Ninety seconds on Cala Comte
Three coves of pale sand and shallow turquoise water face the islets off Ibiza's west coast. Stay into the evening and watch the sun set behind the islets from the rocks at the water's edge.
The name Cala Comte covers Platja de Tramuntana, which faces north, and Platja de Ponent, which faces west, with rocky ground behind both. A smaller cove at the far west end is officially Racó d'en Xic, and it is usually called Cala Escondida, the hidden cove.
Between the sand stretches the shore is rocky platform, and that rock is where you sit at sunset. Opposite lie the islets of s'Illa des Bosc, sa Conillera and s'Espartar, and they fill most photographs taken here.
The coves sit inside a protected nature reserve that also takes in Es Vedrà and the western islets. The seabed alternates sand and rocky platforms, and a steady flow of current keeps the shallow water clear. That makes the rocks around the bay good for snorkelling close to shore.
Cala Comte's car park sits on the cliff tops behind the headland; the road beyond it is closed to cars. From there a short path leads down to the sand, and in summer a wheelchair ramp also reaches the beach.
In summer the shore has restaurants, equipment rental and toilets, and lifeguards cover the beach in high season. Spend the day swimming, or snorkel off the rocks around the bay. For Cala Escondida, take the steps cut into the rock from the cliff top at the far west end.
Towards evening, move up onto the rocks facing the islets and take a spot for the sunset. In July and August, get there at least 90 minutes before sunset, as the best rock spots go fast. If you come only for sunset in those months, take the bus or a taxi, because the car park is usually full by midday.
There is little natural shade, so bring sun protection for a full day on the sand or the rocks. The ground mixes soft sand and stone, and water shoes help on the rocky sections.
Taxis run short just after sunset, when most visitors leave together, so book your ride back before you go. Book a table if you want to eat at one of the beach restaurants in the evening.
Arriving by boat, you may anchor in the reserve except over seagrass beds, which are protected. Landing on the islets is not allowed without permission.
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