The COVID-19 crisis will mark a before and after in the way that we perceive our leisure time. Respecting safety distances in order to enjoy a day at the beach and discovering the positive aspects of escaping the crowds has become the mantra repeatedly heard in Ibiza’s main coastal resorts this year.
Some of the island’s beaches, such as Platges de Comte and Cala Bassa in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta in Sant Antoni de Portmany, Benirràs in Sant Joan de Labritja and Cala Boix in Santa Eulària des Riu, are opening and closing on a temporary basis on certain days when there is a greater influx of people, depending on how many people are visiting the beaches, a procedure which is handled and controlled by the local police force.
When any of these areas are closed to traffic, the answer is to choose another beach which is just as enjoyable, but which has fewer people.
Another possibility is to visit one of the island’s bigger beaches, such as Ses Salines, Es Cavallet, Platja d’en Bossa and Talamanca, as they are so large that there will always be enough space between bathers.
Ibiza’s beaches are rightly famed worldwide for their beauty and the charm of their surroundings, but this fact is also supported by the different quality distinctions that they have been awarded. There is a reason why, in 2020, the island’s beaches in the districts of Sant Joan de Labritja, (Arenal Gran Portinatx, Benirràs and Cala San Vicent) and Santa Eulária des Riu (Cala Llenya, Cala Llonga, Es Canar and Es Figueral), have been awarded a total of 8 Blue Flags, which is thanks to their continuing commitment to the quality and sustainability of their beaches.
This year, Sant Antoni de Portmany has renewed its EMAS and ISO 14.001 environmental quality certifications for all the district’s beaches, and a certificate of universal accessibility has also been obtained for the Cala Salada, Cala Gracio and Caló des Moro beaches.
Another novelty for Ibizan beaches this summer is that more of them will become smoke free zones. Until 2019, there were just two such beaches on the island, Talamanca in Ibiza and the beach close to the Esplanade in Santa Eularia des Riu, and a further addition this year is the magical Cala d’Hort in Sant Josep de sa Talaia. This new venture shows a firm commitment to eradicating a habit which is not only harmful to health, but also detrimental to land and marine ecosystems.
The Consell d’Eivissa aims to become a safe destination, going further and beyond the current health situation, and the local authority has planned a pioneering new project “Ibiza. Intelligent Holiday Destination” to be launched in 2021. This initiative will monitor 34 beaches and 8 car parks to ascertain visitor numbers and will have fire detection systems and air and water quality control systems as well.
The aim is to ensure that Ibiza will remain one of the world’s favourite destinations where safety, leisure and service go hand in hand, so that the island will continue to charm and delight tourists year on year.