Location: 10 minutes' drive from Playa d'en Bossa or Ibiza Town
Facilities: Loungers, parasols, non-smoking beach (please respect this!), restaurants, bars, massage, beach boutiques, small supermarket, lockers, showers (turned off to save water), lifeguards, beach security, access for the disabled (also into the water under supervision of the lifeguards with amphibious wheelchair and walker-rollator)
Activities: Pedalos, sailing, stand-up paddle, kayak
Size: 1.5 kilometres long, 25-30 metres wide
Getting there: Reached by hire car, taxi or bus from Ibiza Town (10 km) with a stop on the outskirts of Playa d'en Bossa (6 km) - find bus timetables here (search for the Catalan name Ses Salines). In peak season the main road near the beach becomes clogged with parked cars as people try and park for free, however there is a paid parking area (left at the roundabout) with good facilities and covered parking bays.

The beach

Named after the salt lakes in the south of Ibiza, the beach at Las Salinas is the southernmost tip of the island and is considered (as far as beaches can be so) to be very cool.

The very long, wide crescent of pale sandy beach is bordered by pine woods. The water is crystal clear with breakers that appear on windy days, perfect for body-surfing.

Small catamarans sit on the sand at the southern-most end of the beach, then walking towards the pirate tower you will pass a string of popular bars and restaurants whose gourmet food, attractive clientele and gorgeous location more than make up for the exclusive prices.

The bars all play a quality selection of dance and balearic music which spills out onto the beach, and will often bring cocktails and food orders out to you on the sand! Further down the beach you will come to a quieter section which is popular among nudists, hippies and clubbers who come down after the long Ibiza nights.

It should be noted that, whilst Salinas is always a lovely place to relax, it is not quiet. During the heat of the day in summer months expect a steady stream of party parades, ticket sellers and would-be beach merchants making their way along the beach and engaging those on the sand in conversation. In the quiet of winter, Salinas is especially good for adventure walks, as the surrounding terrain is Ibiza's Wildlife Conservation Area.

Tip: If you've the energy, walk towards the watchtower. In the off-season it's a great walk to blow the cobwebs away and you can return via the woods. In the summer months it allows you to discover the small coves dotted along the rockier part of the coastline; you may even find your own private beach!

Beach bars and restaurants

Various upscale beach clubs and restaurants line the beach. If you are willing to spend some money, you can really let yourself be pampered here, with service right up to the comfortable sun lounger and exclusive food, often with a good range of fish and seafood dishes.

The further left you walk, the more prices become more affordable. In summer there is often a proper party atmosphere with live DJ sets, especially in the hours before sunset.

If you're on a tight budget, there are cheaper restaurants along the road towards the beach. Or buy a picnic in the small supermarkets on the way!