Cala Vadella Beach Review

The beautiful sheltered cove of Cala Vadella feels far removed from the big towns, whilst still being easy to find and having everything you need. It has definitely earned its spot on the best beaches list.

Located along winding roads through pine forested hills, the route to Cala Vedella will take you past some incredible dramatic coastal scenery. The narrow rugged roads have regular areas to pull over and marvel at the view out over the unbroken ocean and down to the beautiful beach below. Located between the cliffs at the back of a deep inlet which makes it an exceptionally well-sheltered beach, Cala Vadella is a natural harbour. This, plus its soft white sand, enclosed swimming area and excellent amenities make it a popular stop for families with young children, beginner swimmers and also with sailors and day cruisers looking for a place to drop anchor. Popular also with snorkelers and free divers who can explore the rocks that frame the beach and with hikers who can explore the tops of those same cliffs via trails either side of the sand.

Not hugely long Cala Vedella is luckily wide enough to accommodate a fair few visitors, even in peak season. Rows of sun loungers stretch the length of the beach and are available for €10 a day with the option of a €2 mattress for added comfort...but if you don’t fancy a rental then just stretch out on the soft white sand. If you find the beach too busy for your liking walk around the rocks to the right and camp out on the flat rocks and slipways of the little boat huts for a little more privacy.

For swimmers the entry to the sea is sandy and gentle and remains so within the enclosed swimming space. Outside of this, although the water stays perfectly calm, the seabed gets rather rocky and slimy underfoot. If you’re swimming or snorkelling outside the safe zone do watch out for the many boats, pedalos and paddle boards cruising around the area. The water here is a beautiful deep blue and although not the clearest of all the Ibiza beaches there’s still plenty of sea life to be seen.

If sunbathing, snorkelling, hiking and swimming are not doing it for you then take a stroll around this tiny but entertaining resort town. Tasteful villas and hotels dot the green hills above the town and below you’ll find a paddle board and kayak hut, car rental outlet, scuba dive school, ice cream shop, supermarket and several little boutique shops selling all the accoutrements of hippy beach living. Be sure to take a walk through the strange little ‘town square’ made up of tiny colourful houses with terracotta walls, wooden stable shutters and spiky potted plants surrounding the lush greenery of a water feature made out of the rivulets running down through the hills to the beach.

You also can't take a step in this town without coming across a restaurant, bar or eatery and since it takes only 10 minutes or so to walk one end of the beach to the other you can explore them all before committing yourself to one choice. Try Can Jaume for an easy simple tapas menu right on the sand, Cana Sofia for fresh seafood or La Terraze for a three-course daily menu for €15.

Of course, no beach in Ibiza would be complete without an exclusive beach club and Vadella is no different; enter the Maya Beach Club offering elaborate sushi, Italian fusion cuisine and fresh signature cocktails in luxury surroundings. The club features white on white décor, private cabana beds, DJs and night time events and is the place to live like royalty in Vadella.  

A day at Cala Vadella can be as peaceful or as active as you want, it’s a great spot for families with children as the beach is safely enclosed with no roads nearby and a calm shallow seabed. There are water sports, food, drink and shopping if you want it or a supermarket if you’d rather just fend for yourself. Access the beach via car or get the bus from nearby Sant Josep to avoid worrying about parking.

Cala Vadella has something for everyone and is definitely worth a spot on your beach itinerary.