Location: On the southern coast of Ibiza, close to the airport (see the planes coming in over the sea) and 10 minutes drive from the popular resort Playa d'en Bossa
Facilities: Lifeguards, non-smoking beach (please respect this!), beach boutique, restaurant with toilets, shower (payment with one-euro coins) and massage
Size: 100 metres long, 10 metres wide
Getting there: Reached by car, past the airport towards Cala Jondal. There are two car parks on rough ground; for the smaller one next to the restaurant, a tip to the attendant is recommended; the other, larger one at the entrance of the sandy access road is free. Even in high season here, you'll always find a spot.
The beach
To the east of Cala Jondal and reached by an unsurfaced access road, the beach of Sa Caleta, officially named Es Bol Nou, is in an absolutely beautiful setting.
The beach is backed by dramatic red cliffs, creating a feeling of seclusion compounded by its horseshoe shape. There are fantastic photo possibilities from the top of the cliffs, but please be careful and refrain from getting too near to the edge as the rocks might be unstable.
There is only a very small stretch of sand, backed by pebbles. Many people choose to lie in the shadows near to the cliff face, but this is not recommended due to the risk of falling stones.
The cove has very shallow, crystal clear water. At the entrance there are pebbles, for a metre or so, but after that the sea bed is sandy - though be aware of some large rocks lying around. As the bay is very sheltered, the sea here is warmer than on other beaches. With the rocky promontories to the left, the beach is also a great spot for snorkelling, with many fish to spot.
Sa Caleta is very popular with the locals and it can get very full, especially on weekends. Via a path over the rocks to the right, you'll reach two tiny bays that are popular among naturists. Alternatively, find a quiet place on the rocks to the left near some rustic fishermen's sheds.
Spotlight tip: This picturesque cove is also home to the ruins of the first Phoenician settlement on Ibiza, dating back to 654 BCE. Declared a world heritage site in 1999, it is free to look around, and there is plenty of historical information available. Walk up to the top of the cliff on the left-hand side. On the way, you also pass some bunkers from the Spanish Civil War.
Bars and restaurants
There is one restaurant called simply Sa Caleta. Beautifully decorated in a rustic, nautical theme, this seafood-focused eatery is popular among locals and open year-round. In summer, it offers a weekly programme with live music and cultural events.
Accommodation nearby
The nearest resort is Playa d'en Bossa, where you can find many hotels and apartments. For something more special, there are some beautiful villas in the San José area, only minutes away from this beautiful beach.
