Cala Pada is a broad stretch of sand on the east coast between Santa Eulalia and Es Canar, backed by a wood of pine and juniper. The water is shallow and calm, the sand is soft and there is plenty of it, which makes this an easy beach rather than a dramatic one.
The other useful thing about it is the boat. Summer ferries call here on the run between Santa Eulalia, Es Canar and Cala Llonga, so it is one of the few beaches on Ibiza you can reach without a car.
What is there
Sunbeds and parasols, showers, a couple of restaurants above the sand and watersports hire in season. There is parking behind the beach, though the approach roads are narrow.
The wood behind the beach gives some shade at the edges, and the beach is wide enough that it rarely feels crowded even when there are plenty of people on it.
The water
Shallow a long way out and sheltered by the shape of the coast, which is why families use it. The bottom is sand rather than rock, so it is comfortable underfoot and easy to walk into.
On a windy day the east coast picks up chop that the south coast does not, and this beach is more exposed than Cala Llonga a few minutes south.
Quick answers
Is Cala Pada sandy? Yes, soft sand, and a sandy seabed.
Is it good for children? Yes. Shallow, calm and wide.
Can you get there by boat? Yes, on the summer ferry between Santa Eulalia, Es Canar and Cala Llonga.
Is there parking? Yes, behind the beach, on narrow roads.
Are there restaurants? A couple, above the sand.
Is there shade? Some, from the pines at the edges.
Nearby
Es Canar is five minutes north and holds the Wednesday market at Punta Arabi. Es Niu Blau is just south.