Cala Benirràs – The unique beach in Ibiza
Cala Benirràs, located on the northwest coast of Ibiza, is a beach with a lot of history and nature, which was once known for its lively drumming sessions. Today, thanks to new regulations, the beach has become a quieter and more environmentally conscious place. Find out everything you need to know about this special beach here.
Location and directions
Cala Benirràs is located about 10 minutes' drive from San Miguel and is easily accessible via a scenic road. The route passes through hilly landscapes, lined with dense pine forests, which provide an idyllic setting. Two large car parks with a capacity of around 400 cars are available, however they fill up quickly in summer, especially during peak season.
The beach
Strand von Cala Benirràs is about 160 meters long and 40 meters wide. It is made up of a mixture of sand and pebbles, flanked by rocks that shield the bay on both sides. The water is crystal clear, but the seabed is rather rocky, making the beach ideal for snorkeling lovers who want to explore the rich underwater world.
In the past, Cala Benirràs was known for its lively Sunday festivals, where drummers Sunset Today, the beach is a quieter oasis, particularly thanks to measures to limit tourism and avoid overcrowding.
The drum circle and its changes
The famous Drum Circle, which originally every Sunday at Sunset has changed dramatically. In the 1990s, Cala Benirràs one of the central places for hippiesthat the Sunset in this natural enclave with drums This ritual sometimes lasted up to 3.000 people which leads to a massive overcrowding and left the beach littered with trash such as cans and cigarettes.
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In recent years, the community of Sant Joan However, measures have been taken to control access to the beach. These measures, which Sunday from 2 June to 6 October from 15:30 p.m. to 22:30 p.m., have drastically reduced the number of visitors. The police presence and traffic restrictions have succeeded in keeping the Overcrowding and protect the environment. The Drum Festival was officially verboten, mainly for safety reasons, to avoid crowds and to protect the environment.
Although the famous Sunday celebrations no longer exist in their original form, smaller, informal Drum sessions on other days of the week, but on a much smaller scale.
Activities and Attractions
Even without the traditional drum festival, there is plenty to do in Cala Benirràs. In addition to snorkeling in the rocky waters, there are numerous water sports such as kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. In addition, there is a small hippie market every day in summer, except Wednesdays and Thursdays, where visitors can buy fashion, handicrafts and jewelry.
Particularly noteworthy is the rock formation "Cap Bernat", which rises up in the bay and is called the "Finger of God" by locals. This striking formation is not only a popular photo subject, but also serves as an anchorage for private yachts, which often moor in the bay in the early evening.
Gastronomy and facilities
The beach offers several restaurants and bars serving Mediterranean and Italian dishes. There is also a popular beach club and a pub serving snacks and pizzas. The restaurants offer a relaxed atmosphere and fresh, local cuisine. Beach facilities include umbrellas, sun loungers, showers, lifeguards and toilets. However, the showers are often turned off due to water-saving measures to conserve the island's scarce resources.
Accommodations nearby
In the immediate vicinity of Cala Benirràs There are no large hotel complexes, which preserves the original charm of the beach. About 10 minutes' drive away is the resort of Puerto de San Miguel, where a few hotels and apartments can be found. For those who prefer more privacy, there are numerous holiday villas and fincas in the area, which are ideal for families or groups and often offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
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Tourist overcrowding and new regulations
Crowd control measures at Cala Benirràs have been strengthened in recent years. Cala Benirràs was once notorious for its overcrowding, especially on Sundays when up to 1.000 vehicles were counted in the surrounding car parks. The crowds caused traffic congestion and left rubbish on the beach, affecting natural resources and the overall experience.
Meanwhile, the municipality of Sant Joan has introduced strict access controls to regulate the number of visitors. These controls have significantly reduced overcrowding on Sundays and the beach is now a quieter place. The number of boats anchored near the cove has also been reduced to around ten, a far cry from the crowded scenes of the past.
Gallery from Ibiza Newspaper from August 9, 2024 under the title: The limits of tourism in Benirràs in pictures.
Our Flickr Photos: A journey back in time to 2006
Conclusion: An environmentally conscious retreat in Ibiza
Cala Benirràs has transformed from a crowded party beach to a more environmentally conscious retreat. The changes and measures, especially the ban on the Sunday Drum Festival, have helped protect the beach and its surroundings. Visitors can now enjoy a relaxed and natural atmosphere without having to worry about the crowds. Cala Benirràs remains a popular place to experience Ibiza's stunning nature, but with a stronger focus on sustainability and protecting the environment.
🥁 Update 2025: The Drummers of Benirràs – Current Status
The drummers of Benirràs are an integral part of Ibizan culture—an unplanned sunset ritual that originated in the 90s. It used to be set on Sunday evening, but this has changed significantly.
Since 2020 The municipality of Sant Joan has imposed restrictions on Sundays due to excessive crowds, illegal parking, and safety concerns. As a result, Sunday drumming has been officially banned.
How will it work in 2025?
- From June to September are the drummers daily except Sundays to experience on the beach.
- Particularly Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays Usually more drummers come together – the sessions are then more intense.
- In the Early and late season (April, May, October) the drumming sessions also take place again on Sundays instead.
- The meetings are not organized, non-commercial and not guaranteed – they are based on voluntary participation and the musicians’ mood of the day.
- If it rains, storms or no one feels like playing, it can happen that no one plays.
Important for visitors:
On weekends, especially Sundays, there are often Access restrictions to Cala Benirràs. In this case, a shuttle service is available from more distant parking lots. Early arrival or the use of public transport is advisable.
And finally ...
If you want to experience the drummers, don't rely on a fixed date, but stay flexible – and ideally come during the week. When everything comes together – weather, atmosphere, and sunset – a magical moment arises, without a stage or admission fee.
Reviews, photos and directions to Benirras
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