Ibiza's coastline is home to a stunning multitude of beaches and coves - one for every day of the year, allegedly. Amongst them are wild ones, sandy ones, rocky ones, pebbly ones, shaded ones, shallow ones and also, naked ones.
Ever since time began, Ibiza has attracted a bunch of bohemians whose spirituality leaves imprints all over our magical home. Their necessity to be at one with nature means that quite often, they like to take their clothes off and feel connected with the way that they were born. Naked.
Ibiza has a number of beautiful spots dedicated to the social practice of naturism. So if you fancy a day of pure, unadulterated liberation, then here are some beaches where it is positively encouraged...
Es Cavallet
Located through the salt flats of Salinas, this sweeping arc of white sand is the most welcoming of beaches to the nudist, and also, gay, communities. With a scattering of sand dunes and secluded areas, you can be as private as you want. But there is no need to be shy as nudists roam this beach freely.
Insider Info - Es Cavallet has 3 excellent restaurants - La Escollera, El Chiringuito and the colourful Chiringay. Read my previous article E is for Es Cavallet for the full rundown.
Aguas Blancas
Situated in the north of the island, surrounded by a pine forest and dramatic cliffs, the winding road to the beach leads to a wilder side of Ibiza. Frequented by surfers as well as nudists, Aguas Blancas is never crowded as it is slightly more difficult to get to than most in the area. This is another wonderful spot to watch the sunrise from, and what better than if you can do it running free and naked!
Insider Info - The red dust from the cliffs mixed with sea water creates a skin rejuvenating body mask. And if you smear it on your nude body, then you're not going to miss anywhere, are you?!
Cala Conta
One of the most stunning beaches in the San Antonio vicinity, Cala Comte (Cala Conta) is made up of 3 coves which are some of the best for watching the legendary Ibiza sunsets. The beaches look out on to an archipelago of sensational islands, the sand is Caribbean white and the sea a dazzling shade of turquoise. But head over to the top end of the car park and locate the steps cut out of the cliffs and you will discover a petite cove which is dedicated to the naturist.
Insider Info - In the winter, the locals reclaim this exquisite beach as their own and you will often find groups of islanders bringing barbeques and sound systems to the nudist cove where parties have been known to continue for days...
Las Salinas
As one of the most popular beaches in Ibiza, it is often difficult to find even an inch of sand here in the summer, let alone enough space to get your kit off. However, venture beyond Sa Trinxa at the end of the beach and head towards the pirate tower along the edge of the rocks and you will discover a number of tiny little nudist coves cut away into the stone. They lead into crystal clear waters and also have a number of hippy carvings on display. A welcome, and naked, respite from the hustle and bustle of the rest of this playa.
Insider Info - Try and look for what the locals call the ‘Roman Bath'. A rectangular pool cut into the rocks, you can only see this if you peer over its edge. Here, the natural bath is filled with sea water by the tide and is consistently clean and warm. Happy hunting!
Punta Galera
Also known as ‘The Flat Rocks' to the islanders, Punta Galera is a breathtaking rock formation just a couple of minutes out of San Antonio, beyond Cala Gracia. With rocks protruding perpendicular to the cliffs out to sea, this cove has naturally created sun terraces and some excellent cliff jumping spots too. Nudists flock here in the summer and can enjoy the privacy of their very own balcony with unrestricted views of the sunset.
Insider Info - Look out for the Mojito Man who comes around with a kit of ice, lime, rum, soda and sugar to make you fresh mojitos as you enjoy the sun. After a couple of these, you'll forget you were ever naked!
If you're not a naturist, then maybe the allure of these particular places will convince you to go au natural!
Next week, O is for Off-the-beaten-track. A guide to some of the lesser known gems for eating, drinking and exploring that the locals just love to keep a secret...
WORDS | Leena Sharma
