Cala de San Vicente is a nice, beauteous beach situated on the northeast coast of Ibiza. In particular, it is very well known for its large swaths of gold sand and turquoise-colored waters, surrounded by cliffs; it constitutes one of the biggest and most beautiful excursions in Ibiza.
It’s an excellent destination for those looking for a family-friendly beach that offers a balance between natural beauty and convenient amenities. With its wide bay and tranquil atmosphere, it is the perfect place to relax, swim, and simply stay and enjoy the view that this northeastern corner of Ibiza has to offer.
How to Get to Cala de San Vicente
It is not particularly difficult to reach Cala de San Vicente by car. From Ibiza Town, it takes approximately 40 minutes via the PM-810 that winds through the pretty hills of the northern part of the island. The journey itself is very pretty, with great views of the countryside and sometimes a glimpse of the sea as you descend to the beach. If you are staying in Santa Eulalia, it’s even nearer—a car ride of only about 20 minutes.
Public transportation is available. During high season—from about June until September—buses run fairly frequently from Ibiza Town and Santa Eulalia. The bus service to Cala de San Vicente is reliable, and it’s a good option to consider if one doesn’t drive. Once you get here, there is ample car parking around this beach—indeed, there are always spaces available even at the most popular times.
Beach Facilities at Cala de San Vicente
This beach is well equipped to cater for visitors’ needs and provides the following facilities that create comfortable conditions for going to the beach:
- Car Park: Free
- Lifeguard: High season
- Toilets: In restaurants
- Shower: Yes
- Type: Sand
- Watersport rentals: Yes, including paddleboards, kayaks, and pedalos
The beach is long and spacious, the soft golden sand covers all the length of the bay. It is shallow and calm, making it ideal for families with small kids, while the seashore’s gentle slope down into the sea creates a perfect spot for paddling and swimming. Being relatively sheltered against heavy winds, the water is usually very calm, therefore affording perfect conditions to go snorkeling and see underwater life near the rocky edges of the bay.
The more adventurous souls can hire watersport facilities, such as paddleboards, kayaks, and pedalos. This is a very good way of exploring in and around the bay, aside from swimming and sunbathing. Plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas are available for hire for those who want to enjoy the sun in comfort.
Who Goes to Cala de San Vicente
Cala de San Vicente is quite heterogeneous in terms of the kind of visitors during the day on this beach, and it is one of the northernmost beaches in high demand by families, couples, and groups of friends. The shallow and tranquil waters, together with its fairly accessible amenities, make it a very apt beach for those families with children who can spend a day safely and enjoying themselves at the beach.
The locals, too, are not alien to the beach during shoulder seasons when it is warm but less crowded in spring and autumn. Tourists from everywhere arrive in Cala de San Vicente, drawn by the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of this beach, which is reputedly one of the best on Ibiza’s northeastern coast.
Because it’s so family-oriented, with amenities of all sorts, Cala de San Vicente doesn’t cater to the party crowd that Ibiza is known for—so it’s an excellent choice for those looking to find a tranquil, laid-back day at the beach. It’s also a great destination for nature lovers or photographers who love the basic scenery at the beach and the surrounding cliffs that frame the bay.
Bars and Restaurants near Cala de San Vicente
There are a number of fantastic bars and restaurants lining the beach at Cala de San Vicente, so you won’t have to go far to refuel with a tasty meal or cooling drink while you are there. This is often a mix of Mediterranean cuisine and more traditional Ibicenco, with fresh seafood and local produce forming much of the basic ingredients.
One of the most famous is On the Beach, a laid-back restaurant at the beachfront with serving dishes such as fresh fish, grilled meats, and salads with sea views. The casual yet stylish atmosphere is just perfect for either a relaxed lunch or dinner after a day spent at the beach. Among them, the most popular dish is a seafood paella; this restaurant also has a very impressive selection of local wines and cocktails.
Other popular restaurants include Cala San Vicente Beach Club, offering a menu of Mediterranean fusion dishes, including fresh seafood, pasta, and salads. Its restaurant terrace boasts a very nice view over the beach, which makes it highly suitable for sunset viewing over dinner or a drink. There is also a line of beach bars along the promenade that offers snacks, ice cream, and cold drinks throughout the day.
Whether you are looking for casual lunch, dinner with romance, or just a quick bite between swims, there are plenty of places here to tempt your taste buds at Cala de San Vicente.
More Visiting Cala de San Vicente Tips
A very beautiful set of hiking trails surrounds Cala de San Vicente with great views of the coastline and over the Mediterranean Sea. Behind the beach, several paths follow the hills around to other nearby coves and viewpoints, perfect for exploration. These trails therefore are meant for walkers of all standards, while the stunning views at the top of these cliffs will be well worth the effort.
Those visitors that enjoy snorkeling will find the clear waters off Cala de San Vicente to be inhabited by a tremendous assortment of marine life, especially around the rocky edges of this bay. You can easily rent snorkeling gear from one of the watersport rental shops across the road from the beach or bring your own equipment to enjoy a day of underwater exploration.
This beach does get quite crowded in peak summer months, particularly July and August, so best to arrive early for a decent spot on the sand. However, even on days when it gets busy, the beach is big enough to take in others, and the atmosphere remains relaxed and family-friendly.
For those who can combine a day at the beach with a little history and culture, the village of Sant Vicent de sa Cala nearby is most definitely worth a visit. It’s a small village with a pretty 19th-century church and some very quiet streets lined with hints of traditional Ibicenco life. You will also find a few small shops, bars, and cafes where you can stop off for coffee or a snack on your way back down to the beach.
In a nutshell, Cala de San Vicente is only perfect for those who want to experience Ibiza’s natural beauty in a relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere. With the golden sand beach, shallow water, and amenities to boot, it is an excellent option to spend a day swimming, sunbathing, or just use it for wandering around the cliffs and hills. Whether traveling en famille, with friends, or as a couple, everyone will find his or her share in Cala de San Vicente, which is among the most visited beaches of the island.
