IBIZA - PORTINATX - CALA D'EN SERRA - CHIRINGUITO FUSTA AND THE ABANDONED HOTEL

Aug 24

4 min read

CHIRINGUITO FUSTA - CALA D’EN SERRA UPDATED July 2026

Look for the Cala d’en Serra sign on your right, just before you reach Portinatx. Continue along the road until the tarmac ends, then park your vehicle. From there, you will be able to see the beach below, which is a small horseshoe-shaped bay with nearby satellite coves.

The sandy beach features clean, clear water and was once recognised as one of Europe’s best beaches by The Guardian newspaper. Cliffs encircle the bay. Please be aware that access is steep, which may not be suitable for young children and elderly individuals. You can drive down to the abandoned hotel and park there, provided the road is dry. It is advisable to wear flat shoes.

The beach bar has been around for a long time, but changed management a few months ago to Chiringuito Fusta (fusta means "wood" in Catalan). It’s run by Tony and his partner. The menu is simple but refined, including vegetarian dishes.

There was an issue with the number of legally permitted sunbeds, but that seems to have been sorted now. However, that is not our concern.

You will find a lovely little paradise.

We arrived at the beach around 11:15 am, and there were only about ten people there. There are 10 sun loungers and 5 parasols available for rent. The cost for two sun loungers and a parasol was €45 when we visited. Additionally, the prices for drinks and food are reasonable for Ibiza.

There is a new drinks menu.

And a new food menu.

The bogavante con patatas fritas y huevos (lobster with eggs and crisps) is recommended.

There are pebbles in the water, so remember to bring sea shoes. Also, be cautious, as the sea temperature drops quickly to 24 degrees, with abundant fish and occasionally jellyfish.

There was no phone signal or Wi-Fi at the beach, SO MAKE SURE YOU BRING CASH. However, a public telephone was available for emergencies.

The abandoned hotel is enclosed by a fence, and reports indicate it is scheduled for demolition starting in November 2026. Some of the graffiti has been damaged, including an image of a woman’s face, painted in colours reminiscent of the sea and sky.

Be warned: if you planned to photograph the incredible graffiti, it’s truly unfortunate that some people destroy such works of art.

REVIEW FROM 2021

In the far north of the Island, you will find this great little oasis, set in a stunning location, with an excellent little chiringuito serving cold beers, wines, and fresh, simple meals.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zy2dSM19a94

Beware: the access is steep (not great for young children and elderly people). You can drive down to the abandoned hotel and park there if the road is dry. Also, wear flat shoes.

You cannot make a reservation, so it’s important to arrive in person. I recommend getting there around 12:30 pm to ensure you get a table, as Spaniards typically eat around 2 pm. Once we were seated, we ordered a jug of Sangría de Cava and then chose our meals.

Calamare a la plancha (grilled baby squid).

Dorada a la plancha (grilled sea bream).

To finish, we had a few glasses of wine.

After your meal, you can choose to swim, paddleboard, snorkel, or simply relax in the sun.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUqLHzoyLoE

THE ABANDONED HOTEL

Sitting above the chiringuito is the famous abandoned hotel. In 1969, a luxury hotel resort was planned for construction here, as it is one of Ibiza’s most stunning and picturesque beaches.

Josep Lluís Sert, the renowned Catalan architect, was selected for the design. However, due to his political beliefs and opposition to Franco’s totalitarian regime, he was exiled to the USA.

Sert’s Clerk of Works, Antonio Ferran, approved the project to circumvent Spain’s fascist government, which prevented Sert from being recognised as the architect in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. Consequently, construction on the hotel commenced.

In 1970, construction on the massive building halted and remained paused for several years. The project ultimately ended when Sert passed away in 1983. There were many discussions regarding whether the hotel should be completed according to its original design or demolished. However, neither option was chosen; instead, the hotel was left abandoned.

The hotel is home to many impressive pieces of graffiti art created by various artists. It is captivating not only for its artwork but also for the stunning views of the beach and cove below. Additionally, it offers a unique perspective on an urban landscape that, once abandoned, has been overtaken by nature.

Numerous proposals to complete the project have been rejected over the years, and the area is now protected by the Law of Natural Spaces, which designates it as a Natural Area of Special Interest. As a result, it is unlikely that anyone will ever witness the beauty that Sert envisioned.