Cala Es Canaret

What makes Cala Es Canaret special

You won’t reach Cala Es Canaret with dry feet: you have to wade or swim the last stretch. The small cove, also known simply as Es Canaret, lies on Ibiza’s north coast. It’s in the municipality of Sant Joan de Labritja, just over a kilometre north-west of Cala Xarraca, beyond Punta de Xarracó.

The beach is a narrow strip of sand at the foot of high cliffs, with greenery on the slopes. Traditional fishermen’s boathouses stand by the water. Just offshore lies a small rocky islet, cut off from the land by a narrow channel.

There are no facilities. That makes Es Canaret best suited to people who come well prepared and don’t mind getting wet.

Getting there and parking

A footpath leads to the cluster of boathouses by the cove. From there, you can’t reach the beach without getting wet: either you wade through the water for a stretch and scramble along a low wall, or you swim the last bit.

Wear sturdy shoes for the path and bring water shoes for wading. A reasonable level of fitness helps, especially on hot days.

You can also reach the cove by sea. The town council describes a kayak route from Cala Xarraca, round Punta de Xarracó to the bay of Es Canaret. Along the way, you paddle past caves in the cliffs.

There’s no checked information about parking at the start of the path. Only park where it’s clearly allowed, and keep access roads and gates clear.

Facilities

There are no beach bars, restaurants, toilets or sunloungers at Es Canaret. Bring everything you need with you:

• Plenty of drinking water and something to eat
• Sun cream, a hat and perhaps a parasol
• Water shoes for wading and for the stones
• A waterproof bag for your phone and keys
• A bag to take your rubbish back with you

Tips for your visit

• The clear water is good for snorkelling. Watch out for sea urchins, though, especially between the boathouses and the beach.
• Pick a day when the sea is calm. When there are waves, wading along the wall is tricky.
• Combine the cove with Cala Xarraca. The Caves of Punta de Xarracó, also on the map, are close by.
• Going by kayak? Keep an eye on the wind: the north coast is exposed to the open sea.

Safety and nature

Only swim the last stretch if you’re a strong swimmer, and don’t go alone. Stay well back from the cliff edges above the cove.

It isn’t known whether the path crosses private land. Respect gates, signs and barriers, and don’t go any further if the way is closed.

Leave the boathouses, slipways and boats alone. Take all your rubbish home with you so the cove stays clean.