Cala Conta

With very little residential development, a certain peaceful atmosphere permeates every nook of Cala Conta with evident connection to the freewheeling Ibiza of the past. The beach itself is one of the west coast’s best, possessing an almost mythic reputation. There’s many a story about hearts being captured by island romance on this very shoreline. Even though it’s just a few kilometres from sassy San Antonio, this little pocket of bohemian sunshine feels a million miles away. The homes in the area feel more like exclusive boutique hotels – expect sweeping terraces, cubic architecture, cool colour schemes and just enough rustic undertones to be comfy and cosy.

Local dining

On the small cliff jutting over the beach is the iconic Sunset Ashram, where the order and pay beach bar serves up delicious snacks, lunch while the restaurant has a superb selection of sushi, Indian and Mediterranean options. Sunsets are, naturally, out of this world and play out to the Balearic beats of a DJ. Down the coast a few steps is seafood specialist Ses Roques, famous for its paella, traditional fish stews and rices. Up over the cliff and down a set of concrete stairs is the diminutive Cala Escondida with an insanely beautiful view and a small menu of delicious organic munchies. And just a short drive from the beach parking is the impressive 7Pine Resort Ibiza, which is also open to the public – try in-house restaurant Cone Club for breakfast, lunch and its nightly ‘Sunset Rituals’ event and decadent dining destination The View for a more romantic evening meal.

Nearby attractions

Not far from the beach, in a semi-secret location, is one of those legendary Ibiza caves. Perhaps a hippie hermit lived there in the 70s; maybe it’s the location of those stealthy raves in a cave and you may even find the occasional pop-up yoga session making the most of its incredible view of Es Vedra as the sun goes down. Speaking of wellness, the Pure Seven spa at 7Pines Resort Ibiza is the perfect place to find your Zen with a massage or beauty treatment overlooking Es Vedra. Nearby beaches offer water sports of all stripes and the sunsets from the beach and surrounding areas are spectacular.

Best beaches

Cala Conta itself is a slice of paradise with golden sands and a shallow entry into the crystal blue sea. It’s perfect for little ones, and popular with all ages and boasts a distinctly European feel. A bit further along, the shoreline becomes a little slightly rockier but it’s worth the scramble – the water here is deeper. Walk across the sandy car park to the west and keep going until you think you might get lost. You’ll spot a subtle set of concrete stairs that lead down to the tiny Cala Contita, where sun worshippers feel free to strip off. A short distance, accessed via down a bumpy road just off the main road leading into Cala Conta, is the lovely Cala Codolar – a sweet, enclosed bay with pebbly sand, turquoise waters and Es Vedra views.