Platja des Cavallet

What makes Platja des Cavallet special

Platja des Cavallet, Es Cavallet for short, is in the south of Ibiza, in the municipality of Sant Josep de sa Talaia. The beach is part of Ses Salines Natural Park (Parc Natural de ses Salines d’Eivissa i Formentera).

This open, sandy beach is over a kilometre long. Behind it lie dunes covered in dense vegetation, and beyond those the salt pans, where salt has been harvested for centuries. The sand is fine and white to golden, and the seabed shelves very gently.

Es Cavallet is a well-known naturist beach, counted among the pioneers of naturist beaches. It’s also known within the LGBTQ+ community.

Underwater, the seabed alternates between sand, rocks and seagrass (Posidonia). The natural park’s Posidonia meadows have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1999. The bathing water was rated ‘excellent’ in the EU assessment for the 2025 season.

Getting there and parking

Es Cavallet is about 9 km from Ibiza Town. Follow the signs for Ses Salines and Es Cavallet. On the way, you drive past the salt pans and the small village of Sant Francesc de s’Estany, home to the natural park’s visitor centre.

There’s a car park by the beach, but in summer it’s often full. At that time of year, the official Balearic tourist board recommends coming by bike or public transport. Check the current bus timetable before you set off.

Facilities

Restaurants and beach bars (chiringuitos) line the beach. According to Turespaña, Spain’s official tourist board, you’ll also find:

• Sunloungers and parasols for hire
• Pedalo and other boat hire
• Toilets
• Showers

Outside the summer season, don’t count on everything being open. There’s hardly any natural shade, so bring a parasol if you don’t want to hire one.

Tips for your visit

• In July and August, arrive early: you’ll stand a better chance of finding a parking space.
• Walk along the coast to the Torre de ses Portes, an old defensive tower between Es Cavallet and Ses Salines. From there you look out over Es Freus, the strait between Ibiza and Formentera.
• At the southern end of the beach, there are rocks with natural pools.
• Behind the beach lie the park’s salt flats and lagoons. You’ll see waterbirds there and, with a bit of luck, flamingos.
• Bring plenty of water and sun cream.

Nature in the park

The natural park was established in 2001 and protects the salt pans, the dunes and the sea between Ibiza and Formentera. Stay on the paths and keep off the dunes: the plants hold the sand in place and are fragile.

Coming by boat? Drop anchor on sand, not in the seagrass meadows. Take your rubbish with you, and leave plants, stones and shells where they are.

Es Cavallet on the official Balearic Islands tourism website