Location: Three beaches in the resort of Portinatx, a 10-minute drive from the village of San Juan
Getting there: Easiest reached by car, well signposted. Parking facilities are good. Buses connect from Ibiza Town and Santa Eulalia (find timetables here).
Portinatx is located in the far north of the island, at the end of a winding road through the beautiful landscape. It is a small, popular resort for those who want to experience Ibiza in quieter surroundings. Especially families and couples enjoy the familiar atmosphere and good choice of accommodation.
The bay offers magnificent panoramic views, crystalline water that's great for snorkelling, high, rocky shorelines, and a seabed of fine sand. There are three beautiful, sandy beaches, all safe for children and offering a variety of activities.
S'Arenal Gran (S'Arenal Gros)
Facilities: Sunbeds, parasols, showers (turned off to save water), toilets, restaurants, bars, promenade, playground (next to the promenade), shops, supermarkets, souvenir shops, ATM, lifeguards, access for the disabled
Activities: Pedalos, SUP (stand up paddle), water ski, banana boats and other inflatable water toys, boat trips, boat hire (also without licence), mini golf
Size: 170 metres long, 15-80 metres wide
Parking: There is a large car park three minutes' walk from the beach - turn right at the end of the beach (signposted).
Situated in the centre of the resort, S'Arenal Gran (also referred to as S'Arenal Gros) is the largest of the beaches in Portinatx. It is a beautiful wide stretch of white sand with a lively vibe. At the back, pine trees grow in the sand, offering lovely shade - at the weekends, extended Spanish families meet in the shade of the trees for long, lazy beach picnics.
The water is shallow and mostly calm, as the bay, which stretches far inland, protects against waves. It is wonderfully clear and shimmers in all shades of blue and turquoise. Swimming is safe, a bathing zone is marked with buoys - don't leave this zone, boats depart from it and might not see you!
This is the only beach in Portinatx with lifeguards and you will find a good choice of water sports, as well as boat rental. Most boat trips also depart from here. There are many restaurants and bars near to the beach, as well as shops and supermarkets.
S'Arenal Petit
Facilities: Sunbeds, parasols, showers (turned off to save water), restaurants, bars, promenade, shops, ATM
Activities: Pedalos, SUP (stand up paddle), kayaks, volleyball net
Size: 60 metres long, 5-75 metres wide
Parking: There is a large car park at the entrance to the beach; most places offer shade under a large roof, which is decked with solar panels that feed 12 places reserved for electric cars
A pleasant, paved promenade along the rocky promontory connects S'Arenal Gran to the small beach of S'Arenal Petit. When you come by car, this is the first beach you'll reach, at the entrance of Portinatx you have to turn left.
The bay is quite small here, so is the beach, but the fine white sand stretches a long way inland. At the back of the beach, there is a volleyball net and lots of space to spread out your towel, if it feels too crowded at the shore; here you will also find some shade under high pine trees.
The promenade is lined with several nice restaurants, as well as a souvenir shop and boutique which also sells cold drinks and ice creams.
The water is very clear owing to the cool currents even in August. On the left side, some fishermen's huts add to the atmosphere; a small path leads here, passing a tiny stretch of sand - if you come early, you might get a place.
Playa Porto beach
Facilities: Loungers, parasols, showers (turned off to save water), restaurants
Activities: diving school, boat hire
Size: 40 metres long, 35 metres wide
Parking: You can park on the sandy ground around the bay, normally you should be able to find a space here.
The third beach is Playa Porto, set in a little cove at the end of the main road, a 10-minute walk from S'Arenal Gran and the centre of the resort. This is the quietest beach of the three, surrounded by pine-clad hills and with a lighthouse in the distance.
The sand is not as nice as at the other two beaches, as it is interspersed with small stones. The narrow bay stretches far inland and is protected by offshore islands, so the water is very calm.
There are fantastic scenic walks and spectacular photo opportunities around this beach, so it's worth taking the time to explore. At the end of the peninsula on the right-hand side, there is a tiny beach that can be reached on foot. You have to climb a little over the rocks - and it's not really an insider tip, as you can see the beach when walking from the centre of Portinatx to Playa Porto. But only few people take the trouble to go there.
Beach bars and restaurants
As the beaches are located within the resort there's a good choice of shops, bars and restaurants close by all three.
There are budget eateries as well as some more exclusive options. You also will find good restaurants serving typical local cuisine.
Nearby accommodation
There's a wide range of hotels and apartments in Portinatx, from economically priced options to family-friendly clubs with entertainment and lots of facilities as well as adults-only hotels.
The landscape in the North of the island is exceptionally beautiful, so renting a holiday villa in this area is something really special.
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Find out more about the small resort of Portinatx and discover the quiet North of the island, far away from the clubbing resorts in the South and West.
