On Ibiza’s east coast, right next to Es Canar, Cala Nova is the crescent-shaped beach surfers watch when the swell picks up. A long strip of golden sand, a backdrop of juniper woods, waves breaking when the wind is right: it is one of the few beaches on the island where you get the board out. The rest of the time, it is a natural, unpretentious family beach.
Cala Nova is in the municipality of Santa Eulària des Riu, a stone’s throw from the Es Canar resort. The beach stretches for about 250 metres, open to the sea and surrounded by juniper forest that keeps it feeling unspoilt despite the nearby hotels. Its double personality is what makes it interesting: a surf spot on swell days, a quiet beach the rest of the time.
About Cala Nova
What sets Cala Nova apart from Ibiza’s other beaches is its exposure to the swell. When the wind blows the right way, decent waves form and attract surfers and bodyboarders, quite a rare sight on an island better known for calm water. Beginners do fine on small-swell days, but watch out for currents when the sea really builds.
Outside swell episodes, the water clears again and the beach goes back to being family-friendly. The golden sand, the pine woods for shade and the space available make it a good choice for a full day without feeling cramped. It is less polished than the west-coast coves, more raw, and all the better for it.
If you are exploring the east coast, carry on to Cala Llenya or Es Canar right next door, or go as far as Cala Pada for a gentler vibe.
Access and parking at Cala Nova
Access is simple, a change from the regulated coves of the west. You reach Cala Nova by car following the signs from the Es Canar resort. There is a free private car park on site, at the southern end of the beach: handy, but it fills up in high season.
Another option is to park in Es Canar and walk to Cala Nova in a few minutes along a wooden walkway beside the beach. It is a pleasant short walk and saves you hunting for a space at peak times. As always in summer, mornings are the most relaxed time.
Food and services on site
Cala Nova takes its food seriously. On a small cliff to the right of the bay, Atzaró Beach serves a Mediterranean menu specialising in rice dishes, in a stylish setting, and is open all year. A little further on, Aiyanna is a beautiful space facing the sea, focused on healthy food and fresh produce, with private parking for its guests.
Both are on the upmarket side, better for a lunch with your feet in the sand than a quick bite. For a simple day, bringing some snacks is still a good idea, especially as the beach makes you want to stay.
Activities and good practice
Surfing and bodyboarding are of course the star activities on swell days. Check the day’s conditions before coming specially, as the swell is unpredictable in Ibiza. Outside those windows, the beach is good for swimming, paddleboarding when the sea is flat, and long walks in the surrounding pine woods.
To fill out your stay on the east coast, our guide to activities in Ibiza has ideas beyond the beach. And if you are looking for somewhere to stay in the Santa Eulària area, the Ibiza hotel guide covers the best options in this quieter part of the island.
