Cala Benirràs is an iconic Ibiza beach, famous for its magical sunsets and traditional hippie drum circles that resonate every Sunday. A bohemian and natural corner in the north of the island.
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Antes del siglo XX, los trajes de baño eran pesados, cubrían casi todo el cuerpo y se consideraban "ropa de baño" más que de natación.
About this beach
Table of contents
Introduction
From the moment we set foot on Cala Benirràs, in the picturesque municipality of San Juan, in the north of Ibiza, we feel we've arrived at a truly special place. It's not just a beach; it's an experience, a meeting point where nature, hippie culture, and the island's magic merge. Known worldwide for its sunsets and its famous drum circles, especially on Sundays, this cove offers us much more than sun and sand: it gives us a piece of the most authentic and bohemian soul of Ibiza.
Cala Benirràs is a natural canvas where the turquoise blue of its waters meets the sand mixed with pebbles and the intense green of the surrounding pine trees. Dominating the seascape, the islet of Cap Bernat rises majestically, popularly known as 'God's Finger', a rock formation that adds a mystical touch to every photograph and every memory we take from here. It's a place where energy flows differently, a sanctuary for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle and connect with the purest essence of the white island.
How to Get to Cala Benirràs
Getting to Cala Benirràs is part of the adventure, although it requires some planning, especially during high season. The cove is located in the north of the island, in an area of winding roads that go through pine forests. The most comfortable way to get there is by car or motorbike, although we must be aware that parking can be a challenge. There is a designated parking area, but it fills up quickly, especially on Sunday afternoons, when the influx of people to watch the sunset and the drums is at its peak. Sometimes, overflow parking zones with shuttle bus service from nearby villages like Sant Miquel or Sant Joan are set up, a highly recommended option to avoid parking problems and enjoy the experience stress-free.
We can also opt for public transport, although connections are more limited. Some bus lines connect San Juan with other towns, but to get directly to the cove, we might need a taxi or a VTC service from the nearest village. For the more adventurous, arriving by bicycle can be an option, but the route is demanding and the slopes are steep. Whatever our choice, we recommend leaving with plenty of time, especially if our visit coincides with the Sunday sunset, to ensure a good spot and not miss a single detail of the magic that awaits us.
The Sand and the Water
When we talk about the beach at Cala Benirràs, we must highlight that its charm does not lie in an extensive carpet of fine, golden sand, but in its more rustic and natural character. The sand is of a mixed type, composed of a combination of coarser sand and small pebbles or stones, which gives it a very authentic and organic look. This means it might not be the most comfortable beach to walk barefoot on if we're not used to it, but in return, it offers a different texture and a more direct contact with nature.
As for the water, it is, without a doubt, one of the great attractions of Benirràs. Its waters are crystal clear, of a turquoise blue color that invites swimming and exploration. The type of seabed is also mixed, alternating sandy areas with rocky zones, making it an excellent place for snorkeling. With a mask and a snorkel, we can discover a vibrant underwater world, with small fish and rock formations that host diverse marine life. Furthermore, as it is a cove quite protected from the prevailing winds, its waters are usually calm, making it ideal for a relaxing swim or for the little ones to splash around safely, always under our supervision. The clarity of the water is such that, even without submerging, we can appreciate the beauty of its seabed.
Services and Facilities
Despite its natural and somewhat wild atmosphere, Cala Benirràs does not skimp on essential services to ensure a comfortable and pleasant stay. We highly value that, although it's not an urban beach, it has the necessary facilities to fully enjoy the day. Among the most notable services, we find:
- Chiringuitos and Restaurants: Without a doubt, one of the strong points of Benirràs. The famous restaurant 'Elements Ibiza' not only offers exquisite Mediterranean cuisine with international touches but is also a nerve center of the cove's life, with a clothing shop and events. Additionally, there are other smaller chiringuitos where we can have a drink, a snack, or enjoy an informal meal with sea views. They are perfect places to extend the afternoon and enjoy the sunset.
- Parking: As mentioned earlier, there is a parking area. It is paid and its capacity is limited, so we recommend arriving early or considering alternative public transport options on days of high influx.
- Lifeguard Service: For our peace of mind and everyone's safety, the beach has a lifeguard service during the high season, which allows us to enjoy swimming with greater confidence.
- Sun Umbrellas and Sun Loungers: For those who prefer comfort, there are areas where we can rent sun umbrellas and sun loungers, which is ideal for protecting ourselves from the sun and relaxing by the sea.
- Showers: After a refreshing swim in the sea, a shower is always welcome to wash off the salt and sand. Benirràs has public showers we can use.
- Bathrooms/WC: The restaurants and chiringuitos usually offer restroom facilities for their customers, and sometimes, public toilets are also set up in the area.