Northern
shores
From dramatic bays to hidden caves to soaring sea cliffs, discover Ibiza’s glorious northern coastline by traditional fishing boat.
S’Arenal Petit
At the northern tip of the island lies Portinatx, a picturesque village popular with families and regular visitors lured by the seclusion and tranquility of the area. The smaller of resort’s two beaches, S’Arenal Petit, is wrapped by shady pines and is home to three lo-fi and laidback restaurants on the pretty boardwalk.Continue around the coast for astonishing views of Faro Moscarter, the iconic striped lighthouse which, at 52 metres high, is the tallest in the Balearics.
Es Canaret
A secluded cove enveloped by cliffs and pine forests, Es Canaret is home to a series of otherworldly natural swimming channels cut out of the limestone shore. While there is an access path, this tucked-away gem is most easily reached by crystal-clear waters which teem with posidonia and marine life.
Benirrás
There is perhaps no beach more entangled with the hippie heritage of Ibiza than Cala Benirrás, a pine-fringed, cliff-backed cove of such utter beauty it is part of the island’s lore. Come at daybreak to swim from the fisherman’s huts or at sunset when hordes of hippie drummers converge on the sands to salute the last rays of the sun.
S’illot des Renclí
This tiny, charming cove is pebbly and bright, surrounded by pine forest and sloping red cliffs, with an offshore islet that makes for snorkeling like no other. Drop anchor, grab a mask and snorkel, and swim to shore for a picnic amongst the fishing huts or a lunch of guisat de peix, a traditional fish stew, at the retro restaurant at the top of the beach.
Cala Xarraca
Deep, wide and dramatic, Cala Xarraca is a sentational bay depicted by the American lifestyle photographer Slim Aarons in his 1978 work, ‘Villa in Ibiza’. Set on the northwest side of the island and framed by fragrant pines, the water is perfect for diving: deep, with a stony seafloor that makes it clear. Fincadelica Xarraca, an extraordinary heritage finca that wraps around the cliff above, makes for a magnificent backdrop to afternoon swims.