Solo Ibiza
Beaches and coves of Sant Josep
The beaches of Sant Josep de sa Talaia, or San José, line the coast that runs from the south of the island towards the west. It is the largest municipality in Ibiza, covering almost 160 square kilometres, and its village lies about 15 kilometres from Ibiza Town.
The municipality is divided into small parishes. The main one is Sant Josep, but others such as Sant Jordi, Sant Agustí and Sant Francesc don’t go unnoticed either. Its coastline is very long and has beaches from end to end: from Port des Torrent, on the border with the municipality of Sant Antoni, to Platja d’en Bossa, which it shares with the beaches of Ibiza Town.
In general, the beaches of Sant Josep have calm waters. Most are small coves, quite enclosed and not very crowded, such as Cala Carbó, Cala Vadella, Cala Codolar, Cala Molí or Cala Tarida. They contrast with the wider beaches, especially those around the salt flats: Es Xarcu, Es Cubells, Cala Bassa, Port des Torrent or Cala Jondal. The municipality is also home to Es Cavallet, known as the nudist beach.
The views are another of their strong points. From the Comte beaches you can see Conejera Island (sa Conillera), and from Cala d’Hort, the most spectacular landscape on the island: the islet of Es Vedrà, said to have a special energy and the source of countless myths and legends.
With a hire car you’ll reach the beaches far more comfortably, and some of them are almost only reachable that way.
You can also explore other parts of the coast, such as the beaches of San Juan or the coves of Santa Eulalia.
Beaches of Sant Josep, Ibiza
Sant Josep is home to some of the great sandy beaches among the coves and beaches of Ibiza.
Cala Carbó is one of the typical coves of San José: a low, well-sheltered stretch of coast. A cove for enjoying some peace and quiet.
A spectacular cove that takes you by surprise when you arrive: it suddenly appears around a bend in the road and offers a unique view.
A very quiet cove between two gentle hills. Although it is fairly open, it is well sheltered from the wind.
Getting to Es Xarcu isn’t easy: the roads are quite narrow and long vehicles may struggle to get down to the shore.
Another area that is awkward to reach, but with a reward: small, very sheltered and secluded coves. Some are coves you can only reach by boat.
Cala d’Hort is the favourite spot of those who see the beach as a spiritual retreat. Es Vedrà in the background is breathtaking.
Inside the ses Salines Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies this nudist beach, although it isn’t one by definition. The views of Formentera are incredible.
A long sandy beach inside the ses Salines Natural Park, next to the old salt pans that give it its name, with views towards Formentera.
Es Codolar isn’t a sandy beach: its shore is covered in large round stones that make a constant sound. It has no facilities, but having the ses Salines Natural Park right behind it makes up for that.
Sa Caleta lies next to the Phoenician site of the same name, a settlement dating from around 650 BC that is now part of Ibiza’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cala Jondal is one of the few coves on the island with a pebble shore instead of sand. It is well sheltered and, once you step into the water, the seabed turns to fine sand.
Cala Tarida impresses you from the moment you park the car. A wide stretch of sand leads down to the shore, with plenty of corners to enjoy it from. It’s no wonder it is one of the best places to visit in Ibiza.
Few beaches in Ibiza are as famous as Cala Conta, and it has fully earned that reputation with its sunsets. It is easy to get to and has lots of little coves to discover.
Cala Codolar is another quiet beach surrounded by pine woods, easy to reach and not very crowded.
Cala Bassa is very close to San Antonio, although it belongs to the municipality of Sant Josep.
Once again very close to San Antonio is Port des Torrent, a deep cove that surprises you with how sheltered it is and with the rock platforms on either side.
Cultural tourism in Sant Josep de sa Talaia
These are some of the places of cultural interest you shouldn’t miss on your visit to Sant Josep.
Church of Sant Josep
A spectacular building that hosts many of the municipality’s religious celebrations.
Ses Païses archaeological site at Cala d’Hort
Remains of a Punic and Roman rural settlement between Cala d’Hort and Cala Truja, with a Punic necropolis carved into the rock.
How to get there by bus
- A13Sant Josep-Es Cubells-(Cala D`hort)Stops at Sant Josep
- A14(Cala Bassa-Platges De Comte)-Cala Tarida-Sant JosepStops at Sant Josep
- A15Sant Josep-(Es Cubells-Cala D`hort)-Cala VedellaStops at Sant Josep
- A16Sant Antoni-Sant JosepStops at Sant Josep