Cala Llonga Beach

Cala Llonga is the long sheltered inlet that cuts into Ibiza's east coast between Ibiza Town and Santa Eulalia. A broad band of soft golden sand sits at the head of the bay, framed by two pine clad headlands that rise steeply on either side. Because the inlet runs so deep inland, the water stays calm and shallow near the shore, giving the whole bay an almost lagoon like stillness that families return to year after year.

The beach is backed by a low rise resort of hotels, beach bars and restaurants, with sunbeds and pedalos for hire and a promenade for an evening stroll. This is a comfortable family resort rather than a fashionable club beach, and that is the point. You come for the easy swim, the gentle setting and the convenience of everything within a short walk, not for a daybed scene.

The honest caveat is that Cala Llonga can feel built up and busy in high summer, and travellers chasing a wild or chic cove will find it ordinary. The resort architecture is dated in places and August packs the sand. For calm water with children, though, the sheltered inlet is one of the easiest beach days on this side of the island.

Who it suits: families with young children, easy swimmers and anyone who wants calm water with full resort facilities close at hand.

Who should skip it: seekers of a wild unspoilt cove or a stylish club scene should look to the quieter north or the south of the island.