Relax at Cala Vadella a peaceful beach with plenty of facilities for the entire family
Cala Vadella is the go-to beach for families looking for that perfect blend of relaxation, Ibiza vibes and fun. Cala Vadella is a stunning, wide bay stretching about 250 meters long and 50 meters deep, nestled between towering cliffs draped in pine trees. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back on a luxury sunbed while the kids explore the beach & sea.
The soft, white sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters make it an ideal playground for little ones to build sandcastles or splash around in the water. But it’s not only for families, since Cala Vadella has something for everyone!
Cala Vadella location and how to get there
Cala Vadella is located in the municipality of Sant Josep de sa Talaia, on the southwest coast of Ibiza. To get there by car, take the PM-803 road from either San Antonio or Ibiza Town, and follow the signs towards Sant Josep. From there, continue on the PMV-803-1 road that leads directly to Cala Vadella. It’s about a 25-minute drive from San Antonio, 30 minutes from Ibiza Town, and around 40 minutes from Santa Eulalia. It’s a scenic drive with plenty of signs, so getting there is easy and straightforward.
Parking is usually easy, especially in the morning, since there’s a car park next to the beach, behind the restaurants. But don’t go there with your sports car since it’s not a smooth parking area, it’s bumpy and rocky!
If you prefer public transport, the L26 bus line will take you from San Antonio to Cala Vadella, with a connection in Sant Josep.
Cala Vadella: history, culture & highlights
While the cove is primarily known for its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, it’s also close to the cultural hub of San José, where you can explore local art at the Garden Art Gallery or attend exhibitions at Can Curt in San Agustín. Apart from that, don’t expect any cultural highlights apart from, well, beach culture!
Cala Vadella is a touristic area, which means it comes alive early Spring and goes back in to a more calm rythm if the fall kicks in. It has everything you need for the full Ibiza experience, yet it’s comfortable. Hotels? Check! Restaurants, both luxury and for families? Check! The real Ibiza feeling with a bay and pine trees? For sure!
Cala Vadella hasn’t much to offer in regards to history or culture, but it’s just a good spot to stay if you want to have a relaxed vacation on Ibiza.
Bars & restaurants in Cala Vadella
Cala Vadella has plenty of bars & restaurants to choose from, and most of them are laid-back, family-friendly and have outdoor seating to watch the waves and sunset. As you can see on the photo, the restaurants are literally on the beach and there’s no busy boulevard as you can see in San Antoni or Ibiza town.
Here are some suggestions for restaurants & bars at Cala Vadella:
1. Bon Sol
Bon Sol offers a comfortable and cozy environment where Mediterranean cuisine takes center stage. With its simple yet delicious dishes like grilled meats, fresh salads, and pastas, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day at the beach. The stunning views of the cove make dining here an even more enjoyable and Instagram-worthy experience.
2. Vadella Beach Bar
Positioned right on the sand, Vadella Beach Bar is the go-to spot if you want to enjoy refreshing cocktails with your feet in the sand. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with a selection of light snacks and finger foods, makes it an ideal place to chill out and watch the sunset over the cove. This is my favourite place for a relaxed lunch while sunbathing!
3. Maya Beach Club
Maya Beach Club is the epitome of a relaxed beachside hangout. Offering a range of Mediterranean bites, from fresh seafood to light salads, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with your toes in the sand. The chilled atmosphere and beachfront location make it a popular choice for both lunch and dinner, just as Vadella Beach Bar.
These bars & restaurants are great picks if you’re looking for an affordable lunch, drink or dinner!
Fine dining restaurants in Cala Vadella
If you’re looking to indulge in a more luxurious dining experience in Cala Vadella, here are some top high-end restaurants perfect for a more special & fancy dinner
1. Maria Luisa
Maria Luisa combines fresh local seafood with an elegant dining atmosphere. The beachfront location adds to the charm, making it ideal for those who appreciate fine dining with a view. The dishes are crafted with attention to detail, offering a sophisticated take on traditional Mediterranean flavors. I can highly recommend you to have dinner here.
2. Cana Sofia
Cana Sofia offers a refined culinary experience where traditional Spanish cuisine meets modern techniques. With its stylish ambiance and beautifully presented dishes, it’s a perfect choice for a romantic dinner or a special celebration. The restaurant’s location near the beach allows for lovely sunset views, so it’s good option for a more romatic approach to your evening meal.
3. Bon Sol
While Bon Sol is known for its casual beachvibe, it also provides a high(er)-end dining experience with its well-executed Mediterranean dishes. The attention to quality ingredients and thoughtful presentation make it a standout choice if you are looking to enjoy a luxurious meal, but in a relaxed setting.
These restaurants offer a perfect blend of good food, elegant settings, and breathtaking views, making them the top choices for fine dining in Cala Vadella.
What to do with the family in Cala Vadella
Cala Vadella is a fantastic destination for families with young children, offering a variety of kid-friendly activities. The beach is obviously a top highlight, with its gentle slope, shallow waters, and soft sand, making it perfect for safe swimming and sandcastle building. The calm waters ensure there are no high waves or strong currents, ideal for even the youngest swimmers.
You can also enjoy exploring the nearby rock pools at low tide, where kids can discover small fish and crabs, adding a bit of adventure to their beach day, since they won’t appreciate sleeping on a beach towel all day long.
Additionally, the surrounding pine-covered hills offer easy walking trails suitable for children, where they can explore nature and enjoy beautiful views of the cove from a higher altitude. During the summer, boat trips to the mystical island of Es Vedrà are available, which is a nice thing for sure.
Hiking & cycling around Cala Vadella
The road leading to Cala Vadella is particularly challenging for cyclists who enjoy steep climbs, providing a thrilling workout with rewarding views. Don’t underestimate this, since it’s really steep and longer than you might expect. I assumed it would be easy to do but guess what: it wasn’t.
One of the best options for both hiking and cycling is the route from Cala Vadella to Cala Carbó. This 5-kilometer trail is a scenic journey through the beautiful landscape, with some uphill and downhill sections that make it interesting and enjoyable.
The combination of beautiful coastal views and the sense of accomplishment makes this route a must-try for outdoor enthusiasts. Once at Cala Carbo, you can have a drink and make your way back to Cala Vadella!
Cala Vadella shops
Cala Vadella may be small, but it has a few shops where you can find everything you need during your stay. For essentials, the local supermarket offers a good selection of groceries and daily necessities. If you’re looking for something more unique, check out the beachwear boutiques and shops selling local crafts, perfect for picking up a stylish swimsuit or a handcrafted souvenir.
Good to know: this is a small town so you can’t go on a shopping spree. And during the winter, most shops will be closed anyway. If you want to do some real shopping, it’s best to go to San Antonio or Ibiza Town.
Cala Vadella beach
The beach features soft, gentle slopes leading to the sand, making it accessible for wheelchair users, who can also enjoy the water with the help of lifeguards and amphibious chairs.
Facilities include public toilets, showers, and footbaths, as well as parasol and sunbed rentals. The beach also has a designated diving zone and a prohibited area for boats, so it’s a safe and enjoyable beach. The facilities are really well and the guards are there the entire season.
Clubs in Cala Vadella
Cala Vadella is a serene beach destination by day, and it transforms into a relaxed yet lively spot at night. While it’s not a hub for mega-clubs like Ibiza Town, the surrounding area offers a more low-key and intimate nightlife experience. It’s ideal for families or if you just want to have a chat, enjoy some background music and enjoy the calm sea.
Most beach bars are perfectly fine for cocktails and good vibes, often with live music or DJs spinning chilled beats as the sun sets. But as with the shops; keep in mind that some of them will close down once the season comes to an end.
