Exploring Ibiza’s Beaches: Cala Benirràs

Not so long ago, Cala Benirràs was an Ibiza beach known only to locals and holidaymakers who chose the north of the island for a relaxed family holiday. Today, it is one of the most visited beaches during the summer, and many people still head there in search of an attraction that is no longer held. Would you like to know whether this Ibiza beach is right for you?

Cala Benirràs and the Drum Party

Cala Benirràs’s location in the north-western tip of the island kept it away for decades from the majority of travellers who stayed around Ibiza’s most popular resorts. However, with the rise of Instagram, its popularity grew rapidly thanks to a musical gathering that began as a get-together among friends and percussion enthusiasts and eventually became a mass event: the famous Drum Party.
This tribal music gathering, which began in the late 1990s, initially took place at sunset on the August full moon, then on the full moons of the other summer months. By well into the 2010s, it was being held every Sunday throughout the summer, even attracting boat trips from Sant Antoni and Portinatx.
Today, this event is no longer held on summer Sundays, and the musicians who used to gather to play their drums as the sun went down now meet sporadically and without prior notice. So, if you had this event marked in your Ibiza holiday diary, you’ll have to change your plans!
That said, Cala Benirràs has plenty of other charms that continue to make it a beautiful beach to visit at any time of year.

What is Cala Benirràs like?

Cala Benirràs is an unspoilt beach of great natural beauty, surrounded by pine forests and characterised by its traditional fishermen’s huts, the distinctive rock rising from the sea in the middle of the bay and the sunsets that can be enjoyed from the shore during the summer months.
Measuring 145 metres long and 45 metres wide, the beach has coarse, golden-brown sand both on the shore and on the seabed, along with areas of pebbles.
Thanks to its location in the north-west of Ibiza, Cala Benirràs combines perfectly with other nearby attractions, such as the villages of Sant Miquel and Sant Joan, the Can Marçà karst cave and the beaches of Port de Sant Miquel, Cala Xarraca and Portinatx.
When heading there, keep an eye on your fuel gauge and, if the level is low, take the opportunity to fill up at the petrol station on the road to Sant Joan, a few kilometres before reaching the village, as it is the only petrol station in the whole area.

You’ll love Cala Benirràs if…

Wondering whether you should include this cove on your Ibiza road trip? Here are 7 clues to help you decide:

• You’re looking for a safe beach for children: its orientation protects it from winds blowing in from the sea, so the water is usually fairly calm. There are some rocky stretches, but most of the seabed is sandy. It is also generally free from jellyfish.
• You like unspoilt coves and beaches surrounded by nature: Cala Benirràs is protected by a rugged coastline covered in pine trees, where you can enjoy some pleasant walks.
• You want a wide range of facilities: at Cala Benirràs you’ll find three restaurants — two of them specialising in seafood — as well as showers and lifeguard services.
• You love picture-postcard scenery: this beautiful cove owes much of its charm to the Cap Bernat islet just offshore and the groups of traditional fishermen huts dotted around the beach, giving it a delightful maritime character.
• Crowds don’t bother you: although the famous Drum Party is no longer held, many people still come here hoping to experience it. Its fame also means that Cala Benirràs features in countless recommendations for the best beaches in Ibiza.
• You like street markets: during the summer, a market is held next to the cove every day from 12 noon to 10 pm, where you can buy handicrafts, accessories, island souvenirs and more.
• You’re planning to hire a vehicle: the easiest and most convenient way to get there is by car. On our Ibiza car hire website, you can check out the models best suited to your needs and budget and get a discount when you book in advance.

Coordinates: 39.0893235,1.4460045

***

Planning to hire a car in Ibiza? Visit our website, discover our offers and book your car hire today.
Moto Luis, Ibiza car hire company since 1956

***

Main picture: © Isaac García / Moto Luis