Friday Five: Ibiza Beaches

I was positively surprised by Ibiza. I thought it would be full of pissed up backpackers trashing the place, but it was utterly delightful. We were out of season and our hours were more 7am -10pm than 7pm - 10am, but we found some perfect beaches to while away the time, sip on a sangria, feel the sand beneath our toes and bob about in the Mediterranean Sea. Here are some of my favourites (yes, there are more than five: mi casa; mis reglas).

1. Babylon Beach

This was the closest spot to our accommodation and we walked down to see the sunrise a couple of times. Folks did yoga here to the gentle accompaniment of the lapping waves, and, although the bar was closed (don't worry - we found another one very close by!), it made for an idyllic setting. 

2. Marina Santa Eulalia

Just round the next inland is a beautiful cove full of yachts and hotels - the lights are very pretty on the water at night. 

3. Peurto de Ibiza

Not strictly a beach - more of a marina - at Old Ibiza Town. A perfect spot to sit and sip sangria while watching the boats coming in... and going out again. 

4. Playa Niu Blau

Great sandy beach with gradual drop-off into the sea for easy swimming. A cute little inlet at the far end of the beach was where boats were moored including one with a built-in slide. 

5. Playa Cala Pada

More good swimming and a restaurant right on the beach, where we shared an excellent seafood paella.

6. S'Argamassa Beach/ Cala Martina

There are eye-wateringly expensive resorts along this strip of beach where you can rent a day bed by the hour and sit by the pool ordering drinks and snacks all day long. We peered through the fence, then sat on the beach and swam in the sea for free before ordering a bottle of Albariño. There's an Ibiza to suit every budget.

7. Playa De Santa Eulalia

The main beach in town - the sand is raked every morning and the good folk of the town come to soak up the rays in the afternoon. The duathletes raced and rode up and down the promenade, and it offered spectacular opportunities for reflection in the evening.