Ses Salines is the best-known beach in the south of Ibiza. A kilometre and a half of white sand inside a protected natural park, with the water coming in gently and the dunes right behind.
It is well worth it. But getting there well has its technique, and here we share it.
Where it is
The beach is in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, inside the Ses Salines Natural Park of Ibiza and Formentera. From Ibiza town it is about 20 minutes by car. From the airport or from Sant Jordi, between 10 and 15.
You get there along the road that crosses the salt ponds. It is a beautiful stretch, but take it slowly: the carriageway narrows between the pools and every summer someone ends up with a wheel in the salt water.
How to get there by car or motorbike
Take the airport road past Sant Jordi. Before reaching the airport you will see the signs for Salinas and Sa Canal. From there it is straight on: the road ends at the beach car park itself, after the Es Cavallet turning.
For parking you have two options and it is worth knowing them.
The free area is a strip of ground alongside the main road. It is small, and in July and August it fills up well before ten in the morning.
The pay car park is considerably larger and supervised, next to the entrance shop. It is the realistic option in high season. Bring some cash in case the card reader has no signal, which does happen.
From both you walk down to the sand via accessible wooden boardwalks.
A heads-up for the return journey: on busy summer days queues build up on the park road from mid-afternoon. If you can leave before six or after eight, you will avoid the traffic jam.
How to get there by bus
If you do not have a vehicle, Ibizabus lines L11 and L11B connect Ibiza town, Sant Jordi and Playa d’en Bossa with Ses Salines. The service runs in season, roughly from May to October, with departures every hour. The stop leaves you about four minutes’ walk from the sand.
In August the bus is packed, but it still beats driving around looking for a spot. Check the current year’s timetable before you leave, as it changes every season.
And if you are staying nearby, it is a very pleasant bike ride: flat and signposted. Best early in the morning, before the sun gets strong.
What time to go
In July and August, before ten. We are not exaggerating: it is the difference between parking first time or going round the car park three times.
If you can choose your month, June and September are better. The water is warm, there are far fewer people and the salt pans are quiet for birdwatching.
The beach faces south, so with wind from that direction the day can be ruined. It is worth checking the forecast before loading up the car.
What you will find
Ses Salines is just over a kilometre long and between 25 and 30 metres wide depending on the stretch. Fine white sand and a seabed that shelves very gradually, so you can wade out quite far. That is why it works so well with children, especially in the central section. If you are travelling as a family, we have more beaches and ideas in the guide to Ibiza with kids.
There are lifeguards in season, though the watch does not cover the whole year. Dogs, jet-skis and camping are not allowed. You are in a protected space: whatever you bring in, take out.
The beach changes a lot depending on where you settle. The section closest to the car park is the liveliest, with beach bars (*chiringuitos*) and music. As you head south the atmosphere calms down, and at the far end there is a naturist zone. The sunset from that point is one of the best on the island.
What to bring
Water, and more than you think. There is almost no natural shade.
Cash, for the car park and in case somewhere does not take cards.
Comfortable shoes if you want to walk out to Torre de Ses Portes.
Food already sorted. This is the important one and we explain it below.