Ibiza draws in millions of British visitors every year but there’s one part of the island that often gets overlooked, despite boasting some ridiculously pretty villages and beaches
Ibiza is famous for its party towns, clubs and golden sandy beaches, but there’s one gorgeous region on the Balearic island that’s often overlooked by tourists despite its amazing coastline.
Els Amunts is a nature reserve that covers a large part of the northern side of the island, but because it isn’t host to those world-famous pool parties, the island often gets overlooked by the crowds of tourists that descend on Ibiza every summer. However, intrepid explorers who venture into the wild forests will be treated to quieter beaches, breathtaking hikes, and plenty of quaint villages.
Highlights include the picture-perfect Cala d’en Serra, a secluded bay that’s surrounded by dense greenery, and boasts azure waters that look like the stuff of postcards. Visitors can enjoy a dip in the water or even have a go at snorkeling, or lay out a towel and bask in the sunshine without having to fight off other tourists to get beach space. There aren’t many amenities at this hidden beach, but there is a snack bar for some refreshments if you need them. Be warned that some tourists were caught off guard by the steep path that leads to this coastal spot, so pack some sturdy shoes if you want to visit!
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Another hidden beach that’s well worth having on your radar is Cala Xarraca, which is so beautiful you’ll often find photographers here trying to capture the ridiculously pretty views; think golden sands, pine forests and eye-catching red cliffs. This beach is a little easier to reach as you can drive and use the nearby car park, or there are even bus routes available from Ibiza Town.
Those who like to go off the beaten path will also find countless villages nestled across the landscape, boasting whitewashed homes, historic defence towers and impressive fortified churches; but the medieval village of Balàfia remains one particularly popular spot with adventurers thanks to its gorgeous surroundings and ancient buildings.
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The great thing about the region is that although it’s quieter than the rest of the island, it’s not completely remote. For example if you want a good base from which to explore that also has some of that hustle and bustle, the nearby town of Puerto de San Miguel is worth having on your radar. It boasts a small sandy beach with swim-friendly waters, as well as plenty of family-friendly hotels and restaurants. There’s still plenty of opportunity for adventure though courtesy of the town’s impressive Can Marça cave network.
Getting to Ibiza from the UK is easy – it is a holiday hotspot after all. There are heaps of direct flights with airlines including easyJet, British Airways, Ryanair and Jet2 and TUI, from a wide array of UK airports. The centre of Els Amunts is about a half hour drive from Ibiza airport itself, or an hour if you use public transport, so it’s easy enough to visit if you’d rather stay at one of the island’s busier resorts, and enjoy a day trip to the quieter side of Ibiza!
You can find out more on illesbalears.travel.