Cala Bassa Beach Review

Located 15- 20 minutes outside of San Antonio Cala Bassa beach is one of the most talked about beaches in the area and with good reason. The super model of beaches this one has it all; the sand is softer than it has any right to be, the sea is glass clear and baby blue in the shallows, the beach is surrounded by trees and dunes and the sea is sheltered by arms of rock that make this a calm and quiet snorkelers dream. Add to that the Cala Bassa Beach Club designed to cater for your every extravagant whim and I defy you to spend a day on Cala Bassa and not want to spend a lifetime there.

A popular beach both with tourists and locals Cala Bassa is far from quiet but you will find plenty of space along its 300m length to set up camp. If the sand doesn’t appeal to you then branch out onto the rocky shelves at either end or back into the shaded dune area amongst the trees. The volume of people adds to the lively nature of this beach, as does the range of water sports on offer, the vendors strolling the sands and the pumping soundtrack delivered courtesy of CBbC’s resident DJ’s, who keep beach-goers in an Ibizan frame of mind.

This is a beach for activity; the rocks around the edges demand exploring but it’s the water more than anything that needs to be conquered. Absolutely stunning in colour and so free of rocks and seaweed that you could easily believe CBbC have someone on staff whose job it is to keep to seabed clear for their clientele. Yachts cluster in the mouth of the bay and their lucky inhabitants leap from the deck into the crystal water below, whilst ferries and day-trippers arrive from San Antonio regularly and disembark on the stone jetty at the far end of the beach.

There’s a shallow lake at the start of the beach that makes a perfect kids pool, lifeguards are on duty and the water is well sectioned into swimming and boating areas. Available for rent on the beach is the usual selection of pedalos, kayaks, paddle boards, jet skis and motor boats offering to drag you around the bay and as an added bonus here you can also hire snorkels for the day and it’s well worth doing so. The craggy rocks at either end of the beach are a treasure trove of rocky shelves, caves, nooks and crannies that store all manner of sights for the keen snorkeler. Even just wading around the sandy seabed you’ll see plenty of pretty fish hired by CBbC’s to swim around the shallows and entertain visitors...

Seabed clearing and pretty fish hiring aside CBbC’s is also there for your every other need too, this sprawling multi-sectioned luxury beach club borders the entire Cala Bassa beach and has a complete monopoly on trade there. From the car park to the shops, water sports to sun loungers, showers to restaurants you’ll find the discreet but prevalent CBbC logo everywhere.

Trading in luxury this place has it all, five restaurants dotted along the dune line including Mediterranean and Ibizan food, sushi, and a gourmet corner featuring an oyster and pâté bar. There are seven different options of sun beds available ranging from the simple single wooden variety to VIP group curtained cabanas. The shops sell resort wear, jewellery, designer sunglasses and watches, and the bars offer more types of gin than anyone knew existed. If you want to spend a day living in extravagant luxury then this place is for you, make sure you book ahead whether you’re after a sun bed or a table, otherwise you’ll find them full over peak season.

On the sun lounger basic menu a coffee will cost you around €5 and a basic cocktail €17, food varies depending upon which location you’re eating in but the menus are mouth-wateringly elegant and the prices match. If you’re on a budget head for CBbC Snack at the far end where luxury gives way to plastic chairs and plastic plates and fast food is served at reasonable beach prices (pizza - €12, sandwiches €6.50, coffee €2, beer €3). Beach vendors also sell cold drinks and fruit salads but there is no grocery shop at this beach, so plan ahead if you want to picnic.

Easily accessible by car, bus or ferry from San Antonio, everyone should visit Cala Bassa beach whilst in Ibiza, luxurious lifestyle aside the beach is simply one of Ibiza’s best. Visit for a family-friendly day out with stunning white sand and clear blue sea, give it a miss only if you’re looking to avoid the crowds.