The White Isle is blessed with idyllic coves, topaz waters and a long boating season, so it’s little surprise this Balearic beauty is heralded as one of the Mediterranean’s top cruising hotspots. Drop anchor in any one of these beautiful bays and enjoy Ibiza in all its sun-drenched glory.

 

 

 

 

A slice of turquoise flanked by pine-dappled cliffs and rocky outcrops, this pretty cala to the north of the island boasts crystal-clear water and is a magnet for snorkelers and divers. Rocky pathways and trails crisscross to neighbouring tiny coves and visitors can use the naturally occurring mud baths (said to soothe fatigued skin) found near the main beach.

 

 

 

 

 

Small, beautiful and bohemian; Benirras offers glorious views of the Cap Bernet rock (referred to locally as ‘the finger of God’) and is another one of Ibiza’s northern gems. While holidaymakers flock to the pretty beach, boaters can drop anchor in azure waters and enjoy the peace and best views in the house. The partly rocky seabed makes Benirras a superb spot for snorkelling, before settling back with a glass in hand to watch a romantic, pink-hued sunset. On Sundays, the zen-like vibes dial up a notch as drummers descend on the beach to ‘drum down the sunset’. It’s all part of the unique, relaxed ambience of the north of the island!

 

 

 

 

 

While landlubbers battle with the traffic jams that snarl up along the road to this paradise spot, drop the anchor in the kaleidoscopic water of Cala Salada and relax, snorkel and sunbathe to your heart’s content. This idyllic inlet on the west coast (and neighbouring Cala Saldeta) sits at the foot of a verdant pine forest and its rocky headlands are dotted with scented rosemary bushels. Along with its spellbinding natural scenery, Cala Salada’s wow factor is its crystalline topaz waters. Its location on the west coast also makes it one of the best spots for sundowners at sunset.

 

 

 

 

 

On the south-west tip of the island, this sweeping rocky bay attracts a cool, fashionable crowd onshore, while its azure water and captivating views provide the perfect backdrop to a day swinging off the hook. Lined with a peppering of trendy beach bars and restaurants – not least the hip Ibiza Blue Marlin Beach Club – Cala Jondal is a popular spot brimming of Ibiza beats and will suit those who want some shoreside entertainment under denim skies.

 

 

 

 

 

Ibiza sunsets are almost as famous as the island’s super clubs and Cala Conta is one of the sundowner spots. Natural beauty abounds at this popular cove on Ibiza’s west coast and the anchorage is a patchwork of turquoise, azure, cobalt and flickering emerald water. The mesmeric views of the isle of Conejera and the peaks of Es Vedra silhouetted by a blazing amber sunset will prove truly unforgettable. During the day, young and old enjoy the beach and the clear sea, while the sweeping anchorage has room for many yachts. Anchor between the Forest Island, the rocky islet that divides Cala Conta, and the mainland for gin-clear depths over the white sandy bank.

 

 

 

 

 

Backed by dunes and pines, this long brush of golden sandy beach is sheltered from the prevailing east winds and is a popular anchorage brimming with Ibiza style. Tender in to one of the lively chiringuitos (beach bars) for a mojito and Balearic beats. Located on the south of Ibiza, the beaches of Las Salinas and Cala Jondal are a good jumping off point for those cruising to the neighbouring isle of Formentera. Famed for its spectacular water, snorkelling and scuba diving, Formentera is another boating paradise with beautiful anchorages including Illetas and Espalmador abound. Should stunning Illetas prove crowded, Es Calo, Es Pujols and Cala Saona are perfectly picturesque alternatives. Delicious fish restaurants line Es Calo and Cala Saona is an excellent anchorage and boasts incredible sunset views.

 

 

 

 

 

This natural harbour is well sheltered from all but winds from the north and despite the busy resorts on land, the bay boasts clear water and a relaxed atmosphere. Portinaitx offers plenty of restaurants and bars to tender to. As evening falls, visitors may even find drummers come down to the water’s edge from the beach bars for impromptu beach party performances.