Cala Llonga
A deep bay between wooded slopes, halfway between the town and Santa Eulària
Cala Llonga is a long, narrow inlet on the east coast, enclosed by two wooded slopes. A wide sand beach sits at its head, with water that shelves very gently. Its position between Ibiza Town and Santa Eulària makes it a practical base: quiet, but with both sides of the island within reach.
History
The inlet runs far inland and was once fed by a seasonal stream, which meant that — unlike most of Ibiza — there was water here. Terraces and old fincas still sit on the slopes above, and further inland lies Sant Carles, the village this area long belonged to. North of it were the lead mines of S’Argentera, worked into the twentieth century for silver-bearing ore — one of the very few real industries Ibiza ever had besides salt. The resort at the head of the bay is a much later addition.
What to do here
- Swim off the beach; the water shelves so gradually you can wade a long way out.
- Take one of the paths up the slope for a view over the whole inlet.
- Drive inland to Sant Carles and the old mining area of S’Argentera.
- Take the bus or the boat to Santa Eulària or Ibiza Town — both are close.
- Come in the morning or late afternoon; the slopes throw shade into the bay.
- Follow the coast road to Sol d’en Serra for a rockier bay with no development.
Facts
- Cala Llonga is in the municipality of Santa Eulària des Riu, between the capital and Santa Eulària.
- The bay is a long, narrow inlet between two wooded slopes.
- The hinterland held the lead mines of S’Argentera, worked into the twentieth century.
- The beach shelves very gradually, which makes it suitable for children.
Good for
Families, and anyone who wants a central base between the town and the quiet east coast.
Honestly
The bay is dominated by large hotel blocks on the slopes and the beach can be packed in high season. There is little going on in the evening, and because of its orientation the bay loses the afternoon sun earlier than you would expect.
