One of Ibiza’s most talked about beaches, as much for the atmosphere as for the scenery, Benirras is a medium sized beach with rocky, grainy sand and almost unbelievably clear water.
The beach is a 4-minute walk from Villa Roca and the Pagoda Garden along a private-path. One of the most famous beaches on the island, steeped in beach history, home to the world’s most luxurious super-yachts that come and go the occupants of which frequents the beach restaurants. Benirras is the only bay on the island to be designated a nature reserve therefore not a single hotel in sight.
Benirras is in the unspoiled north of the island, an area rich in ley lines and with a strong spiritual history. Famous for its wonderful sunsets, the west-facing bay is home to a rock known as ‘The King of Benirras‘ which sits majestically in the crystalline waters. The beach has three typical Spanish restaurants and an ice cream and juice bar.
One of the main attractions and coming from far afield are the drummers and guitarists who give an ‘unplugged’ concert: their volume builds up into a crescendo as the sunsets. Dancers, fire-eaters, sand-sculptures and craft stands enliven this weekly gathering.
The strict local planning laws ensure that no unsightly hotels or resorts are built in this area of outstanding natural beauty. Villa Roca and the Pagoda Gardens are among the less than a dozen villas in this unspoiled nature harbour.
A well-kept secret by the locals, the wide curved beach is of soft sand that gently slopes into the sea. The sheltered natural harbor is a popular anchoring spot for private yachts and motorboats, who often gather there to enjoy the romantic sundown. Good for snorkelers. Size: 160 metres long, 40 metres wide. Naked bathing to one side of the beach.
Benirras beach has been voted ‘the 4th best beach in Europe’ by the Sunday Times Travel Supplement and the best address in Ibiza by The best of Ibiza Magazine.
Here is part of the Times article:
BENIRRAS, Ibiza
Where? On the northwest coast of Ibiza.
Why? This is a perfect slice of creamy sand, shielded from the sea by a natural harbour and from the land by steep, forested hills. In the 1960s, Benirras was said to be a venue for debauched, drug-fuelled orgies; today it attracts a sophisticated young crowd, mainly Spaniards, Italians, and Scandinavians.
Where to stay: Immersive Yoga of course – the surrounding area is protected from development, so there are no hotels.
Where to eat: there are four friendly restaurants bang on the beach, open for lunch and dinner.
Don’t miss the sunsets. As the sun sidles into the sea, framed by tall rocks, bongo-playing hippies provide musical accompaniment. The best of the action tends to happen on Sundays.
Getting there: EasyJet (0870 600 0000, www.easyjet.com) or Ryan Air among many other airlines.
Beach Facilities
A beach shop selling fabulous clothes and beach accessories.
For hire: sun loungers and umbrellas. Paddle boats. Canoes.
For public use: two beach showers.
For food and drink: 4 restaurants. Tarmacadamed car park. No dogs in summer months.
The local towns are San Juan and St Miguel 10 and 15-minute drive respectively. Walking to St Miguel takes 45 minutes.
Please take note. One of the 4 restaurants are now open all through the winter.
Restaurant 2000, Roca de Mer, Elements on Benirras beach opens at Easter time each year and stays open until the end of October.
