Near Sant Carles, on the east coast, Cala Boix has a feature unique in Ibiza: its dark grey sand, almost black, found nowhere else on the island. A cove set below high cliffs, reached by steep steps, which keeps visitor numbers moderate and gives it a real end-of-the-world feel.
Cala Boix is in the municipality of Santa Eulària des Riu, a few minutes west of Sant Carles. It is a rectangular cove about a hundred metres long, sheltered by cliffs, and its fine dark sand is its signature. This rare colour, the steep terrain and its relative isolation make it one of the most distinctive beaches on the east coast.
About Cala Boix
What strikes you as you reach the top of the cliff is the colour: dark grey sand that contrasts with the turquoise water and the usual white of Ibiza’s beaches. The cove is well protected by the surrounding terrain, making it a sheltered and fairly calm spot, used as much by visitors seeking peace as by local regulars.
The water is clear and swimming pleasant, but Cala Boix is not a comfort beach: few facilities, physical access, nature reclaiming its place. That is exactly what appeals to those who choose it. To stay in the wild spirit of the area, Cala Sant Vicent and Cala Xarraca are worth the detour.
Access and parking at Cala Boix
You reach Cala Boix by car, following the signs from Sant Carles (about 4-5 km) or Santa Eulària (about twelve kilometres). There is a car park at the top, near the restaurants. From there, you go down a fairly steep flight of steps to reach the sand.
These steps are the cove’s main drawback: they are not suitable for people with reduced mobility, and the climb back up at the end of the day takes some effort. It is also what limits the crowds and protects the place. Wear good shoes and bring what you need once you are down there.
Food and services on site
Around the car park, at the top of the cove, two restaurants much loved by locals face each other: Cala Boix, with more than forty years of tradition in Ibiza, and La Noria. They serve fish and island cooking with a sea view, far from the tourist bustle. They are a reason to come all the way here in their own right.
On the sand, there is just a rustic, perched chiringuito with a superb view of the cove. For the rest, it is best to go down with your own water and essentials: Cala Boix is a nature beach, not an all-inclusive one.
Activities and good practice
Swimming and soaking up the view are the main activities here. The area is also good for coastal walks: several paths run along the cliffs and offer lovely views of the east coast, wilder and more wooded than the west of the island. It is an ideal spot to combine beach and walking.
To plan the rest of your stay in this authentic corner, our guide to activities in Ibiza and our Ibiza hotel guide give good leads around Sant Carles and Santa Eulària.
