Portinatx is a small resort at the northern tip of Ibiza, about ten minutes’ drive from Sant Joan. Within a few minutes’ walk of each other it has three sheltered beaches, all with calm water that makes them a good choice for families.
The three beaches
S’Arenal Gros, in the centre of the resort, is the largest: a wide beach of white sand with pines at the back, shallow water and a swimming area marked with buoys. It has sunbeds, parasols, toilets, restaurants, shops and adapted access with an amphibious wheelchair, plus pedalos, paddle boards and boat trips. Stay inside the buoys, as boats leave from the bay.
S’Arenal Petit, the first you reach by car, is smaller, with fine white sand, very clear water and old fishermen’s boathouses on one side. A short promenade links it with S’Arenal Gros.
Platja des Port, about ten minutes’ walk away at the end of the main road, is the quietest: a narrow, very calm bay protected by small islands, with sand and small stones, a dive school and a couple of restaurants.
Lifeguards are on duty from 1 May to 31 October, roughly from 10am to 7pm in July and August and for shorter hours the rest of the season. Only S’Arenal Gros has lifeguards.
Getting there
Portinatx is about 40 minutes’ drive from Ibiza Town. There is a car park a few minutes’ walk from S’Arenal Gros, with a larger unpaved one further along the road, a car park with a solar roof at S’Arenal Petit, and parking around the bay at Platja des Port. All of them are free.
The T6 bus links Portinatx with Ibiza Town via Sant Llorenç and Sant Joan.
Good to know
S’Arenal Petit is small and fills up fast, so arrive early if you want a spot on its sand.
