Cala Xarraca is in the north of the island, near Sant Joan de Labritja, about 5 kilometres from the village and 3.5 kilometres from Portinatx. This Mediterranean cove has crystal-clear water popular for diving and an unspoilt natural setting surrounded by pine woods and reddish cliffs.
In short: a small, isolated, picturesque cove lined with pine woods. It is mainly rocky, with a few small sandy areas. The water is clear, ideal for snorkelling. Small traditional fishermen’s huts can be seen along the rocks. It is very quiet and much less busy than the bigger beaches. There is a simple restaurant for food. It is loved by those looking for peace and underwater exploration.
Reachable by car via the C-733, Cala Xarraca is an ideal destination for families and snorkellers looking for an authentic setting in the north of the island.
A cove with transparent water and golden sand
Cala Xarraca is made up of three distinct areas spread across a bay about 90 metres long. The central part mixes coarse golden sand and rocky areas, while the ends are wilder. The turquoise water is shallow near the shore and reaches 4 metres deep further out, perfect for swimming.
The cove is home to Restaurant Cala Xarraca, a family business serving paellas and fresh fish by the sea. Toilets, showers and cleaning areas complete the facilities. Opposite the beach, two rocky islets, including Es Remolí, which you can swim to, add to the charm of the scene.
We went in the middle of July and really loved the peace of this cove and our snorkelling adventure out to the central rock.
Access and parking at Cala Xarraca
To reach Cala Xarraca by car from Ibiza Town, take the C-733 towards Portinatx. At km 17, a sign marks the turn-off to the left for Cala Xarraca. The winding descent leads straight to a free car park right next to the beach. Spaces are limited (fewer than 50), so arrive early, especially in high season.
In summer, bus lines L20A (Ibiza – Sant Llorenç – Sant Joan – Portinatx) and L21 (Santa Eulària – Sant Joan – Portinatx) serve the area. Note, though, that services are infrequent, making a car more practical for this destination.
For our part, when we were staying in Portinatx at Hotel La Cigüeña, we took a taxi to this cove!
Snorkelling and exploring the seabed
Cala Xarraca is a typical northern Ibiza landscape, with rocks in the sea and wooded cliffs. It is a superb spot for photos, especially when the light changes early or late in the day.
Cala Xarraca is an exceptional playground for free divers thanks to its limpid water and rocky seabed covered in posidonia. The area near the jetties and the islet of Es Remolí lets you see cuttlefish, octopuses and various Mediterranean fish. The rocky paths around the cove also invite exploratory walks.
Nearby, Portinatx is a family resort with shops and restaurants, just 3.5 kilometres away. The village of Sant Joan is also worth a visit, especially for its Sunday market mixing local crafts, organic produce and Ibizan specialities. I suggest combining this outing with neighbouring coves such as Cala Sant Vicent, in the same northern area (we went there by taxi too).
Finally, here are a few activities available near this beach:
Fincadelica Xarraca: exclusive luxury by the water
On the beach, you cannot miss Fincadelica Xarraca, an exceptional residence with its cacti, “modern finca” style and organic shapes. Right on the seafront, this prestigious villa has 9 sumptuous suites and palace-level services.
The house’s architecture blends perfectly into the natural surroundings of Cala Xarraca: the traditional Balearic codes of the finca, with its geometric volumes, thick walls and lime finishes. Its structure makes it look as if it emerges straight out of the rock. It modernises these codes with large openings and clean lines. The place looks incredible, and so does its price 🙂
Fincadelica Xarraca belongs to the Fincadelica Collection, a group founded and co-owned by a pair of entrepreneurs well known in the luxury world and in Ibiza:
- Mati Rachminov, an international businessman who owns one of the world’s most prestigious diamond suppliers.
- Serena Cook, an iconic island figure and founder of a famous luxury concierge agency in Ibiza that has handled the stays of stars and VIPs for more than 20 years.
