Es Canar Beach
Golden sands, blue flag waters, and Ibiza's hippie soul
About
Es Canar stretches roughly 700 metres of golden sand along the eastern coast of Ibiza, tucked within the municipality of Santa Eulària des Riu. The blue water is calm and safe for swimming, making it a reliable choice for families and anyone who just wants to float without drama. A Blue Flag flies here — that's a real quality guarantee, not a marketing badge. Half a kilometre away, the Punta Arabí Hippy Market adds a cultural pulse you won't find at most resort beaches. The vibe is relaxed and family-oriented, with moderate visitor numbers outside peak summer.
How to get there
Es Canar is reached by ferry from Santa Eulària, Ibiza Town, or Formentera — the crossing takes around 30 minutes and runs daily. You can also walk from the resort in about 5 minutes, or catch a bus from Santa Eulària in roughly 20 minutes. There is no road access to the beach side and no parking facility here, so leave the car behind entirely. No entry fee is charged to use the beach.
Who it's for
For couples
Es Canar's calm blue water and unhurried pace make it a genuinely easy beach day together — ferry over from Santa Eulària, spend the morning on the golden sand, then walk to the Hippy Market for the afternoon.
For families
Safe swimming, a Blue Flag rating, an aquarium nearby, and a 5-minute walk from the resort make Es Canar one of the more practical family beaches on Ibiza's east coast — no complicated logistics, just golden sand and calm blue water.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Es Canar doesn't try to be Ibiza's wildest beach, and that's precisely its appeal. The golden sand is genuine, the Blue Flag is earned, and the calm blue water delivers on its promise every time. The ferry-only access keeps the atmosphere a notch calmer than beaches you can drive straight to. The Punta Arabí Hippy Market on Wednesdays is the kind of bonus that turns a beach day into a full day out. Skip August if you can — the beach handles moderate numbers well, but peak summer tips it into something less enjoyable. Come in June or early September and you'll find Es Canar at its most effortless.
What to do
The Punta Arabí Hippy Market, held every Wednesday just 0.5 km from the beach, is the standout cultural draw — craft stalls, artisan goods, and live music in one of Ibiza's most characterful settings. Cala Nova, a beautiful natural beach with clear blue water, sits 1 km north and is rated among the best in the area. Cala Martina, 1.2 km south, is a smaller beach popular for water sports. An aquarium is also nearby if you're travelling with curious younger visitors.
The stretch of golden sand at low tide with the blue water behind it photographs cleanly in morning light — arrive early before the day-trippers.
The Punta Arabí Hippy Market, 0.5 km away on Wednesdays, delivers colour-saturated shots of craft stalls and live performers. The ferry approach from Santa Eulària also gives a rare wide-angle view of the beach from the water.
Where to eat
Aiyanna Ibiza, 1.3 km from the beach, is one of the most acclaimed dining spots in the area and consistently draws strong reviews. Restaurant Atzaró Beach Cala Nova and Nikki Beach Ibiza are both within 1 km and offer solid options for lunch or a long afternoon meal after the beach. None of these are on the sand itself, so plan a short walk or ride.
Where to stay
The Leonardo Royal Hotel Ibiza Santa Eulalia sits just 0.7 km away and is the closest hotel option with a strong review base. Iberostar Selection Santa Eulalia Ibiza, 0.9 km out, carries the highest ratings in the area and suits families looking for a polished stay. For something more independent, Tropic Garden Hotel & Apartments at 2.8 km offers a well-reviewed apartment-style alternative.
Photography
The best light hits the golden sand and blue water in the early morning, when the beach is quieter and shadows are long — shoot from the waterline looking back toward the dunes for clean compositions. The Punta Arabí Hippy Market on Wednesdays offers vivid colour and candid portrait opportunities just 0.5 km away.
Good to know
Visit in June, July, or early September for the best balance of sunshine and manageable visitor numbers — August brings peak summer pressure and the beach gets noticeably packed. The ferry is your most scenic arrival option and avoids any logistical headaches. Swimming is safe, but stick to the main beach area where conditions are well-monitored. If you're here on a Wednesday, don't miss the Punta Arabí Hippy Market just 0.5 km away — it's one of Ibiza's largest, with craft stalls and live music.
Map
Nearby places
Iberostar Selection Santa Eulalia Ibiza
Tropic Garden Hotel & Apartments
Leonardo Royal Hotel Ibiza Santa Eulalia
Melia Ibiza - Adults only
Grupotel Santa Eulalia & Spa
Cala Nova
Cala Llenya
Things to see around Santa Eulària des Riu
Punta Arabí Hippy Market
One of Ibiza's largest hippy markets with craft stalls and live music, held Wednesdays.
Cala Nova Beach
Beautiful natural beach north of Es Canar with clear waters.
Cala Martina Beach
Small beach south of Es Canar, popular for water sports.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Nearest beaches
Other family beaches in Balearic Islands
More beaches in Balearic Islands
Reviews of this beach
- No reviews yet, what a shame — leave yours and share your experience.
Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Dan Foy from Derby, England · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 2 — orangeacid · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 3 — Coniferous at English Wikipedia · source · CC BY 3.0
- Photo 4 — Meredith1975 · source · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 5 — Dan Foy from Derby, England · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 6 — Jaume Meneses · source · CC BY-SA 2.0