Even though I have lived here for many years, the south-west coast of Ibiza is an area I am not particularly familiar with. So as I set off with three friends one bright, sunny morning for a tour of Es Cavallet, Ses Salines, Cala Jondal and Es Cubells, needless to say, I was very much looking forward to the day ahead.
Photo: Salt Flats of Ibiza
From Ibiza Town, we took the motorway towards the airport, and at the airport roundabout, followed the sign to Ses Salines. This road takes us past the famous club, DC10 with its unmissable camel on the right hand side, and straight through to the salt pans of Las Salinas. Passing the right-hand turn to Experimental Beach, we continued down the road towards Es Cavallet. Well-signposted, we had no problem finding our way, but it is advisable to drive carefully and slowly, as this road is narrow in places.
Es Cavallet
Photo: Rocky coastline at end of Es Cavallet beach
Surrounded by dunes and with soft, white sand and bright turquoise sea, we felt like we were in a paradise beach movie setting as we strolled along Es Cavallet beach.
During the warmer months, this is one of Ibiza's official nudist beaches, and the far end is famed as a popular gay hang-out. Today, being out of season, it was a different vibe altogether, and the peace and tranquillity gave us the opportunity to really take in the rugged coastline and the broad, pale beach backed by sand dunes.
Photo: Es Cavallet beach
There is limited parking at Es Cavallet which can sometimes be an issue in high season, but in February we had no problem at all.
With Restaurant La Escollera open from 10.00 hrs until 19.00 hrs every day during winter, Es Cavallet is a great beach to visit off-season…and the perfect first stop-off for our Ibiza island tour.
Ses Salines
Photo: Las (Ses) Salinas beach
Ses Salines is a firm favourite with many a celebrity and footballer, and during the summer months, the bay here is often filled with yachts while the rich and famous enjoy this spectacularly beautiful Ibiza beach.
Parking is plentiful in a large car park with covered bays, and a wooden bridge leads the way from the car park, through the pine trees, and on to the beach.
We found a surprising number of people here strolling, like us, in the winter sunshine. Ses Salines is clearly popular throughout the entire year…and with good reason.
Photo: Typical architecture of Las Salinas area
Like Es Cavallet, Ses Salines boasts soft, pale sand, crystalline waters and sand dunes. Looking out over the sparkling sea, Ibiza's little sister, the island of Formentera, is clearly visible in the distance.
Walk to the far end of Ses Salines beach (turning left from the car park) and you will come across some amazing rock carvings, and if you're feeling particularly energetic, continue further along where you will find an old pirate watchtower.
Cala Jondal
Photo: En route Cala Jondal
Heading back through the salt flats and towards Ibiza Town, we made our way next to Cala Jondal.
When we arrived, we wandered the coastline for a while, unable to stop taking photographs of the spectacularly jagged cliffs, the abundance of wild flowers and the glittering sea.
Photo: View at Cala Jondal
Cala Jondal beach itself is long and pebbly, and famed for being one of Ibiza's most trendy beaches. But even with no crowds of fashionistas at this time of the year, we still found Yemanja Restaurant open and settled ourselves on one of the plush white sofas right at the sea edge. Service here is very relaxed which gave us time to drink in the sheer beauty surrounding us in every direction. Speaking of drinking…Yemanja's fresh fruit juices are highly recommended, although admittedly, not cheap. For a more budget-friendly visit here, regular sodas, tea and coffee are all reasonably priced.
Es Cubells
Photo: En route Es Cubells
Our drive to Es Cubells, along twisting mountain roads, had us all ooh-ing and aah-ing at the outstanding views. Fields brimming with yellow flowers, and traditional Ibiza terraces on the hills to one side of us; dramatic cliffs with their sheer drop into the bright turquoise sea to the other. As we wound our way through the pine woods, we all had big smiles on our faces…and the uplifting scenery certainly didn't end when we reached our destination!
Photo: View at Es Cubells
Es Cubells is a tiny, very pretty cliff-top village with striking views of miles of rugged coastline, and the azure Mediterranean stretching and sparkling as far as the eye can see. With the exception of Ibiza's highest point, Sa Talaia, these were the most stunning views of Ibiza I have ever seen.
The only slight disappointment now was the weather. What had started off as a clear, sunny morning was fast becoming overcast.
Only one thing for it, then….lunch!
Photo: Church at Es Cubells
Car Hire
To explore Ibiza with complete peace of mind please see our recommended car hire specialists - we use these companies ourselves - Ibiza Spotlight Car Hire
Photo Credits: Cat Milton
