It’s also one of the family-friendly places in Ibiza that still feels very local. Cala Boix doesn’t attract the same tourist crowds as many of the island’s better-known beaches, and there are usually plenty of Ibiza residents here, particularly at weekends. Parking is at the top of the cala and the walk down is steep, although there is a proper wide staircase all the way to the beach. Worth remembering when packing the car, because everything taken down has to come back up again.

WAVES, BOARDS & DARK SAND

The water stays shallow for a long way out, but Cala Boix is rarely completely still. Waves roll into the bay throughout the day and, with such a long shallow stretch, kids can spend hours jumping through them before they’ve even considered properly swimming. Little surfboards and bodyboards are particularly good here, with enough movement in the water to keep them entertained close to shore.

The dark sand is said to be the darkest on the island and makes the clarity of the sea even more striking. Huge rocks frame either side of the cala and the water between them changes constantly as the waves come in. There are council sunbeds and parasols available at reasonable prices too, useful on days when carrying everything down the steps feels unnecessary.

LUNCH BY THE BEACH

Just before you reach the beach on the descent down, is Restaurante Cala Boix, an old family-run Ibicencan chiringuito that has been here for generations. It’s refreshingly unfussy, serving sandwiches, fish, pizza, tapas and ice creams at normal prices, so lunch doesn’t need to become a major event or an expensive beach club booking. Grab a table when everyone is hungry, then head back down to the water afterwards.

The car park is directly above the beach and usually straightforward, with the staircase beginning nearby. Cala Boix isn’t the beach for a pushchair or anyone who struggles with steep steps, but once everything is down on the sand there is very little reason to move again until it’s time to tackle the climb back up.

WHAT LINGERS