THE BEST BEACH BARS IN IBIZA

by Laura Martínez

The island is always on the move, contrasting with its history and the eternal nostalgia for the eternally worshipped 60s and 70s. One of the best things about yesteryear are the chiringitos (beach bars) that coexist with luxurious restaurants for those with deep pockets. These are traditionally chosen spots for locals and celebrities to go unnoticed and the perfect summer setting for delicious meals and endless after-dinner conversation and drinks. Take note of our list of the island's best chiringitos, both classic and contemporary, that you shouldn't miss when you visit us.  

CASA JONDAL

Probably the best chiringuito in the world, headed by chef Rafa Zafra and located in the cove that gives its name to the restaurant. At Casa Jondal, produce is king, and the only music you'll hear is the sound of waves, cicadas and the breeze that suavely moves the juniper and pine tree's leaves. The music of the Mediterranean. This country house, once a beach restaurant, has been reborn as one of the best restaurants in Ibiza. It has spectacular fish and seafood, plus a small selection of meat dishes for carnivores. Be sure to try the fantastic John Dory and the Ibizan prawn tartare. A restaurant with luxury produce in the form of an unpretentious beach bar. 

CALA XUCLAR BEACH BAR

A favourite of Jade Jagger (Mick and Bianca's daughter), where it's easy to spot her enjoying freshly caught fish from Ibiza right on the beach. The quiet Cala Xuclar in Portinatx is home to one of the island's hidden gems. This historic establishment is next to a splendid reed bed where siblings Carlus and Sara Tur serve their clientele with warmth and dedication. This chiringuito belongs to the Can Salvador family, whose estate starts in the same cove and continues all the way to Portinatx. Their ancestors farmed the stream behind the beach, and for years, they have been running the kiosk, one of the few on the island where they offer a variety of fresh fish. You should ask Carlus and Sara for the fish of the day and accompany it with one of their fresh salads. 

EL BIGOTES DE CALA MASTELLA 

Located in Sant Carles, Santa Eulalia del Río, this chiringuito by the sea offers the best bullit de peix - in my opinion - on the island. The restaurant Cala Mastella is better known as El Bigotes (this nickname is in honour of Juan Ferrer's (the founder) bushy moustache). It's one of the island's most iconic, picturesque and essential places. Juan occasionally prepared a bullit de peix (Ibizan fish stew) for friends, with fresh fish from his llaúd (the same boat is still moored at the establishment). As with all good things, these gatherings became ever bigger, eventually leading to the restaurant's creation. 40 years later, you can still enjoy a well-priced, typical Ibizan fisherman's meal in a relaxed atmosphere (booking in advance is highly advised). Although Juan has now retired, he still likes to drop by and supervise the stew, which is now prepared by his descendants, cooking it just as he did in the past.  

NUDO 

Winner of the T de Oro prize awarded by the prestigious gastronomic magazine Tapas Magazine, Nudo has established itself as one of the great gastronomic surprises of the last two years. Opened in 2022, it has already garnered a loyal following for its delicacies. Its dishes are prepared with the minimum possible fuss, giving prominence to the fantastic produce and the wonderful idyllic setting of the beach of Es Figueral, in front of which it is located. There are lots of raw and fermented products that fuse the sea and the Ibizan countryside. The team is made up of three chefs and a wine sommelier who met at the NOMA restaurant in Copenhagen. After working on various projects, they came to Ibiza and created this marvellous experience. The wild scallop tartar in sorrel leaf is simply stunning. 

FISH SHACK 

A classic beach bar in Ibiza is the Chiringuito de Maria, locally known as the Fish Shack. Located in Talamanca, this unique beach bar on the rocks doesn't take reservations; it's first come, first served. It is one of the most authentic and unpretentious places on the island, where they serve generous portions of the fish of the day with a choice of sides and where you can appreciate the superb view of the bay of Talamanca. Bring cash (probably the money best spent on the island) because they don't accept credit cards. I recommend going there for dinner, as it's even more charming with its lanterns lit and the lights of the boats in the distance... you'll feel like you're dining on one yourself.