A moderate route through pine forest and farmland from the village of Sant Mateu to the small cove of Cala d'Albarca on the north-west coast, rated moderately challenging by guide sites. The cove has no facilities, so carry water and food and walk back before dark.
The walk to Cala d'Albarca begins in Sant Mateu d'Albarca, a small rural village in the municipality of Sant Antoni de Portmany, about 17 km north of Ibiza Town on Ibiza in the Balearic Islands, Spain. The village centre is arranged around the Plaça de l'Església. By car the village is about 25 minutes from Ibiza Town and about 30 minutes by taxi. Bus service to Sant Mateu is limited, so the current timetable at tib.org should be checked. Parking is informal in and around the village, and no permit is required.
The route covers about 9 to 10 km round trip (guide sites list roughly 6 miles) and takes about 3 hours. It involves about 200 m of ascent and descent in total, which suits reasonably active walkers without technical skills. Guide sites rate the route as moderately challenging, mainly because of its length and the heat rather than steepness. The surface is a mix of farm tracks, dirt paths and stony sections that can be slippery after rain.
From Sant Mateu the way passes through farmland with almond and carob trees and then pine forest, giving patchy shade on the middle part of the walk. The final descent leads to the small cove of Cala d'Albarca on the north-west coast, which is the natural turn-around point. The sea here can be pleasant for a swim when calm, but the cove has no lifeguards or services, and conditions can change quickly on this exposed coast.
There are no water sources, huts or cafes along the route or at the cove, so food and drinking water of at least 1.5 L per person must be carried. Walkers should plan to start the return early enough to be back in the village before dark, because the paths are unlit. Mobile coverage may be weak in the valleys, and the village is the nearest point for help or for arranging a taxi if the return climb proves too tiring.
| Distance | About 9 to 10 km round trip (guide sites list roughly 6 miles) |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 3 hours return |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | By car about 25 minutes from Ibiza Town. Bus service to Sant Mateu is limited; check tib.org. By taxi about 30 minutes |
| Best season | October to May |
| Address | Plaça de l'Església, 07815 Sant Mateu d'Albarca, Balearic Islands, Spain |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Sant Mateu d'Albarca, Sant Antoni de Portmany (about 17 km north of Ibiza Town)
What to bring
Walking shoes, 1.5 L of water, hat, swimwear if the sea is calm
Location
Plaça de l'Església, 07815 Sant Mateu d'Albarca, Balearic Islands, Spain
39.0436, 1.4372 View on map
Highlights
- Small, quiet cove of Cala d'Albarca on Ibiza's north-west coast
- Route through farmland and pine forest from Sant Mateu
- Swimming stop at the cove when the sea is calm
- Rural village atmosphere away from the main resorts
Tips for visiting
- Carry all water and food; the cove and the route have no facilities.
- Begin the return early enough to reach Sant Mateu before dark.
- Take swimwear, but only enter the water when the sea is calm; there are no lifeguards.
- Wear walking shoes with grip, as stony sections are slippery after rain.
- Arrange transport in advance, since buses to Sant Mateu are limited.
When to visit
October to May gives cooler walking conditions. In summer the walk is best done early in the morning, with an early return to avoid the afternoon heat.
Accessibility
The tracks and paths are uneven and include stony descents, so the route is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. The cove has no accessible facilities.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long is the walk to Cala d'Albarca?
It is about 9 to 10 km round trip and takes about 3 hours, with roughly 200 m of ascent and descent.
Are there facilities at the cove?
No. Cala d'Albarca has no cafes, toilets or lifeguards, so food and water must be carried.
Can the cove be reached by public transport?
Bus service to Sant Mateu is limited. The current timetable should be checked at tib.org, and a car or taxi is often easier.
Is swimming safe at Cala d'Albarca?
Swimming is possible when the sea is calm, but there are no lifeguards and conditions can change on this exposed coast.