Cala Bassa Beach, East Ibiza

This is a beach that really does have it all, things to do and explore, perfect crystal clear shallow waters, pristine white sand beach, good snack stalls and posh beach clubs, yachts moored off shore and watersports to enjoy. As you leave the car park you are immediately greeted with some rocky coastline that is almost irresistible. I made my way directly over to it and navigated my way through the uneven rock formations and rock pools to the edge where I could see the clear waters lapping around the rocks below me.

In the distance there were several yachts moored, it seems that this is a popular beach for sailors to stop off for lunch or to test out their land-legs for few hours! The water here really is crystal clear, with seaweed and sea life around the rocky outcrops but by the beach there is little or no seaweed or rock to negotiate as you make your way into the water - making this the ideal for place for someone like myself who has an irrational fear of seaweed!

I gingerly made my way back over the rocks - flip flops are not the ideal footwear for this type of exploration it seems. Crossing a small wooden bridge you are greeted by the beautiful sight of the Cala Bassa Beach Club, a little bit of luxury on this stunning beach. I was tempted to stop for a cocktail as they looked delicious but I had more that I wanted to see at Cala Bassa and I decided to keep moving along the beach to see what else it had to offer.

This is actually the perfect family beach - the waters are super shallow and even I, although not a natural in the water, was happy to paddle out into the waters and enjoy the cooling waves gently rippling over me. It stretches long around the bay and is fairly deep so there is plenty of space, but even in early season the beach was busy, a testament to its popularity I suppose.

The sand is white and silky, with not a pebble in sight, and perfect for sand castle building it turns out. As I walked along the shoreline I had to negotiate several castles, each with its own moat network... As you reach the far end of the bay you come to another restaurant and jetty which acts as the drop off point for those yachts who are moored out in the bay. More rocky outcrops to explore and a multitude of rock pools for the kids to fish around in. I sat round here for a while just enjoying an ice cream from the cafe and the views over the bay all the way to San Antonio. It was nice to find a spot where I could relax with a little bit of peace and quiet, away from the busier beach section. I also discovered a promenade in the pine forest that snakes its way along the back of the beach, complete with picnic benches and some much needed shade.

Finally, I was tempted into the water and was greeted by the cool water and relief from the heat of the day. Floating around I watched a sea kayak drift past and thought to myself how perfect this bay is for that kind of activity...next time!