Sunsets on Ibiza are easily some of the best the Mediterranean has to offer. In fact, they are pretty spectacular, with beautiful orange, red, pink and purple tones that seduce those viewing one with sights of pure dreaminess.
Each site and each day is unique, so when you go for the magical time when day turns into night, you can expect your own minor miracle. Here are some of the best places to catch the sunset on Ibiza.
Cala Conta
Best time to go: All year
Cala Conta's beaches need no introduction, being one of the most popular sets of beaches in the west, known for sublime days spent in the transparent deep blue waters or lolling on golden sands. Being only 15 minutes from San Antonio or San José, many make the pilgrimage here just for the sunsets, which many people consider to be without rival thanks to its west-facing position.
You'll find two beaches side by side and a nudist beach, all with views of the islet of S'illa des Bosc, or Forest Island, which, although now devoid of trees, is still a sublime sight. You'll find restaurants aplenty, though do go early for sunset to bag a table and book ahead if you can. For a luxury treat, head to one of the restaurants or bars at the 7Pines resort.
Sunset Strip
Best time to go: May 1 to October 18
Probably the most well-known part of the island to enjoy the sunset is San Antonio's Sunset Strip, which covers a long distance around this part of the bay. Sit on a bench, on some rocks, at a bar or take a long walk and stop wherever it takes your fancy.
If it's cocktails you want, then Café Mambo and Café Del Mar are among the most famous spots, especially if you want to see some of the most notable DJs playing chilled sets. You certainly won't run out of places to eat and drink either, so really, this part of Ibiza is what you make of it.
Cap des Falcó
Best time to go: September 20 to March 20
Close to the airport is the quiet and less frequented beach of Es Codolar. Fewer people go there since this beach is entirely covered in pebbles, though this is soon forgotten when you catch a glimpse of the sunsets from Cap des Falcó (the southern end), which are truly awesome.
You can get to this spot from the road to Las Salinas beach by following the signs on the right to the secluded restaurant Experimental Beach.
Las Salinas
Best time to go: October 10 to March 4
For a beautiful sunset that's reflected over water, head to Las Salinas. The salt flats here reflect the colours in the sky, turning shades of orange or pink. It's a beautiful sight and perfect for lovers because that's what a sunset at this spot makes you feel: love.
Stop when you see it and take a walk to admire the view. Many people cycle on the dirt tracks, near the big mound of salt (you can't miss it), to Cap des Falcó to see it too. And what better way to enjoy it than with the wind in your hair?
Es Vedrà
Best time to go: All year
Looming almost eerily off the south coast of Ibiza is the rock of Es Vedrà, an islet that raises as much controversy as it attracts people to go and see it. Many urban myths surround it, from it being the third most magnetic place on Earth to the tip of the sunken city of Atlantis or the island that inspired the Sirens from Homer's Odyssey. Whilst it's unlikely that any of these are true, the magic of the place has most likely inspired these legends.
You can see it from various points on the Ibizan coast: from Cala d'Hort, from the viewpoint (mirador) nearby, to many points on the southwest coast such as above Cala Conta or the approach to Cala Carbó. Seeing it at sunset is especially beautiful. Remember to make a wish.
Benirrás Beach
Best time to go: April 5 to September 7
Located on the north side of the island, about 10 minutes from San Miguel by car, is Benirrás beach. A pretty, sandy and slightly pebbly beach, it offers picturesque views of the rock formation known as Cap Bernat, colloquially known as the "Finger of God".
This beach's sheltered and intimate nature makes it a popular sunset spot. From Monday to Saturday during the summer, a gathering of drummers can be found there "drumming down the sunset" (NB. the famed Sunday drumming session no longer takes place). Head on over to Elements Ibiza for food and drink, where you can enjoy its boho-chic, recycled interior and the vantage point it affords for stunning sunset views.
San Antonio Bay
Best time to go: April 15 to August 30
Whilst not as well known for its sunsets as the Sunset Strip, San Antonio Bay has some equally enviable sites for this time of day - after all, it is only on the opposite side of the same bay facing west. It's especially beautiful beyond the end of the main strip of the bay going towards Port d'es Torrent beach and from any beach facing west.
If you want a more elevated view, INNSiDE Ibiza's rooftop bar offers views of the bay in its entirety from one end to the other; plus, there are lots of areas to lounge and enjoy cocktails with local DJs spinning tunes. Kumharas, an island institution where you'll get great food and cocktails, is a refuge for sunset lovers. At either place, you can't go wrong.
Regardless of where you choose to watch the sunset, make sure you stop to really take in at least one or two on your visit to Ibiza. You'll never be the same again.
WORDS | Peter Byun and Julian Heathcote
