There are many more secret spots in Ibiza than you might think. Above all, for those who come to this magical corner of the Mediterranean in search of parties and general fun. The truth is that, not far from the huge clubs, the beaches packed full of people and the large hotels and restaurants, Ibiza has a peaceful and beautiful side that is well worth discovering.
The island’s coastline, for example, is home to around 180 beaches and coves, some of which are only accessible by boat (link to URL on boat trips from Ibiza).
Naturally, Ibiza’s secret spots do not usually appear in most guides or in the recommendations of people who are not from the island. Therefore, we suggest finding out information, asking questions and, of course, following these recommendations:
- Atlantis Ibiza
- Punta Galera
- Cala d’en Serra
- Ses Fontanelles (o Cova del Vi)
- Cala Llentia
- Tagomago island
- Cala Xarraca, Es Culleram cave and other spots in Ibiza
- Cala es Portitxol
- Cala Llentrisca
- Es Amunts natural park
Atlantis Ibiza
Atlantis (or Sa Pedrera) is, without a doubt, one of Ibiza’s most spectacular secret spots. Part of the Cala d’Hort nature reserve, over the years the setting has led many to associate it with spirituality and magic.
Above all, due to its proximity to the islets of Es Vedrá and Es Vedranell. In fact, hippies, who arrived here in the late 1960s, have made it into one of their sanctuaries.
Punta Galera
This is perhaps one of the most distinctive beaches on the coast of Ibiza. Here you will not find sand or pebbles but large slabs of rock, which take the form of terraced ledges, from where you can access the sea. The beach is very close to Cala Salada.
Precisely because of the fact getting in and, above all, out of the water is not too easy, it is not suitable for everyone. But those who can and want to experience it will be rewarded by the true force and beauty of the sea.
Cala d’en Serra
While it is true that there are no more ‘unspoilt’ places in Ibiza – in other words, places that have not been explored or developed by humans – Cala d’en Serra, in addition to being one of Ibiza’s best secret spots with the most charm, is one of its most important natural environments.
Here, the close relationship between the sea and the land knows no bounds. Spectacular sea beds, a tiny sandy cove and a Mediterranean forest that frames the whole setting make up an abundant natural space and one of the most authentic places in Ibiza.
Ses Fontanelles (or Cova del Vi)
One of the most interesting results of Ibiza’s particular geological formation is the existence of numerous caves and cavities in coastal area. Ses Fontanelles, to the north of San Antonio or Sant Antoni de Portmany, is one of them, as well as one of Ibiza’s most interesting secret spots.
The cove is also known as Cova del Vi, or the cove of wine, as centuries ago it was used as a winery. However, the cave’s true importance has to do with its cave paintings, which were discovered by the historian Henri Breuil in 1917.
Cala Llentia
Despite being in one of the busiest parts of the island (due to its proximity to Es Vedrá), Cala Llentia is, without a doubt, one of the least-known places in Ibiza. This is helped by the fact that swimming here is no easy feat (due to the amount of sea grass along the shore).
In return it offers absolute privacy as well as a lot of art, since the so-called Cala Llentia monument sits alongside it.
Cala Llentia Monument
Conceptual monuments are not the exclusive patrimony of cities, there are more and more sculptures that surprise in the open air. The work erected next to Cala Llentia, in 2014, consists of 13 basalt columns of different heights, among which the highest reaches 24 meters. The column in the center, covered with gold leaf, reflects the last rays of the sun in a spectacular way.
The ensemble is part of the ‘Rhytms of Life’ series of mega monuments by the artist Andrew Rodgers. Its location about 50 meters from the shore creates a grandiose effect, some even call it the Stonehenge of Ibiza. On its meaning there are several interpretations, there are those who see it as a clock, or even a compass. However, the most logical is to believe the explanation of the author who says she wanted to reflect the different planets with the sun in the center.
Another curiosity is that this monument was financed by Guy Laliberté, founder of the Cirque du Soleil show, who owns a house very close to his donation.
Tagomago island
Admittedly, this secret spot is not actually located in Ibiza but rather 900 metres from the island, off the coast of San Carlos. More than secret, perhaps it should be said that this is more of an exclusive spot where spending a day in the sun means shelling out several thousand euros.
For this season, it is usually reserved for the jet set, including important businessmen and women, artists, elite athletes and millionaires, in general.
Cala Xarraca, Es Culleram cave and other spots in Ibiza
As we have already mentioned, Ibiza boasts countless secret spots, nearly all of which take the form of small coves and natural spaces. Sometimes, however, they are also linked to art and history – subjects that the island’s inhabitants can feel very proud of:
- Cala d’Albarca: situated around four kilometres from the village of Santa Agnès de Corona in the municipality of Sant Antoni de Portmany (San Antonio Abad). Also known as Cala Aubarca by locals, the cove is completely surrounded by cliffs and Mediterranean pine forests.
- Es Culleram cave: aside from being a geological area of special beauty, Es Culleram is also an important Punic archaeological site. The setting was a sanctuary to the goddess Tanit, some 50 metres above sea level. The cave is very close to the well-known Cala de San Vicente.
- Cala Xarraca: the cove, as such, may not be considered one of Ibiza’s secret spots, since it is usually quite crowded in summer. We have included it in this list, however, due to the natural riches of the sea bed, which we recommend exploring with the help of a specialised company.
- Sa Penya Esbarrada: one of the island’s most special places for watching the sunset. And, since nearly everyone heads to Es Savinar tower come sundown, Sa Penya Esbarrad is undoubtedly one of Ibiza’s secret spots for watching the night fall.
- Pont Vell (Santa Eulària): also known as Pont des Molins and even as the Roman bridge, even though it was built a long time after their arrival on the island. In fact, the bridge dates from the eighteenth century and next to it you will find a pool that was very popular with swimmers until a few decades ago.
Cala es Portitxol
Ibiza’s northern coast is home to places that are straight out of a postcard. One of them is Cala es Portitxol which, at a length of 80 metres and a width of five metres, is one of those secret spots where you can take your best holiday snapshots. Thanks to its rocky sea bed, the waters of the Mediterranean are even clearer here. The picturesque setting is rounded off by several boathouse sheds used by fishermen.
To get to the cove you must travel for six kilometres from Sant Miquel, in the municipality of Sant Joan de Labritja. If you plan to spend the day there, it is best to bring a cool box and water as there are no beach bars.
Cala Llentrisca
This cove with its turquoise waters, situated just over a kilometre from Es Cubells (municipality of Sant Josep de Sa Talaia), is one of the most charming spots on the coast of Ibiza. It is often frequented by scuba divers and fishermen who store their boats in this magnificent setting. Although it does not have any services for beachgoers, the best thing is that you can enjoy it almost in solitude, even in the summer months. Although the cove is small (75 metres in length by 15 metres in width) the setting is idyllic and walking the 600 metres that lead to the cove along the cliff is well worth it.
Es Amunts natural park
In the north-west of the island of Ibiza – between Cap Nunó, in Sant Antoni de Portmany, and Sant Joan de Labritja – lies this natural park that combines a mountainous landscape, steep cliffs, Mediterranean vegetation and isolated coves. Here, nature lovers will find a captivating setting that is home to various endemic plants, where you can walk alongside pine trees, rosemary, juniper, arbutus and European fan palms. And, if you pay close attention, you may see some of the birds that inhabit the cliffs, including peregrine falcons, Eleonora’s falcons, European shags, gulls and shearwaters.
Without a doubt, Es Amunts natural park is a fantastic place to disconnect from Ibiza’s busiest places and connect with the tranquillity of nature.
