Cala Bassa, one of Ibiza's most popular beaches
Information
Choosing a beach in Ibiza would be an impossible, not to mention exhausting task. And not because the island lacks attractive beaches — quite the opposite: Ibiza has so many wonderful beaches that the difficult part is choosing the most special one. Any hypothetical list of not-to-be-missed beaches on any visit to Ibiza would have to include Cala Bassa.
Located on the western side of the island, 4 kilometres along the coast from San Antonio (Sant Antoni de Portmany), Cala Bassa has all the elements that make Ibiza’s beaches unique: a crescent of fine sand enclosed within rocks, turquoise waters, and it is shielded from prying eyes on its land side by a forest of Mediterranean pine trees.
We’re visiting Cala Bassa, one of Ibiza’s best-known beaches, looking at the features that set it apart, the extensive range of services provided in the area, the best way to access the beach, and all we need to see once we arrive there if we’re to get the most from our visit.
- Features of Cala Bassa
- Activities available in Cala Bassa
- Cala Bassa Beach Club and other places to eat
- Where to stay in Cala Bassa
Features of Cala Bassa
Cala Bassa is a stretch of beach around 250 metres in length. It is backed by a pine forest and a wood of centuries-old juniper trees, many of them twisted into strange shapes by the winds. This luxuriant growth is a great benefit on the hottest days, as those tourists less inclined to fry themselves in the sun can seek refuge in its shade.
The beach’s relatively small size, together with its proximity to tourist resorts such as San Antonio, just a 20-minute car drive away, and its easy accessibility means that in summer Cala Bassa can draw huge crowds, particularly families. All this means that in summer the best option is to arrive as early in the day as you can, and to grab a precious space for yourself, along with a sunshade. The beach has a hire service for loungers and sunshades, as well as three beach bars with terraces where you can get a cool drink.
Imagen explícita de la playa de cala Bassa
Activities available in Cala Bassa
Once on the beach, the first thing you notice is how clear the waters are — so clear that you can even see from above the fish swimming around. For that reason, Cala Bassa is a perfect place.
Diving in Cala Bassa
Near the beach, there are numerous water sports businesses offering diving equipment for hire, for example OrcaSub Ibiza Diving Center, in Sant Josep de Sa Talaia; Sea Horse Scuba Diving Centre, in Playa Port des Torrent; and Arenal Diving, in Sant Antoni.
Paisaje de Cala Bassa.
Around the cove, in the rocky section on its right-hand side, there are plenty of underwater caves — a real treat for the seasoned diver.
For those who are new to diving, there is always snorkelling — a good option, as the water here is not only of superb quality, its is also shallow, and is home to an enormously diverse marine life — the perfect combination of ingredients for this fun and educational activity.
Boat trip to Cala Bassa and other activities
Another possibility on offer, and one that is sure to appeal, is a boat trip to Cala Bassa. The Ulises Cat company runs 30-minute crossings from Sant Antoni to Cala Bassa.
In addition, thanks to the calm waters, all kinds of water sports are available on the beach itself. The most common are water skiing and jet ski.
Barcos en Cala Bassa.
Diving from the beach
To the left, the beach is bounded by a series of low cliffs, perfect for diving into the water. Although the lower cliffs are not unduly dangerous, if you’re not confident it’s best not to plunge into the water, but to enjoy watching the spectacular stunts performed by daredevil bathers who dive in from a height.
A natural swimming pool for children
It is no accident that this famous cove is named ‘Bassa’ Bassa, in the Ibizan dialect, means pond. And that is exactly what we find on arriving at Cala Bassa: a small pond, like a swimming pool for young children to splash about in.
Cala Bassa y sus cristalinas aguas tranquilas.
This little children’s pool is not an accident of nature, but the work of man. Back in the day, a decision was made to create a small channel to allow sea water to flow in.
Cala Bassa Beach Club and other places to eat
In addition to all this, Cala Bassa offers all the services one would expect of a beach of this type: showers, toilets, changing rooms, massage services, lifeguard patrols, and lounger and sunshade hire… However, it could be said that one of Cala Bassa’s greatest attractions is its beach bars, restaurants and other facilities where visitors can have a drink and enjoy good music
Tumbonas en la genial Cala Bassa.
The outstanding example is, without a doubt, Cala Bassa Beach Club (CBbC). This is a beach bar that, over the years, has managed to expand its presence along the entire beach, through its many facilities (a beach bar, a restaurant, sun bed hire), as well as through the music from the bar that can be heard on every part of the beach. Setting aside any controversies, this place is the undisputed flagship for leisure and catering in the area. It organises all sorts of events: visitors can enjoy sessions by the island’s best-known DJs or enjoy a varied selection of cocktails, international or fusion cuisine
Near the campsite, about 200 metres along the road from Cala Bassa, you will find the La Cueva Cala Bassa, which specialises in Mediterranean tapas and fresh, high quality Italian cuisine at affordable prices.
On the beachfront itself, it is worth dropping into the shop called Ibiza by Porto, right next to the CBbC beach bar. The shop sells Ibizan clothing and footwear that is extremely popular with customers.
Where to stay in Cala Bassa
If you’re looking for comfortable and convenient accommodation in the Cala Bassa area, just make your way to the recently refurbished Occidental Ibiza hotel, barely 3 kilometres from this lovely beach. The hotel’s exact location is Port D’Es Torrent,, a 10-minute car drive away.
This delightful, Mediterranean-style hotel’s 346 B-Rooms are spacious and ultra-modern, guaranteeing that your stay will be an unforgettable one. There are different types of rooms to suit every need: double rooms, double rooms with a terrace, family rooms, and superior family rooms. In addition, the hotel’s restaurant offers a varied cuisine, including local and international dishes, and there are frequent themed dinners.
The Occidental Ibiza has three superb adult swimming pools and a children’s pool. There is a charming bar where you can get a soft drink or a snack while enjoying the fabulous views and a relaxing dip. If you’re travelling with children, you might like to know that this accommodation has a children’s play area, and a Barcy Club for the youngest members of the family — as well as entertainment programmes designed for all age groups.
And if you’re a sports enthusiast, the hotel has plenty to offer you too, as it has a multi-use pitch, a beach-volley court, and a massage service to add an extra measure of relaxation and wellness for all its guests.
The Occidental Ibiza Hotel, part of the Barceló Hotel Group, is your best option for accommodation if you are a discerning traveller and you want to enjoy Cala Bassa, whether with your family or with friends, or on a romantic break with your partner.
Moreover, if you would also like to explore the hotel’s amazing natural setting and discover interesting places, there are other idyllic beaches nearby, such as Cala Tarifa and Cala Conta, which, like Cala Bassa, have been awarded Blue Flags. Twenty kilometres away is Playa d’en Bossa, Ibiza’s longest beach and home to the famed disco, Space. And five minutes from Playa d’en Bossa, you’ll find Playa de Ses Salinas, a favourite haunt of celebrities. Enjoy a drink at its beach bars: Sa Trinxa, Malibú and Jockey Club.
Another accommodation offer you could safely opt for is the Barceló Portinatx Hotel, although this is adults-only and is a little further away from Cala Bassa.Only 20 minutes’ walk from Portinatx beach, this is the perfect haven for those who want to rest and unwind during their holiday. Half of the rooms are Junior Suites, and have sea views. Some even have a hydromassage bath on the terrace. Sports lovers can enjoy all kinds of water sports, as well as hiking and cycling, and the hotel offers mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine.You can expect an unforgettable stay if you opt for the Barceló Portinatx – Adults Only, because the hotel also has a large solarium, two swimming pools, an outdoor wellness facility, and a terrace with fantastic sea views.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get to Cala Bassa by car?
From San Antonio you can reach Cala Bassa by car. The shortest route is to take the EI-700 road to the town of San Agustin, and there follow the road to Cala Conta. At the turnoff at the Can Pujolet restaurant, take the road to Cala Bassa, which leads directly to this beach. The trip takes 20 minutes.
Where can I park near Cala Bassa?
There are two parking areas: a large private parking lot and a smaller, free parking lot, which, of course, is the first to be completed.
What features and services does Cala Bassa have?
Cala Bassa is a sandy beach about 250 meters long and has a rental service of sunbeds and parasols, also has three beach bars with terraces where you can cool off.
How to get to Cala Bassa by bus?
Bus line 7 connects San Antonio with Cala Bassa.
How to get to Cala Bassa by Ferry?
A ferry line connects the town with the cove, with four departures a day from San Antonio and three from Cala Bassa.
Related plans
Cala Atlantis, Ibiza’s most dreamlike landscape
Diving in Ibiza, discover the underwater wonders
Boat trips from Ibiza: sail from cove to cove
