Cala Comte, also known as Cala Conta or Platges de Comte, is not one beach but several: a chain of small sandy coves and flat rocky ledges facing the open sea at the western tip of Ibiza. The water over the shallow sand turns an improbable shade of turquoise, and the views take in the islets of s’Illa des Bosc, sa Conillera and s’Espartar.
What it’s like
It is one of the island’s most popular beaches, and for good reason. The coves are good for swimming and snorkelling, and in the evening people gather on the rocks above the sea for the sunset. The coast here is part of the Es Vedrà, Es Vedranell and Western Islets nature reserve, so stay on the marked paths: the landscape is more fragile than it looks.
In summer, restaurants and beach bars rent sunbeds and parasols. Toilets are linked to the restaurants and there are no showers.
Swimming safely
The currents along this stretch of coast are strong, and they can be stronger than they look from the shore. Unless you are an experienced swimmer, stay close to the beach.
However close it seems, s’Illa des Bosc is off limits. The islet is part of the Western Islets nature reserve, and landing on it is forbidden, whether you swim across or arrive by boat.
Lifeguards watch over the beach in season: from 1 July to 30 September, from 11am to 7pm, and from mid-May to the end of June and in the first half of October, for shorter hours around the middle of the day.
Getting there
Cala Comte is about 20 minutes’ drive from Sant Antoni. The car parks are public and free, but space is limited: once they are full, access is closed to further cars and motorbikes. In July and August that often happens before 10am, especially at weekends. Parking on the clifftop has not been allowed for several years.
In season, the P4 bus runs from Sant Antoni to Platges de Comte, and the A14 links the beach with Cala Bassa and Cala Tarida. Boats from Sant Antoni also call here in summer.
Good to know
If you want space, come early in the morning or wait until mid-September, when the crowds thin and the water is still warm.
