For those seeking the beauty of Ibiza paired with some time away from the party crowds, Cala Gracio is the perfect place to go. Feel the soft, white sand between your toes, and then take a dip in the Mediterranean Sea. The beach is within walking distance from San Antonio, which is where many ferries from mainland Spain arrive.
The beach is at the head of a deep cove with a gentle decline into the sea. This is an ideal place for swimming because its waters are largely protected from big waves or currents. Watch as the children make sandcastles or wade in for a ball game in the shallows. Dive under the surface with a mask and snorkel to explore the rocky areas. If you look closely you can see small fish and crustaceans in the clear water. In the high season, rent a pedalo from a beach kiosk and paddle and play in the bay.
The surrounding palm and pine trees make for a nice contrast with the white sand and clear, blue water. Take photos of the cove in the early morning, before the crowds arrive and climb the cliffs to look out over the water.
Stroll to the restaurant a little further along the rocky coastline that leads from Cala Gracio. Enjoy typical Spanish tapas with octopus, olives and chorizo dishes, or order paella with fresh seafood.
From the beach, you can also follow the winding path to San Antonio, just 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) away. As Ibiza’s second-largest town, San Antonio has built up a name as the “Clubbing Capital of the Universe” and certainly lives up to that name. The town is split into three main parts: the bar strip of West End, the clubs at the Sunset Strip and the harbour-side promenade of Passeig de ses Fonts.
Winter, spring and autumn are the quietest time to enjoy Cala Gracio and its nearby surroundings. Summer is when crowds of Europeans flock to the area. If you want to experience the bustling nightlife of San Antonio, visit during the months of June, July, August and early September.
