Walter Ponce
Ibiza is our summer default. We have been coming back for years (I wrote about my favourite beaches in Ibiza a while ago), and last month we spent four nights on the island again, this time on the west coast, near Sant Antoni and Cap Negret.
The west is the side of Ibiza for sunsets, quiet coves and long, slow days. Here is how to make the most of it.
Why the west coast
- Sunsets: the west coast faces the setting sun, and the sunset is a daily ritual here.
- Calas: some of the island’s prettiest coves are a short drive away.
- Calm: outside the town centre, the coast around Cap Negret is quiet, with resort hotels on the rocks above the sea.
Sant Antoni and the sunset strip
Sant Antoni de Portmany has a reputation as a party town, but it has a calmer side. The bay is lined with a long promenade, and on the rocks north of the town is the famous sunset strip, with Café del Mar and Café Mambo, where people gather every evening to watch the sun drop into the sea. Go early for a seat, or watch from the rocks.
The best calas near Sant Antoni
- Cala Bassa: a crescent of sand surrounded by pine trees, with very clear water. Busy in summer.
- Cala Comte (Cala Conta): shallow turquoise water between little islands, and one of the best sunset spots on the island.
- Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta: two small coves north of Sant Antoni, reached by a short walk.
- Cala Tarida and Cala Vadella: further south, family-friendly beaches with restaurants.
- Caló des Moro: a tiny rocky cove right next to the sunset strip.
In summer, boats run from Sant Antoni harbour to several of these beaches, a good alternative to driving and parking.
More sunset spots on the west coast
The sunset strip is the most famous, but not the only place to watch it:
- Cala d’Hort: a cove in the southwest facing the rocky island of Es Vedrà, one of the most photographed views in Ibiza.
- Cala Comte: the rocks and terraces above the water fill up every evening in summer.
- Punta de sa Galera: flat rock terraces north of Sant Antoni, popular for swimming and sunset. The path down is rocky, so wear proper shoes.
A relaxed four-day plan
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive, pool, sunset at Caló des Moro |
| 2 | Boat to Cala Bassa, evening in Sant Antoni |
| 3 | Cala Comte for the afternoon and sunset |
| 4 | Ibiza Town and Dalt Vila, the old walled town |
Ibiza Town and Dalt Vila
Dalt Vila, the walled upper town of Ibiza Town (Eivissa), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the island’s seagrass meadows and other historic sites. Walk up through the main gate, the Portal de ses Taules, and climb the cobbled lanes to the cathedral at the top for views over the port and towards Formentera. Below the walls, the harbour area of La Marina is full of shops, bars and restaurants. Ibiza Town is around half an hour by car from Sant Antoni.
What to eat in Ibiza
- Bullit de peix: a fish stew served with a second course of rice cooked in the broth (arroz a banda).
- Sofrit pagès: a hearty country stew of meats and sausages.
- Flaó: a sweet cheesecake flavoured with mint, a traditional Ibizan dessert.
- Hierbas ibicencas: the local herb liqueur, often served after dinner.
Many beach restaurants on the calas specialise in grilled fish and paella; at the popular ones, book a table for lunch in summer.
Day trips
- Formentera: the small island south of Ibiza, with long white beaches and very clear water. Ferries leave from Ibiza Town and take around half an hour on the fast boats.
- Hippy markets: Las Dalias in Sant Carles on Saturdays and Punta Arabí in Es Canar on Wednesdays (in season) are the best known.
- The north: the quieter villages and coves around Sant Joan and Portinatx, very different from the west.
Where to stay on the west coast
- Sant Antoni town: the cheapest base, close to the bars, restaurants and boats, but noisy at night in summer.
- Cap Negret and the bay edges: quieter hotels on the rocks, still a short walk or drive from town.
- Sant Josep and the southwest: villas and smaller hotels near Cala Tarida, Cala Vadella and Cala d’Hort. A car is essential.
Getting around
- Car: the best way to explore the calas. Book early in summer.
- Buses: connect Sant Antoni with Ibiza Town and the main beaches.
- Taxis: expensive and scarce in high season.
- From the airport: around 20 to 25 minutes to Sant Antoni by car.
When to go
July and August are hot, busy and expensive, with every beach club full. June and September are ideal: warm sea, fewer people and lower prices. Many beach clubs and restaurants close from November to April.
May and October are also pleasant, with quieter beaches, although the sea is cooler and some places run shorter hours.
FAQ
Is Sant Antoni a good place to stay in Ibiza? Yes, especially the quieter coast around it, such as Cap Negret. You get the sunsets and easy access to the western calas.
Where is the best sunset in Ibiza? The sunset strip in Sant Antoni (Café del Mar, Café Mambo, Caló des Moro) and Cala Comte are the classic spots.
Do you need a car in Ibiza? It makes visiting the calas much easier, but boats and buses work too.
When is the best time to visit Ibiza? June and September, for warm sea and fewer crowds. July and August are the busiest and most expensive months.
Is Sant Antoni only for partying? No. The town centre has a lively nightlife, but the coast around it is quiet, and the calas and sunsets are the main draw for many visitors.
Can you visit Formentera from Ibiza? Yes, as a day trip. Ferries leave from Ibiza Town and the fast boats take around half an hour.
