Cala Mastella is among the smallest named beaches on Ibiza: a narrow inlet on the east coast with pebbles, flat rock platforms at the water's edge and pine slopes on both sides. It takes a few dozen people and then it is full.
The water is the reason to come. The inlet is almost entirely enclosed, so it stays flat in most weather, and the mix of sand and rock on the bottom makes it one of the better places on this coast to snorkel without swimming far.
What to bring
Water shoes, and something to lie on. The pebbles and rock make this uncomfortable barefoot and uncomfortable on a towel alone. There are no sunbeds.
There are no other facilities either, beyond the restaurant.
El Bigote
Round the rocks on the northern side of the inlet, El Bigote is a wooden shack that serves one thing, a fish stew, at one sitting. It has been there for decades, it takes bookings in person rather than by phone, and it is the reason a lot of people know the name of this cove at all.
Getting there
Car only. The road down from the San Carlos direction is short and not difficult, and there is a small parking area above the cove. In August it is full by mid-morning, and there is nowhere else to leave a car.
Quick answers
Is Cala Mastella sandy? No. Pebbles and rock platforms.
Is it good for children? The water is shallow, calm and enclosed, which is ideal. The shore is hard going, so bring shoes and a mat.
Can you snorkel? Yes, and it is one of the better spots on this coast for it.
Is there a restaurant? El Bigote, round the rocks, serving fish stew.
Is there parking? A small area above the cove, and it fills early.
How big is it? Very small. Twenty or thirty people makes it busy.
Nearby
Cala Llenya is five minutes north and is the wide sandy alternative if this one is full. San Carlos is ten minutes inland.