Platja des Cavallet, Ibiza

Beach and Nature Reserve in Ibiza

Platja des Cavallet
Platja des Cavallet
CC BY-SA 4.0 / JanManu

Platja des Cavallet (often called Es Cavallet) is one of Ibiza's most scenic, nature-forward beaches, set inside the protected Parc Natural de Ses Salines. Expect a long ribbon of pale sand, dunes, and open sea views that feel a world away from the island's busiest resort strips.

It's a great stop on a self-guided coastal walking tour through Ses Salines: pair the beach with a stroll along the dunes, a quick detour to nearby salt flats for birdwatching, and sunset viewpoints looking toward Formentera. For the best first impression, aim for the central dune-backed section for the classic “Ibiza wild beach” look, then wander along the shoreline to find your preferred mix of sand, rocks, and calmer water.

History and Significance of the Platja des Cavallet

Platja des Cavallet’s significance is tightly linked to the Ses Salines landscape around it: dunes, salt flats, and the famous underwater Posidonia seagrass meadows that help keep the water clear and support marine life. Being inside a protected natural area shapes the beach’s vibe, with a more “leave-no-trace” feel than many of Ibiza’s heavily developed coves.

Historically, the wider Ses Salines area has long been associated with salt production and coastal trade, and today it’s valued for biodiversity as much as for beauty. That protected status is also why you may notice natural seaweed deposits (often Posidonia) on the sand in warmer months and why certain areas feel intentionally less “manicured.”

Things to See and Do in the Platja des Cavallet

Start with a slow walk along the shoreline: the beach is long enough that you can easily create your own mini-itinerary, from a quick dip and photos to a full day of sunbathing and wandering. The dune system is part of the appeal, so take a moment to look back from the waterline and appreciate the layered landscape of sand, scrub, and sky.

Swimming can be excellent on calm days, but conditions vary. In summer, natural Posidonia can collect near the shore and some entry points are rocky, so it’s smart to scout a few spots before committing to your towel setup.

For a fuller “Ses Salines day,” combine the beach with nearby nature stops: salt flats for birdlife, short walks on sandy tracks, and viewpoints that open up toward the sea and Formentera. If you like a beach day with a meal break, there are well-known chiringuitos nearby, though prices can be high.

How to Get to the Platja des Cavallet

The nearest airport is Ibiza Airport (IBZ), and from there it's a short drive or taxi ride to the Ses Salines area and the beach access points. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Ibiza on Booking.com.

Ibiza does not have a mainland-style intercity train network; the practical alternative to reach Ibiza Town and the south of the island is by bus, taxi, or rental car after you arrive by air or ferry. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio..

Driving is straightforward, but parking can be the biggest bottleneck in peak season, with limited spaces and some areas effectively tied to nearby restaurants. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Platja des Cavallet

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn for warm water and long days, but go early in summer to beat parking and midday heat. If you prefer a quieter feel, aim for May, September, or early October.
  • How long to spend: Plan 2–4 hours for a walk, swim, and photos, or a full half-day if you want a long, unhurried beach session with a food stop.
  • Accessibility: Access is generally via sandy paths and uneven ground near dunes, which can be challenging for wheelchairs and strollers. If mobility is a concern, choose the most direct access point and avoid the rockier water entries.
  • Facilities: Facilities vary by access point; expect seasonal beach bars/restaurants nearby rather than a fully serviced promenade. Bring water, sun protection, and water shoes if you’re sensitive to rocky patches.

Where to Stay Close to the Platja des Cavallet

Best area to base yourself: Stay in the south of Ibiza around Playa d'en Bossa or Sant Jordi for the easiest access to Ses Salines and quick airport transfers.

If you want to keep beach time effortless, the south side of Ibiza is the sweet spot: you'll be close to Platja des Cavallet, other Ses Salines beaches, and the road network that makes early-morning arrivals (and parking) much easier. For travelers who want a mix of nature and nightlife, Playa d'en Bossa is convenient; for a calmer base, look toward Sant Jordi and the edges of Ibiza Town.

Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza Chosen for travelers who want a high-energy, full-service stay with pools, dining, and a quick hop to the south-coast beaches.

Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel Included for nightlife-focused visitors who still want a short, simple route to Ses Salines beaches during the day.

Grand Palladium White Island Resort & Spa A strong pick for resort comfort and on-site amenities, ideal if you want an easy “beach + spa” rhythm without planning every meal.

The Ibiza Twiins Great for a modern, mid-to-upscale base with a stylish vibe, well positioned for both Ibiza Town and the Ses Salines area.

Hotel Torre del Mar Recommended for a slightly calmer, grown-up feel with sea views and a convenient location between Ibiza Town and the south-coast beaches.

Is the Platja des Cavallet Worth Visiting?

Yes, Platja des Cavallet is worth visiting if you want a more natural, spacious Ibiza beach with dune scenery and the feeling of being inside a protected landscape rather than a built-up resort strip. It's especially rewarding for travelers who like long walks, varied swim spots, and a beach day that can easily connect to other Ses Salines nature stops.

Honest Pivot: If you need guaranteed easy parking, perfectly groomed sand, and consistently smooth water entry, you may find it frustrating in peak season. Also skip it on very windy days if you’re sensitive to currents or choppy water, and consider a more sheltered cove instead.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.3 (79)

Reviews are largely positive, highlighting a beautiful, long stretch of white sand in the Ses Salines natural-park setting. Travelers commonly mention the scenic dunes and the overall “wild” feel, but note practical downsides: summer seaweed/Posidonia can limit comfortable swimming spots, some entries are rocky (water shoes help), and parking can be tight with limited access at busy times. A few also flag that nearby beach bars can be pricey.

Natán Bolívar
9 months ago
"Great white sand beach in Parc Natural de Ses Salines. Bathing spots are limited as posidònia algae is abundant during summer months. Additionally,many bathing spots are rocky, so bring your water rock shoes!..."
Aurélie Steinbach
3 years ago
"Beware, very small parking and half of parking is reserved for restaurants! We weren’t able to access the beach. We had to turn around and goelsewhere. Tip: make a restaurant reservation...."
Roni Sidhu
4 years ago
"Really nice long beach"

For Different Travelers

Platja des Cavallet can be shaped to your travel style: it can be a quick scenic stop, a long walking-and-swimming day, or a “nature beach” anchor in a broader Ses Salines itinerary. The key is planning around conditions (wind, seaweed deposits, and parking) so the experience matches your expectations.

Families with Kids

Families will appreciate the wide space for sand play and the option to walk until you find a comfortable setup away from crowds. Choose a calmer day and look for a smoother entry point before committing to a spot.

That said, some areas can be rocky and currents can pick up, so it’s better for confident water families than for toddlers who need a gentle, shallow bay. Bringing water shoes and a simple shade setup can make the day much easier.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the long shoreline and dune backdrop make this a scenic, low-effort “romantic walk” beach, especially in the morning or late afternoon. It’s also a great place to slow down and enjoy the feeling of being in a protected natural area.

To keep it romantic, plan your arrival early, then build in a meal break at a nearby chiringuito if that fits your budget. If the wind is strong, pivot to a more sheltered beach and return here for a sunset stroll instead.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers can absolutely enjoy Platja des Cavallet because the core experience is simply the landscape: walking, swimming, and relaxing. Pack water, snacks, and sun protection so you're not forced into pricey beach-bar spending.

The main budget “gotcha” is transport: taxis add up and parking can be stressful at peak times, so consider buses where possible and aim for off-peak hours. If you’re traveling in summer, arriving early can save both time and money.

FAQs for Visiting Platja des Cavallet

Getting There

Yes, it’s one of the closer beaches to Ibiza Airport, making it a good first or last beach stop. Travel time depends on traffic, but it’s typically a short drive.
Public transport can get you into the Ses Salines area seasonally, but routes and frequency can be limited. If you rely on buses, plan your return time so you’re not stranded.
It can be, especially in summer and around meal times. Arrive early or consider timing your visit around a restaurant reservation if you plan to dine nearby.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s a public beach and you can access it freely. Costs are mainly transport, parking logistics, and any food or rentals.
The beach itself is public, but nearby restaurants may manage adjacent parking or services. If you want a guaranteed setup, plan ahead with a venue.
Not for the beach, but reservations can help if you want to eat at a popular chiringuito in peak season. Booking can also reduce parking stress.

Visiting Experience

Often yes, especially when conditions are calm, but natural seaweed deposits can appear in warmer months. Clarity and comfort can change day to day with wind and currents.
Yes, it’s one of the better choices on Ibiza for a proper shoreline walk. The length and open feel are part of what makes it special.
Water shoes are useful because some entry points are rocky. Also bring extra water and a small bag for your trash to keep the area clean.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it pairs well with a simple loop that includes salt flats, viewpoints, and another nearby beach. It’s an easy way to turn a beach visit into a half-day nature itinerary.
Yes, especially if you like dune scenery and coastal paths. A walk here feels more “natural Ibiza” than many urban beach promenades.
Arrive early, walk the shoreline, swim at a scouted entry point, then finish with a relaxed lunch nearby. If it’s windy, swap the swim for more walking and photos.

Photography

Morning gives cleaner, softer light and fewer people in frame. Late afternoon can be beautiful too, especially with warmer tones on the dunes.
Shoot along the shoreline to emphasize the beach’s length, and include the dunes for texture and depth. A low angle near the waterline often works well.
Use a lens cloth and protect your gear from sand. If the sea is rough, focus on dune details and wide landscape shots rather than water portraits.

Accessibility & Facilities

Facilities are typically tied to nearby seasonal venues rather than a single central beach building. Plan as if you’ll need to use a restaurant or beach bar.
Soft sand and dune paths can be difficult with standard strollers. If you’re bringing kids, a lightweight setup and minimal gear helps.
Options depend on the season and nearby operators. If having a guaranteed setup matters, plan to use a venue that offers beach services.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Yes, there are chiringuitos and restaurants in the area. Prices can be high, so check menus or plan a picnic if you’re budget-minded.
Yes, a simple picnic works well here. Just pack out all trash and avoid leaving anything that could blow away in the wind.
Either eat early/late to avoid peak crowds or reserve ahead at a popular spot. This also helps if parking is limited.

Safety & Timing

They can occur because the beach is exposed, especially on windy days. If the sea looks rough, keep swims short and stay close to shore.
Natural seaweed deposits are common and not necessarily unsafe, but they can make entry slippery or unpleasant. Choose a clearer patch or switch to a walk-focused visit.
Early morning is best for parking, space, and comfort. You’ll also get better light and a calmer overall atmosphere.

Nearby Attractions to the Platja des Cavallet

  • Ses Salines Beach: Another popular south-coast beach nearby with a lively summer atmosphere and easy pairing with a Cavallet visit.
  • Las Salinas (salt flats): Scenic salt pans where you can often spot birds and enjoy a distinctly “Ibiza nature” landscape.
  • Sant Francesc de s’Estany: A small, charming village area near the park that’s good for a quick cultural detour.
  • Ibiza Town (Dalt Vila): The historic old town is ideal for an evening stroll after a beach day, with viewpoints and atmospheric streets.
  • Es Vedrà viewpoint area (southwest): A classic Ibiza photo stop for dramatic sea views if you're continuing your day by car.

The Platja des Cavallet appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Ibiza!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: Platja des Cavallet, 07818, Balearic Islands, Spain
Ibiza: 8 km

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