Cala d’en Serra
Cala d’en Serra is one of Ibiza’s hidden coves — a true secret that only reveals itself to those willing to drive north for several kilometers and then walk through nature for a few minutes to reach it. Discovering Ibiza’s beaches and hidden bays is an adventure, especially for those who love hiking. You’ll need good walking shoes, patience, and a little imagination, because the journey to this paradise feels like a fairy tale. The island’s magical forests offer unique landscapes that make the walk part of the experience.
Identity card:
Type: Sandy Beach
Cala d’en Serra is located in the municipality of Sant Joan, set in a forested area somewhat far from the town and other coves. This tiny beach is only about 40 meters long and 15 meters wide, surrounded by pine and juniper trees, cliffs, and beautiful natural scenery, with sand and rocks along the shoreline. The bay is framed by slopes, which helps reduce the tide as it reaches the surface. The sea is shallow, crystal-clear, and a vivid turquoise color.
There used to be a chiringuito (a small beach bar), but in Ibiza these concessions often change each summer, so sometimes the bar is closed. For this reason, we recommend bringing your own food and drinks just in case it is not open during your visit.
Cala d’en Serra is a wild, natural beach with no lifeguards, showers, or shops. If the beach bar is closed, there are also no sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets, or restaurants—so be prepared for a more rustic, back-to-nature experience.
- Parking
https://vimeo.com/384545760
How to get there:
Geo: 39°107723 N / 1°537058 E
Cala d’en Serra can only be reached by car or scooter from Ibiza town at a distance of 38 kilometers. By taxi, it is over 40 euros. Driving, take the road E-10 to Santa Eulalia and after nine kilometers take the road signs Sant Lorenç, Sant Joan, Sant Antoni on the left. At the roundabout, turn right to Sant Joan. Continue towards Sant Joan, then at the next roundabout, take the road to Portinatx. Head towards beach S’Arenal Gros in Portinatx then continue driving by the main street, turn to the right in the first street Carrer de Cala d’en Serra. One kilometer after there is a road to the left that leads to Cala d’en Serra, take it and drive until you arrive at an abandoned building with graffitis. Park there and walk less than one kilometer, descending by a path.
Did you know?
Construction of the old, abandoned building in Cala d’en Serra began in 1969. The owners hired the renowned architect and urban planner Josep Lluís Sert to design what was intended to be a unique hotel in the heart of paradise. However, the project was halted when the Franco government refused to grant Sert an architect’s license to work in the region. There were plans to resume construction after the Franco era, but Sert died of cancer before the project could continue.
In 2000, construction was restarted, keeping Sert’s original style, with the goal of creating a thalassotherapy center. Unfortunately, the Spanish banking crisis struck soon after, and the project was never completed. Today, the unfinished building has become a striking graffiti gallery — a surreal, open-air art space set within the forest, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape
What to see:
See the cosy and quiet, typical town of Sant Joan. Buy a sandwich and a beer, at the bar next to the church, and relax on the terrace while enjoying the sun. It is a really quiet place, no parties and no night clubs. Just wildlife, beautiful calming green spaces and incredible coves.
What to do:
Be an adventurer like many others and explore the abandoned building, taking photos of the vibrant graffiti that now covers its walls. Wander through the surrounding woodland, and if you’re feeling bold, bring diving gloves and fins to discover the underwater world along the rocky seabed.
Where to eat:
Jardín del Mar
Jardín del Mar is a charming beachside restaurant nestled at beautiful Cala d’en Serra, offering guests a relaxed yet refined dining experience with stunning views over the turquoise Mediterranean. Surrounded by natural scenery, this inviting spot combines fresh, locally inspired cuisine with a laid-back island atmosphere. Enjoy delicious seafood, traditional Mediterranean dishes, refreshing drinks, and light bites while taking in the peaceful beauty of one of Ibiza’s most picturesque coves. Whether you’re stopping by after a swim or settling in for sunset, Jardín del Mar is the perfect place to savor the flavors and serenity of northern Ibiza.
Address: Carrer Cala de Portinatx, 75, 7810. Sant Joan, Illes Balears
Opening Hours: Every day from 10:00 to 00:00
Phone: +34 971 33 76 59
What about drinks, shops and hotels?
To have drinks go back to Portinatx or drive to Sant Joan. In Portinatx you find much more bars as the Delboys, a typical English pub, as well as Vincent’s bar.
There is a wide variety of accommodations in Portinatx, the Barceló Hotels group has an elegant hotel with two swimming pools, few terraces with sea views, restaurant, bar, chill areas.
Tips:
As we have recommended before, this beach is for nature adventurers; you must bring good shoes to walk and water to hydrate yourself. Be careful when exploring the woods and cliffs, as there is little to no one around if you get injured. Portinatx is about 3 kilometers away, and Sant Joan is 8 kilometers away, with very few cottages nearby
