On the east coast of Ibiza, lying very close to the town of Santa Eulalia, is a very pretty and tranquil beach called Cala Pada. The shallow waters here lap shores of sand lined by pine trees, home to families and people desiring some tranquil time at the sea. It is especially popular with families and those seeking a much more laid-back experience without the energy of Ibiza’s most famous beaches, with its wide, sandy beach and shallow waters.
How to Get to Cala Pada
Cala Pada is easily accessible by car. With Santa Eulalia, it’s only 10 minutes by car. The beach road is in good condition, and signs will guide you from the main road when you get close. If you’re based in Ibiza Town, the drive will take approximately 25 minutes.
For those opposed to driving, there are buses from Santa Eulalia and Es Canar to Cala Pada. The beach is within walking distance of the nearest stop.
If you do not want to drive or take the bus, Cala Pada can also be reached by ferry. Boats from Santa Eulalia and Es Canar go to Cala Pada during summer, allowing an easy and picturesque way of reaching the beach. Visitors can also make use of the ferry service in nearby resorts for a leisurely sail across to the beach, which in itself is quite pleasant.
Parking in Cala Pada is free and plentiful, with a large car park only a short stroll down to the beach, making it accessible, even during the high summer months, where there is usually no problem finding a place to park.
Beach Facilities at Cala Pada
Cala Pada features all the facilities one could conceivably want or need for a comfortable, fun day at the beach. Whether one is traveling as part of a family, with friends, or solo, there are numerous amenities on hand to cater to everyone’s whims. Here’s a summary of what you can look out for:
- Parking: Free, ample
- Lifeguard: Yes, in season
- Toilets: Available at beach bars and restaurants
- Shower: Yes
- Type: Sand
- Watersport rentals: Yes, including paddleboarding, kayaks, and pedalos
Who Goes to Cala Pada
This beach attracts all kinds of visitors, from families to honeymooners alike. Families love this spot since the waters are still at any time of the day, and kid-friendly facilities are plenty. The shallow waters of the bay provide the perfect ground for small kids to splash around safely. The soft sandy beach is wide enough to let kids expend their energy by running around. During peak season, the presence of a lifeguard further adds to this feeling of security for a family outing.
That said, Cala Pada is equally visited by couples and solo travelers in the same token who appreciate peace and natural beauty in the atmosphere. The beach is actually big enough always to find a quiet spot on busier summer months. Due to its relaxed vibe, the beach isn’t the place to really catch Ibiza’s famous party scene. Rather, it’s that perfectly laid-back day at the beach among nature.
Bars and Restaurants at Cala Pada
As far as the beach facilities go, Cala Pada boasts a couple of great beach bars and restaurants with different types of food and drinks. Whether you feel like having a snack or the main course, you will find something to your taste. The restaurants serve both Mediterranean and international cuisine, but the accent is on fresh seafood, salads, and grilled meats.
One of the most popular spots is Brisa de la Mar, a beachfront restaurant in a relaxed mood with great views over the bay. Here, you will have freshly caught fish and authentic paella, refreshing cocktails, and the feeling of the beach. If you are seeking something rather low-key, then just a few chiringuitos—belonging to beach bars—cold drinks, snacks, and ice cream are exactly what you may want after a day spent under the burning sun.
Alternatively, for those who would want to pack their own lunch, Cala Pada will also be a good place for it: the pine trees shading it partially make it a cooler and more comfortable spot for perusing packed lunch or snacks in the midst of some beautiful natural scenery.
More Tips for Visiting Cala Pada
Cala Pada is very apt for watersports, as well as other beach activities. Just off its shore, the waters are shallow and calm, hence ideal for paddleboarding or kayaking. A few utensil hire shops line this beach from which you can hire equipment. You will also find pedalos, offering a leisurely, yet entertaining way of touring the bay.
Those who would like to see what is beneath the ocean waters will definitely enjoy snorkeling in these clear waters, full of visibility, with a lot of marine life to be found.
Although sometimes in summer Cala Pada can be a bit busier, because of the extensive area it will never give the impression of being overcrowded. Because of that, especially if you come with a greater number of people or you prefer to sit under a bit of shade, it is always good to get there early.
Further, there are a few local coastal walking trails that run from Cala Pada to other surrounding beaches, such as Cala Martina and Es Niu Blau. These have some beautiful views along the coastline and are definitely well worth an afternoon once in need of doing something else apart from sunbathing at the beach.
Natural Beauty of Cala Pada
The surroundings involve pine forests, and therefore, this beach naturally feels secluded, though it’s easy to access. The sand of this beach is soft, golden, and ideal for sunbathing or building sandcastles. The beach slopes into the sea, and the shallow waters extend quite a distance out to sea, making it safe for swimmers of all ages.
One of the most interesting and characteristic things about Cala Pada is its tranquil waters, while on the opposite side, Ibiza beaches are open towards the sea. Thanks to that bay protection, the water is usually inactively still, perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply floating in the warm Mediterranean sea. The appeal of Cala Pada is further enhanced by its natural beauty. It has been lined with pine trees that seem to blend perfectly in offering cool shades away from the direct rays of the sun. Combining soft sand, emerald-clear water, and lush greenery, Cala Pada creates one of the most picturesque beaches along Ibiza’s eastern coast.
Conclusion
Cala Pada boasts the finest beach experience away from the hustle and bustle of Ibiza’s more commercialized areas. The tranquil waters, the wide sandy beach, and the excellent facilities make it absolutely ideal for families—although, indeed equally, a peaceful day out at sea. Whether sunbathing on golden sands, availing themselves of water sports, or dining at a leisurely pace in one of its beach-lined restaurants, Cala Pada has something to offer everyone. It is a haven for natural beauty, but it is also convenient and full of amenities, hence a must-see destination for any tourer of Ibiza’s eastern coast. Secluded and scenic, Cala Pada is one of those beaches that are to be visited by a person on vacation in Ibiza.
