Es Codolar

What makes Es Codolar special

Es Codolar, officially Platja des Codolar, is a long, open beach on the south coast of Ibiza. It lies in the municipality of Sant Josep de sa Talaia. On Google Maps, and previously on this site, it’s called ‘Playa Godola’. The beach is about 3 km long.

The beach is made up of rounded stones, known in Catalan as còdols. Underwater, the stones give way to sand and marine plants. On the landward side, the beach borders Ibiza Airport and the salt flats. At its eastern end it runs up to the cliffs of Cap des Falcó. The beach lies on the edge of the Parc Natural de ses Salines, and partly inside it.

Because the runway reaches almost to the shore, you can watch planes up close here. According to the Balearic tourist board, the middle section of the beach is the place to watch them. So don’t expect peace and quiet.

Getting there and parking

You can get there by car or by bike. Official sources give two routes:

• Via the road to Es Canal: at kilometre 4, take the signposted right turn towards the salt mounds (Sant Josep town council).
• From the roundabout at the entrance to the airport terminal: head towards Sant Josep and take the road down to the sea (Balearic tourist board).

There’s parking. The public bus takes you as far as the turn-off for Es Canal; you walk the last stretch. The beach is long, so where you come out depends on your route. The point on our map is close to the runway.

Es Codolar on the Sant Josep town council website

Facilities

Expect few facilities. Sant Josep town council describes it as a natural beach with minimal facilities. The Balearic tourist board does mention two beach bars, and the Spanish beach guide mentions sunlounger and parasol hire. Don’t assume anything will be open: bring your own water, food and shade.

Tips for your visit

• Wear sturdy shoes or water shoes. Walking on the stones is hard going.
• A thick beach towel or a mat makes lying on the stones more comfortable.
• For snorkelling, the Balearic tourist board recommends the eastern part, towards the cliffs.
• Take all your rubbish away with you. This is a protected natural area.

Safety and nature

The airport is a restricted area: stay outside the fences and don’t fly a drone here. Don’t walk through the salt pans, and stick to the existing paths in the natural park.