Choosing a beach in Ibiza would be an impossible, not to mention exhausting task. And not because the island lacks attractive beaches — quite the opposite: Ibiza has so many wonderful beaches that the difficult part is choosing the most special one. Any hypothetical list of not-to-be-missed beaches on any visit to Ibiza would have to include Cala Bassa.
Located on the western side of the island, 4 kilometres along the coast from San Antonio (Sant Antoni de Portmany), Cala Bassa has all the elements that make Ibiza’s beaches unique: a crescent of fine sand enclosed within rocks, turquoise waters, and it is shielded from prying eyes on its land side by a forest of Mediterranean pine trees.
We’re visiting Cala Bassa, one of Ibiza’s best-known beaches, looking at the features that set it apart, the extensive range of services provided in the area, the best way to access the beach, and all we need to see once we arrive there if we’re to get the most from our visit.
- Features of Cala Bassa
- Activities available in Cala Bassa
- Cala Bassa Beach Club and other places to eat
- Where to stay in Cala Bassa
Features of Cala Bassa
Cala Bassa is a stretch of beach around 250 metres in length. It is backed by a pine forest and a wood of centuries-old juniper trees, many of them twisted into strange shapes by the winds. This luxuriant growth is a great benefit on the hottest days, as those tourists less inclined to fry themselves in the sun can seek refuge in its shade.
The beach’s relatively small size, together with its proximity to tourist resorts such as San Antonio, just a 20-minute car drive away, and its easy accessibility means that in summer Cala Bassa can draw huge crowds, particularly families. All this means that in summer the best option is to arrive as early in the day as you can, and to grab a precious space for yourself, along with a sunshade. The beach has a hire service for loungers and sunshades, as well as three beach bars with terraces where you can get a cool drink.
Activities available in Cala Bassa
Once on the beach, the first thing you notice is how clear the waters are — so clear that you can even see from above the fish swimming around. For that reason, Cala Bassa is a perfect place.
Diving in Cala Bassa
Near the beach, there are numerous water sports businesses offering diving equipment for hire, for example OrcaSub Ibiza Diving Center, in Sant Josep de Sa Talaia; Sea Horse Scuba Diving Centre, in Playa Port des Torrent; and Arenal Diving, in Sant Antoni.
Around the cove, in the rocky section on its right-hand side, there are plenty of underwater caves — a real treat for the seasoned diver.
For those who are new to diving, there is always snorkelling — a good option, as the water here is not only of superb quality, its is also shallow, and is home to an enormously diverse marine life — the perfect combination of ingredients for this fun and educational activity.
Boat trip to Cala Bassa and other activities
Another possibility on offer, and one that is sure to appeal, is a boat trip to Cala Bassa. The Ulises Cat company runs 30-minute crossings from Sant Antoni to Cala Bassa.
In addition, thanks to the calm waters, all kinds of water sports are available on the beach itself. The most common are water skiing and jet ski.
Diving from the beach
To the left, the beach is bounded by a series of low cliffs, perfect for diving into the water. Although the lower cliffs are not unduly dangerous, if you’re not confident it’s best not to plunge into the water, but to enjoy watching the spectacular stunts performed by daredevil bathers who dive in from a height.
A natural swimming pool for children
It is no accident that this famous cove is named ‘Bassa’ Bassa, in the Ibizan dialect, means pond. And that is exactly what we find on arriving at Cala Bassa: a small pond, like a swimming pool for young children to splash about in.
This little children’s pool is not an accident of nature, but the work of man. Back in the day, a decision was made to create a small channel to allow sea water to flow in.
Cala Bassa Beach Club and other places to eat
In addition to all this, Cala Bassa offers all the services one would expect of a beach of this type: showers, toilets, changing rooms, massage services, lifeguard patrols, and lounger and sunshade hire… However, it could be said that one of Cala Bassa’s greatest attractions is its beach bars, restaurants and other facilities where visitors can have a drink and enjoy good music
The outstanding example is, without a doubt, Cala Bassa Beach Club (CBbC). This is a beach bar that, over the years, has managed to expand its presence along the entire beach, through its many facilities (a beach bar, a restaurant, sun bed hire), as well as through the music from the bar that can be heard on every part of the beach. Setting aside any controversies, this place is the undisputed flagship for leisure and catering in the area. It organises all sorts of events: visitors can enjoy sessions by the island’s best-known DJs or enjoy a varied selection of cocktails, international or fusion cuisine
Near the campsite, about 200 metres along the road from Cala Bassa, you will find the La Cueva Cala Bassa, which specialises in Mediterranean tapas and fresh, high quality Italian cuisine at affordable prices.
On the beachfront itself, it is worth dropping into the shop called Ibiza by Porto, right next to the CBbC beach bar. The shop sells Ibizan clothing and footwear that is extremely popular with customers.
