Key facts
| Country | Spain (Balearic Islands) |
|---|---|
| Nearest airport | Ibiza (IBZ); ferries from Barcelona, Valencia and Dénia |
| Best time | May–June and September–October; July–August are busiest |
| Type | Island with official and customary nudist beaches and famous nightlife |
| Adults only | No — mixed destination |
| Clothing | Nude on official nudist beaches and established sections; dress elsewhere |
| Best months | May–June, September–October |
Ibiza's global reputation rests on its clubs, but the island has also been a naturist destination since the hippie era of the 1960s and 1970s. Its best-known nude beach, Es Cavallet, on the south coast near the airport, is often described as the island's first official nudist beach and one of the pioneers in Spain. It lies inside the Ses Salines Natural Park, a protected area of salt pans, dunes and juniper woods that stretches across to Formentera. On the other side of the island, Aigües Blanques on the north-east coast is the other official nudist beach, and several more beaches have nude sections established by custom.
Who it suits
- Naturists who want sunshine, clear water and a relaxed, international atmosphere.
- Couples of all kinds, including lifestyle couples, who want to combine beach days with Ibiza's restaurants, sunsets and nightlife.
- LGBTQ+ travellers; one part of Es Cavallet has long been popular with gay men.
The island's party image does not make its beaches lifestyle venues: they are public beaches used by families as well, and naturist etiquette applies.
The main nudist beaches
- Es Cavallet (south): A sandy beach about a kilometre long, backed by dunes, with a nude central section, beach restaurants and loungers. It is about ten minutes' drive from Ibiza Town or Playa d'en Bossa. Beach bars here have changed in recent seasons, so check what is open before you go.
- Aigües Blanques (north-east): A beach below cliffs near Sant Carles, part of which is an official nudist area. The walk down is steep in places.
- Las Salinas (south): A long, fashionable beach next to Es Cavallet; the small bays at the far end are popular with nudists, especially in the morning.
- Punta Galera (west): Not a beach but flat rock terraces over deep, clear water, mainly used by nudists.
- Other beaches such as Cala Nova, Cala Boix and Es Figueral have nude sections at their far ends.
On Formentera, a short ferry ride away, nudity is common at the northern end of Illetes and Llevant and in parts of the long Migjorn beach.
Best time to go
May, June, September and October are ideal: warm sea, long days and fewer people. July and August are very busy and expensive, and parking near popular beaches is difficult. From November to April many beach restaurants and hotels close and the island is much quieter.
Getting there
Ibiza Airport (IBZ) is served by many European airlines in season and lies close to Es Cavallet and Las Salinas. Ferries connect Ibiza with Barcelona, Valencia, Dénia and Palma, and frequent boats cross to Formentera from Ibiza Town. Buses reach the main beaches in summer, but a hire car or scooter makes exploring the more remote spots easier.
Legal notes
Spain has no national ban on public nudity; councils can regulate it. On Ibiza, nudity is accepted on the official nudist beaches and in their customary sections. Public sexual behaviour is illegal. Ses Salines is a protected natural park, so keep to paths and leave the dunes and vegetation alone.
Etiquette
- Keep phones and cameras away from nude beachgoers.
- Cover up in beach restaurants unless they clearly allow otherwise.
- Respect the dunes and the protected park rules.
- Take rubbish home; Ibiza's beaches suffer from summer crowds.
Safety and consent
Ibiza's nightlife means late nights and plenty of alcohol. Look after each other, watch your drinks, use licensed taxis and agree boundaries in advance if you plan to meet other couples. Consent must always be clear and sober. On the beach, the sun and heat are fierce in summer; drink water and seek shade at midday.
Nearby
Compare with Mallorca's Es Trenc or Greece's Mykonos, and browse naturist places in Spain and members in Spain.