Xarraca Beach
Golden sand, mud baths, and a swing over the sea
About
Xarraca Colum sits on the northern tip of Ibiza, a roughly 400-metre stretch of golden sand lapped by calm blue water. The bay is sheltered enough that swimming is safe, and the relaxed pace here feels worlds away from the island's louder reputation. On the left side of the bay, natural mud baths draw visitors who swear by their skin-healing properties — slather on, let it dry, rinse off in the sea. A famous swing hangs just above the water's surface, framing one of the most photographed moments on the island. Access is genuinely steep and winding, so the effort filters out the faint-hearted and keeps the vibe unhurried.
How to get there
From Sant Joan or Portinatx, the drive takes around 15 minutes — follow the steep, winding road carefully and take it slow. Buses run from Portinatx and reach the area in about 20 minutes. Free parking is available but limited, and in high season it fills up fast, so arrive early. There is no entry fee.
Who it's for
For couples
The calm blue water, the swing, and the naturist freedom make this a genuinely intimate escape — arrive early on a weekday in June or July and you'll have long stretches of golden sand almost to yourselves.
For families
The safe, calm swimming water is a real plus for families with younger children, and the mud baths tend to be a hit with kids. That said, the steep access road requires care, and parents should keep a close eye on little ones on the descent.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Xarraca Colum is one of those northern Ibiza beaches that rewards the effort it takes to reach it. The steep road is a genuine deterrent — and honestly, that's part of why it works. Golden sand, blue water safe enough to swim in, a swing that belongs on a postcard, and mud baths that feel like a throwback to a simpler kind of holiday. It's a naturist beach, so go in with open eyes and an open mind. Skip August — the limited parking and narrow access road make the whole experience more stressful than it needs to be. June and July hit the sweet spot: warm, swimmable, and manageable. Come for the mud, stay for the swing, leave before the daytrippers.
What to do
The natural mud baths on the left side of the bay are the headline act — coat yourself in the dark mud, wait for it to dry in the sun, and wash it off in the blue water. Right at the shoreline, the famous Cala Xarraca Swing hangs just above the calm Mediterranean surface, perfect for a moment of pure, simple joy. If you want to explore further afield, Can Marça Caves — an impressive natural cave system — is about 14 kilometres away and well worth the short drive.
The Cala Xarraca Swing hovering above the blue water is the single most photogenic spot on the beach — shoot it at golden hour for the best light.
The natural mud baths on the left side of the bay offer a raw, textural shot that stands out from the usual beach content. Pull back to a wider angle from the shoreline to capture the full arc of golden sand against the pine-covered hillside.
Where to eat
La Paloma, around 7.8 kilometres from the beach, is a well-regarded spot with a loyal following and a relaxed garden setting. The Boat House, about 8.3 kilometres away, earns consistently high praise and is a solid choice for a post-beach meal. Bar Anita, roughly 9 kilometres out, is a classic Ibiza institution with a warm, unpretentious atmosphere.
Where to stay
Agroturismo Atzaró sits about 8.5 kilometres from the beach and offers a rural, intimate alternative to the bigger resort hotels. For a larger property, the Iberostar Selection Santa Eulalia Ibiza and the Leonardo Royal Hotel Ibiza Santa Eulalia are both within 13 kilometres and cover a range of budgets and styles.
Photography
Shoot the famous swing at golden hour — the low light catches the blue water beneath it and the surrounding pine-covered hills in the same frame. The mud baths on the left side of the bay make for striking, unusual shots; early morning gives you softer light and fewer people in the background.
Good to know
The steep access road is the main safety concern — take it slowly whether you're driving or walking down to the beach, and wear shoes with grip. Xarraca Colum is a naturist zone, so nudity is accepted and expected in parts of the beach; respect the space and the people in it. Avoid August if you can — it's the peak of the season and the limited parking and narrow road make the experience noticeably less pleasant. The beach is not wheelchair accessible due to the steep road.
Map
Nearby places
Las Dalias de Ibiza
The Boat House
Bar Anita
La Paloma
Aiyanna Ibiza
Iberostar Selection Santa Eulalia Ibiza
Tropic Garden Hotel & Apartments
Leonardo Royal Hotel Ibiza Santa Eulalia
Agroturismo Atzaró - Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel
Invisa Hotel Club Cala Blanca
Things to see around Sant Joan de Labritja
Natural Mud Baths
Natural mud baths on left side of bay, reputed to have healing skin properties.
Cala Xarraca Swing
Famous swing hanging inches above calm Mediterranean waters.
Can Marça Caves
Impressive natural cave system nearby.
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
More beaches in Balearic Islands
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — pazzosi · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 2 — anibal amaro · source · CC BY 3.0
- Photo 3 — Ivar Abrahamsen from Alton, England · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 4 — Jaume Meneses · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 5 — Jaume Meneses · source · CC BY-SA 2.0