Cala Vadella

This azure bay, dotted with sparkling yachts and a gentle arc of soft, golden sand is one of Ibiza’s most picturesque beaches. Cala Vadella is 25 minutes from San Antonio and 35 from Ibiza town and just a short drive to the charming village of San José, making it one of the west coast’s treasures. Luxury properties pepper the lush, rolling green hills and range from beautifully restored traditional Spanish homes to sleek modern villas. Down on the beach, horse riders gallop along the sand while families frolic in the water. The crystalline water is perfect for snorkelling and loads of other water sports, making Cala Vadella and the surrounding areas a dream destination.

Local dining

Maya Beach Club sits above the golden sand, setting the benchmark for elegance and relaxation at Cala Vadella. Cana Sofia, also on the beachfront, serves ups traditional dishes with an innovative and stylish edge. At the other end of the sand is Restaurante María Luisa Ibiza, which has been dishing out classic paellas and more since 1987 and has a very loyal local following – all must-tries during your holiday in the area.

Nearby attractions

The little caves on the left-hand side of the beach are begging to be explored with a snorkel. The cute village of San José is definitely worth a mooch around – stop in at any of the town’s many cafés and boutiques for a spot of shopping. Sunset, of course, can be enjoyed from so many vantage points along this coast too. The adventurous should not miss out on a trek to the secret cove of Atlantis, where natural rock pools have formed in an ancient quarry. Nearby, at the gorgeous Cala Tarida, is the famed Cotton Beach Club for delicious food and cocktails plus a divine sunset experience.

Best beaches

Cala Vadella is a sparking jewel with excellent snorkelling in addition to pedaloes and kayaks for those who don’t want to get their hair wet! A short drive away is Cala Tarida, the longest white sand beach on the west coast. In the other direction is Cala d’Hort, which looks directly onto Es Vedra – a mystical rock looming out of the sea rumoured to be the third most magnetic place on earth (geologists say it’s not but evidence shows otherwise) and home to Homer’s mythical Sirens. Whichever direction you choose to take, you’ll find sparkling azure waters and striking views.