The complete guide to this bohemian cove in the north
Benirràs is on the island’s north-west coast, 10 minutes by car from San Miguel. This 160-metre cove lined with wooded cliffs has crystal-clear water and a unique atmosphere, marked by its famous sunset drum sessions.
With its mix of golden sand and pebbles, its seaside restaurants and the emblematic Cap Bernat rock formation, Benirràs attracts families, snorkellers and travellers looking for authenticity alike.
In short: world-famous for its sunset drum tradition, this cove has a mix of sand, gravel and pebbles. It is surrounded by wooded hills. The water is limpid and you can see the small rocky islet of Cap Bernat, nicknamed “the finger of God”. It is very busy on gathering evenings but stays quiet during the week. There are restaurants and a hippie market on site. It draws a varied crowd, from families to “hippie-minded” travellers.
Note: the end of the Benirràs drums: since 2025, no music has been allowed in this legendary cove in the north of Ibiza.
A sheltered cove with transparent water
Nestled between pine-covered hills, Benirràs has golden sand mixed with pebbles and a rocky seabed. Its crystal-clear water makes it a favourite snorkelling spot for watching local marine life among the rocks. The sheltered bay attracts many private boats and yachts that anchor in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset show.
The most emblematic feature is the Cap Bernat rock formation, nicknamed “the finger of God” by locals, which rises about 600 metres offshore. This spectacular silhouette is especially photogenic as the sun disappears behind it.
There are sunbeds and parasols to hire, showers, lifeguards and several restaurants. Elements Ibiza serves organic Mediterranean food in a lounge atmosphere, while Restaurante 2000 serves Catalan dishes and fresh paellas.
Beyond food, Elements Ibiza offers holistic massages using Eastern and Western techniques. Therapists work right on the beach or come to your accommodation for gentle osteopathy, craniosacral therapy or private yoga classes. It also has a shop selling local crafts, clothes and boho accessories. Elements Ibiza has become a popular place to hold weddings facing the Mediterranean. The ceremony takes place at an elegantly decorated altar facing Cap Bernat, followed by a reception for up to 350 guests between the restaurant and the terrace.
In summer, a small hippie market sets up every day (except Wednesdays and Thursdays) with crafts, clothes and accessories. I love this beach for its bohemian atmosphere!
The Benirràs hippie market
The Benirràs market, also known as the Sant Joan de Labritja market, sets up near the main car park leading to the beach. Its colourful stalls stand right on the sand, surrounded by the green pines lining the cove, creating an authentically bohemian atmosphere.
This typically hippie market has handmade treasures, mostly made on the island by local creators. You will find clothes and swimwear with ethnic patterns, handmade jewellery, bags in natural fabrics, rugs, paintings and agro-ecological produce such as locally grown fruit and vegetables. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, reflecting the community spirit of this part of Ibiza.
The market is open every day in summer, except Wednesdays and Thursdays. I suggest combining the market with an afternoon swim, then staying to watch the sunset behind Cap Bernat, a natural show that has made Benirràs famous.
Another article to find out more about Ibiza’s hippie markets.
Access and parking at Benirràs
From San Miguel, follow the well-signposted winding road through rolling hills and pine forests for about 4.6 kilometres. Two car parks with a total of 400 spaces are near the beach, but they fill up fast in high season.
On Sundays from early June to late September, car access is restricted because of the crowds. A shuttle service (line L23P) then links the Sa Plana car park with the beach every 30 minutes from 5pm to 11.45pm. During the week, several bus lines serve Benirràs from Ibiza Town (line L23) and San Antonio (line L23A), although services are limited.
Check the timetables before you set off.
Activities and viewpoints around Benirràs
From the hills on the left side, the view over the bay and its turquoise water is spectacular. This easy walk lets you take memorable photos with Cap Bernat in the background and fully appreciate the shades of blue of the Mediterranean.
Beyond swimming and snorkelling, water sports are available right on the beach: pedal boat, kayak and stand-up paddleboard hire. Divers will enjoy exploring the rocky seabed rich in marine life.
Nearby, you can visit the Cova de Can Marçà, an impressive limestone cave with underground lakes at Port de Sant Miquel, or explore other wild northern coves on foot or by boat.
New rules: the end of the Sunday drums
Since 2025, the famous sunset drum sessions are no longer allowed at Benirràs. The tradition dates back to Sunday 18 August 1991, when several hundred people gathered on this beach to protest against the first Gulf War. This pacifist gathering, known locally as the “Day of the Drums”, carried a clear message: Ibiza says no to war.
After this annual event was banned for safety reasons, a group of drummers decided to keep the spirit of the movement alive. Every Sunday, they faithfully met at Benirràs to play together at sunset, creating hypnotic, inclusive rhythms in the legacy of the 1970s hippie spirit. These sessions gradually drew more than 3,000 people every week, turning the cove into a community gathering place.
The local authorities finally ended the practice in 2025 by strictly applying existing regulations, with stepped-up police checks. The decision followed repeated complaints from residents about huge traffic jams, rubbish and noise caused by the gatherings.
Benirràs is therefore regaining a more peaceful atmosphere, letting visitors fully enjoy the natural beauty of the cove and its sunsets in an unspoilt setting.
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To plan your discovery of the most beautiful beaches in the area, here is a complete beach guide.
Photo sources: Ibiza-spotlight.com, Expedia, Elements Ibiza
