The smallest of Spain’s islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Formentera is worth visiting for its beautiful natural landscape and azure coast. Due to its proximity from the more-well known island of Ibiza, it is popular as a day trip destination during the summer season. On this island, you can enjoy snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, etc.
A tiny corner of the world with white sands and turquoise waters; no airports, no crowds, and just a few roads between its key points. Far from being an inconvenience, this is the best thing about the island.
How to get to Formentera
There’s no airport in Formentera. The nearest airport is located on the island of Ibiza. There are many regular flights from main cities in Europe.
Once landed in Ibiza airport, catch the line L10 bus to the ferry terminal in Ibiza town. It takes about 25 minutes and costs €3.50 one way.
From Ibiza to Formentera via ferry.
The travel time between Ibiza and Formentera only takes around 35 minutes by fast ferry. Provided by Med Pitiusa, Trasmapi, Baleà ria and Aquabus.
Getting around by bus:
Four bus routes (L1, L2, L5 & L7) including the N6 night bus, operate a regular service to key towns and beaches in Formentera.
However, I definitely recommend to rent a car or scooter, so you will be able to discover this island at your own pace.
Where to stay in Formentera
Formentera has a large variety of accommodations, but because of the small size of the island, hotels can get booked quite early. Therefore, if you plan to visit Formentera, you should book your accommodation well in advance.
Choose from a unique selection of romantic boutique hotels in Formentera, including luxury accommodations, seaside hotels and bed & breakfasts, amongst others.
We´ve stayed at Hostal Santi in Playa Migjorn, just a few metres from the beach and it´s perfect place to watch the sunset.
Best beaches in Formentera
The first thing to do when you arrive on the island is head straight for the beach.
Whichever one you choose, all of these places share fine white sands, transparent blue and turquoise waters that stretch out to the horizon, and a sense of calm that you’ll feel as soon as your toes touch the sand.
Ses Illetes beach
There’s no doubt that the most famous beach in Formentera is Ses Illetes, which was voted as the most beautiful beach in Spain several times. It’s a 1.5 km long beach, which is situated in the Trucadors Penninsula, and it forms part of an ecosystem of sand dunes. The color of the water seems to be a mixture of turquoise green and blue.
Ses Illetes Beach in Formentera is inside a natural park and the access for vehicles is limited during the high season. It’s free to enter the beach area on foot, but you have to pay 2 euros to park your motorbike and 4 euros to enter by car.
Llevan beach
From the Illetes Beach you just have to cross the sand dunes to get to the other side of this narrow peninsula. In this side of the peninsula there’s always more wind and therefore there are more waves. Llevant is the favorite beach of surfers.
Cala Saona beach
The beach in Cala Saona is only 140 meters long, nevertheless, it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Formentera. In addition to the great beach, the surrounding area is also precious with magnificent views.
You will find nearby the cliffs of Punta Rasa, which is for us the best place to watch the wonderful sunset in Formentera.
Migjorn beach
The Playa Migjorn is the longest beach on the whole island, occupying most of the Southern coast of Formentera. It’s the favorite beach of many locals, since you can always find calm places with less people along this long beach.
Caló des Mort
This cove is very small, and there’s only a tiny beach there, but it’s considered as one of the most precious beaches in Formentera.
Es Pujols
It’s not one of my favorite beaches in Formentera, but Es Pujols is a nice and comfortable option, if you like being close to a great variety of facilities or if you like beaches with a lot of people and even party there.
Ses Platgetes Beach
Quite close to the village Es Caló de Sant AgustÃ, you will find Ses Platgetes, a series of sand beaches with rocky areas in between them.
Sa Roqueta beach
If you want to dive in Formentera, this beach is a good alternative for it. It is a beach with a beautiful sea and all shades of blue. In addition to the main beach, there are several smaller beaches along the path that leads to Llevant and then Illetes.
Things to do
Birdwatching at Ses Salinas natural park
The famous salt marshes and wetlands provide great bird watching opportunities for nature enthusiasts.
Head to Sant Francesc Xavier
You will find here the glamorous boutiques, restaurants and morning markets where local artisans sell their crafts. It´s island´s biggest and busiest town.
Charter a boat
In order to see the island from a different perspective I would definitely suggest to rent a boat. You can explore some of the quieter areas of the island and encounter marine life that isn’t visible from the beach.
Sunset at El Mirador
It is one of the highest spots on the island, where you can watch the sunset with incredible views stretching out along the whole island and across to Ibiza.
Visit La Mola Lighthouse
The lighthouse rises steeply above the sea and the view is truly stunning. Definitely worth visit because of the great view of the endless sea and the cliffs. Restaurant & souvenir shop are also available.
Final thoughts
Formentera may well be a small island, but it has lots to offer. Beaches that are the stuff of dreams, pretty villages, and lighthouses with breath-taking views. Come and discover one of the jewels of the Mediterranean.
For more Spain travel inspiration check my posts here: https://travelwithanny.com/category/destinations/spain/
Yours sincerely,
Anny