquel. It is connected to its closest municipality, Sant Joan, which is just 5 kilometres away, via a steep and windy road that crosses the rugged terrain of this part of Ibiza.
The beach is not recommended for people with reduced mobility. If you’re planning on coming with a car, there are usually plenty of parking spaces. Cala Xarraca has a beautiful restaurant that goes by the same name, where you can try an authentic paella or sample the typical delicacies of Ibizan cuisine. The restaurant has been in the hands of the same family for more than 30 years, making it a real local landmark. The beach has shower facilities and a parasol and sun bed rental service.
Cala Xarraca swing
The famous Cala Xarraca swing is found in Sa Punta Negra in Sant Joan. It features in all of the island’s tourist guidebooks as a “must-visit destination”. Such is its fame, it is one of Ibiza’s most ‘instagrammable’ locations. You will regularly find queues of people, predominantly young people and ‘influencers’, forming queues to climb on the swing and pose for photos as they balance above the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean. If you follow the designated path, it usually takes 10 minutes to get to the swing. However, you should know that there is a shortcut behind the house on the beach that leads directly to the small cove where this famous swing is located.
Snorkelling in Cala Xarraca
In general, northern Ibiza offers excellent conditions for snorkelling. Snorkelling is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, providing them with an opportunity to discover the wonders of the Mediterranean seabed. Beachgoers can practice snorkelling at any part of Cala Xarraca, such is the clarity of its waters. However, the best area is arguably the section with the jetties and the Illot des Rencli island, which stands opposite the beach and can be reached by swimming. Its rocky seabed, posidonia meadows and transparent waters make it an ideal place to observe different marine species, such as cuttlefish, octopus and fish of different sizes.
Where to eat in Cala Xarraca
Restaurante Cala Xarraca is the cove’s only beachfront restaurant. It is a haven of peace and quiet, with a pleasant family-friendly atmosphere. Diners at this restaurant are able to sample a wide range of authentic paellas, fresh fish and the typical “guisat de peix” [fish stew]. Everything on the menu is found in traditional Ibizan cuisine and contains from freshly-sourced ingredients.
Some other restaurants can be found relatively nearby. One such example is Shamarkanda (Venda de Ca’s Ripolls, 34), which offers an international menu with a Mediterranean twist. Another is S’Illot des Rencli (Venda de Portinatx, km. 25,300), which offers gorgeous sea views and delicious paellas or frothy rice dishes, which can be washed down with a refreshing glass of sangria.
Where to stay near Cala Xarraca
If you want to visit Cala Xarraca, your best bet is to stay at Barceló Portinatx – Adults Only: a recently renovated four-star hotel which exudes an exclusive atmosphere and guarantees its guests a peaceful stay. It is located just 20 metres from the Playa de Portinatx, very close to Sant Joan de Labritja, and is just a 40-minute drive from the Port of Ibiza. Each of the hotel’s bedrooms offer a sea view. It also has a large sun deck, two swimming pools, an outdoor ‘wellness’ area and a terrace with magnificent panoramic views of the Mediterranean. Be sure to keep it in mind. It could be a perfect base for an unforgettable holiday.
