Formentera

Day 1: Ses Illetes, Llevant and first sunsets A gentle start that immediately shows you why Formentera is called the Caribbean of the Med. Aim to move early and light, using bikes or the bus to glide past vehicle quotas and parking stress.

• Morning: Ferry into La Savina, pick up a bicycle/e‑bike or scooter, and ride to the Ses Salines park entrance for Ses Illetes before 10:00. Motorised vehicles pay an entry fee and spaces are limited in high season; bikes and pedestrians sail through. Use the boardwalks, keep off the dunes, and pack reef‑safe sunscreen and plenty of water.
• Midday: Cross the narrow peninsula on foot to Platja de Llevant for more breeze and space; naturism is common here (follow local etiquette and avoid photography of people). Picnic in the shade of a parasol or pre‑book a table; shade is scarce. Check the beach flags and, if jellyfish are present on one side, swap to the other.
• Afternoon: Optional boat hop to the islet of S’Espalmador from La Savina (no facilities; mud baths are prohibited). If you’re on a charter, insist on anchoring only over sand to protect Posidonia; fines for seagrass damage are hefty.
• Evening: Drift back to Es Pujols for an easy beachfront stroll and dinner; in summer, parts of the centre are pedestrianised at night. If you prefer quieter vibes, dine in Sant Francesc and turn in early for tomorrow’s coastal roam.

Day 2: Caló des Mort and the long curve of Migjorn Today is about the island’s wild‑meets‑laid‑back soul: tiny coves at dawn, lazy lunches, and a west‑coast sunset finale. Winds and crowds shape your choices; be flexible and move with the conditions.

• Morning: Reach Caló des Mort at first light (sturdy shoes; access is a short, steep path) and enjoy a quiet swim before the crowds. Continue along the Migjorn coast to claim a sandy cove; naturism is normal along stretches here. In winter you may see banks of washed‑up Posidonia—these protect the beach and are left in place.

By Air

• Formentera has no airport. Fly to Ibiza Airport (IBZ), then continue by ferry to La Savina (Formentera).
• Ibiza Airport to Ibiza Town ferry terminal (Estació Marítima de Formentera): taxi 15–20 minutes; bus L10 about 25–30 minutes.
• Ferries Ibiza–Formentera run year-round, typically every 30–60 minutes; crossing 25–35 minutes on fast boats (up to ~60 minutes on slower services).
• Flight options: year-round via Madrid, Barcelona and Palma; seasonal direct flights from many European cities (including London and Manchester).

By Ferry

• Ibiza Town (Eivissa) to La Savina: year-round; frequent daily services operated by Trasmapi, Baleària and others. Journey 25–60 minutes depending on vessel.
• Denia (mainland) to La Savina: direct fast ferries operate seasonally (late spring–early autumn) with Baleària; typical crossing ~2–3 hours. Year-round you can sail Denia/Valencia/Barcelona to Ibiza, then connect to Formentera.
• Book ahead in July–August; allow extra time in bad sea conditions.

By Train

• No rail on Ibiza/Formentera. Travel by train to mainland hubs, then connect to ferries:
  • Barcelona Sants: ferries to Ibiza (often overnight, ~8–9 hours), then Ibiza–Formentera.

Formentera is the crowd-light Mediterranean you come for: ferry-only, nature-first, and quietly rich in experiences from sunrise swims to barefoot sunsets.

• Atmosphere: Barefoot-bohemian meets conservation-minded island life; naturism is discreet and normal, sunsets are a ritual, and starry skies replace late-night blare.
• Sense of place: Wander UNESCO-protected sands at Ses Illetes and Llevant, cycle boardwalks to 6km-long Migjorn, chase golden-hour at Cala Saona, and climb to the La Mola lighthouse; traditional fishermen’s escars frame coves around Es Caló.
• Authentic flavour: Snack on peix sec salads and simply grilled fish, browse Sant Francesc and Sant Ferran’s markets, and toast with hierbas ibicencas at low-key chiringuitos—more soul than show.
• Smart value: Come in shoulder season for space and softer prices; arrive by bike or bus to skip queues and fees; pack a picnic for boat-only S’Espalmador; seek family-run kitchens in Es Caló and inland villages over headline beach addresses.

Formentera is ideal for travellers who crave pristine beaches, translucent turquoise water and a slower, barefoot rhythm. Nature‑minded visitors will love its UNESCO‑protected Posidonia seagrass, wooden dune boardwalks and car‑lite ethos. Come for easy days that drift from swims to sunsets, with bohemian chiringuitos and star‑filled nights.

• Scenery seekers: Double‑sided sands at Ses Illetes/Llevant give shallow turquoise lagoons on one side and wilder surf on the other—the true Caribbean of the Mediterranean.
• Beach lovers & naturists: Long, quiet stretches at Migjorn and Llevant welcome respectful clothing‑optional sunbathing in a relaxed, judgement‑free vibe.
• Families: Sheltered Cala Saona has calm, shallow water, lifeguards and easy sunset views, with nearby facilities that keep beach days simple.
• Active travellers: Cycle flat lanes to beaches, snorkel over Posidonia gardens, kayak quiet coves, and use buses or bikes to beat Illetes’ vehicle quotas.
• Foodies: From simple grilled fish at classic chiringuitos to splurge‑worthy Illetes beach clubs like Beso Beach, seafood lunches and sunset cocktails are the island ritual.
• Eco‑conscious travellers: Strict anchoring rules, park entry caps and the formentera.eco scheme make Formentera a low‑impact model—far quieter than Ibiza in May–June or September.

These are the unmissable highlights of Formentera’s coastline, distilled from authoritative local research. Expect pristine waters, powdery sands, and a laid-back, bohemian beach culture rooted in conservation.

• Walk the sugar‑white sandbar of Platja de Ses Illetes to neighbouring Llevant along the Trucador peninsula, with turquoise shallows on one side and wilder surf on the other.
• Explore the 6 km sweep of Platja de Migjorn, slipping between quiet coves and rock shelves and pausing at classic chiringuitos for long, lazy lunches.
• Visit Cala Saona for calm, shallow waters beneath red‑tinged cliffs, then stay for the island’s most spectacular sunset.
• Take a boat to S’Espalmador’s Platja de S’Alga for a pristine, facility‑free nature escape—no mud baths, strictly protected waters.
• Hike the coastal paths around Caló des Mort and Es Ram for cliff‑top vistas and photogenic fishermen’s huts above glass‑clear coves.

These are the unmissable highlights of Formentera’s coastline, distilled from authoritative local research. Expect pristine waters, powdery sands, and a laid-back, bohemian beach culture rooted in conservation.

• Walk the sugar‑white sandbar of Platja de Ses Illetes to neighbouring Llevant along the Trucador peninsula, with turquoise shallows on one side and wilder surf on the other.
• Explore the 6 km sweep of Platja de Migjorn, slipping between quiet coves and rock shelves and pausing at classic chiringuitos for long, lazy lunches.
• Visit Cala Saona for calm, shallow waters beneath red‑tinged cliffs, then stay for the island’s most spectacular sunset.
• Take a boat to S’Espalmador’s Platja de S’Alga for a pristine, facility‑free nature escape—no mud baths, strictly protected waters.
• Hike the coastal paths around Caló des Mort and Es Ram for cliff‑top vistas and photogenic fishermen’s huts above glass‑clear coves.

Formentera’s food culture is simple, sea‑rooted and proudly local: think fishermen’s recipes, farm produce, and long, lazy meals by the water. Expect traditional Balearic flavours with a bohemian twist, best enjoyed at beach bars, village cafés and tiny harbour restaurants.

• Ensalada pagesa (peix sec salad) – potato, tomato and pepper salad topped with island sun‑dried fish and crunchy ship’s biscuit. Best savoured barefoot at beach chiringuitos along Migjorn.
• Bullit de peix (with arroz a banda) – rich fishermen’s stew of local fish and potatoes, followed by rice cooked in the same broth. Perfect for unhurried lunches at harbour restaurants in Es Caló.
• Hierbas Ibicencas – aromatic thyme‑and‑anise herbal liqueur, sipped over ice as a digestif. Order it at sunset bars on Cala Saona or laid‑back cafés in Sant Francesc.
• Flaó – Ibicenco cheese tart scented with mint; light, creamy and subtly sweet. Pick up a slice from bakery‑cafés in town and enjoy it after dinner on a seafront promenade.

Formentera’s food culture is simple, sea‑rooted and proudly local: think fishermen’s recipes, farm produce, and long, lazy meals by the water. Expect traditional Balearic flavours with a bohemian twist, best enjoyed at beach bars, village cafés and tiny harbour restaurants.

• Ensalada pagesa (peix sec salad) – potato, tomato and pepper salad topped with island sun‑dried fish and crunchy ship’s biscuit. Best savoured barefoot at beach chiringuitos along Migjorn.
• Bullit de peix (with arroz a banda) – rich fishermen’s stew of local fish and potatoes, followed by rice cooked in the same broth. Perfect for unhurried lunches at harbour restaurants in Es Caló.
• Hierbas Ibicencas – aromatic thyme‑and‑anise herbal liqueur, sipped over ice as a digestif. Order it at sunset bars on Cala Saona or laid‑back cafés in Sant Francesc.
• Flaó – Ibicenco cheese tart scented with mint; light, creamy and subtly sweet. Pick up a slice from bakery‑cafés in town and enjoy it after dinner on a seafront promenade.

Choosing where to stay in Formentera is about the vibe and access rather than the hotel name. Each area has a distinct rhythm—from bohemian coves to buzzy beach-town—so pick a base that fits how you want to spend your days.

• Es Pujols — Lively seaside hub with pedestrianised evenings, lots of eateries and bars; ideal for first‑timers, families and car‑free travellers who want everything on the doorstep.
• Platja de Migjorn — 6 km of coves and dunes with classic chiringuitos, sunsets and naturist‑friendly stretches; perfect for couples and laid‑back beach days with space and privacy.
• Cala Saona — Sheltered turquoise bay with gentle shallows and big‑sky sunsets; great for families and photographers, quieter nights but busy at golden hour.
• La Savina (Port) — Ferry hub with marina views and easy bike paths to Illetes/Llevant plus boats to Espalmador; best for sailors, short stays and logistics‑minded travellers.

Choosing where to stay in Formentera is about the vibe and access rather than the hotel name. Each area has a distinct rhythm—from bohemian coves to buzzy beach-town—so pick a base that fits how you want to spend your days.

• Es Pujols — Lively seaside hub with pedestrianised evenings, lots of eateries and bars; ideal for first‑timers, families and car‑free travellers who want everything on the doorstep.
• Platja de Migjorn — 6 km of coves and dunes with classic chiringuitos, sunsets and naturist‑friendly stretches; perfect for couples and laid‑back beach days with space and privacy.
• Cala Saona — Sheltered turquoise bay with gentle shallows and big‑sky sunsets; great for families and photographers, quieter nights but busy at golden hour.
• La Savina (Port) — Ferry hub with marina views and easy bike paths to Illetes/Llevant plus boats to Espalmador; best for sailors, short stays and logistics‑minded travellers.

Getting to Formentera is straightforward, and with a few local quirks in mind your trip runs smoothly. The island is small, safe and beautifully simple to navigate, but seasonal rules and prices can surprise first-timers. A little planning around transport and timing pays off.

• Affordability: Generally mid-to-high for Spain; a simple beach lunch runs €15–€20, fresh fish mains €30–€50 and top Illetes restaurants can exceed €100 per person, sunbeds/umbrellas are typically €10–€15 each, and accommodation prices spike in July–August (best value is May–June and September–October).
• Transport: No airport—arrive by ferry from Ibiza (35–60 minutes); the island is compact but not fully walkable, so use bicycles/e-bikes or scooters, the L3/L7 buses and taxis (scarcer at peak), note summer vehicle caps via formentera.eco and that Illetes parking fills early—bikes/buses are the easiest way in, and boats reach the Espalmador islet.
• Language: Catalan (Formenterenc) and Spanish are official, while English is widely understood in tourism settings and Italian is commonly heard in summer.
• Safety & comfort: Very safe and relaxed for families and solo travellers; the sun is intense (bring high SPF, hats and water), jellyfish can appear after storms (heed beach flags), petty theft can occur on crowded sands (don’t leave valuables), and naturism is normal on parts of Migjorn and Llevant.
• Crowds: July–August are busiest with day-trippers and yachts (Illetes quotas/parking can be full by late morning); May–June and September–October bring superb weather with fewer people, and winter is tranquil with limited services—visit popular beaches early or near sunset.

Getting to Formentera is straightforward, and with a few local quirks in mind your trip runs smoothly. The island is small, safe and beautifully simple to navigate, but seasonal rules and prices can surprise first-timers. A little planning around transport and timing pays off.

• Affordability: Generally mid-to-high for Spain; a simple beach lunch runs €15–€20, fresh fish mains €30–€50 and top Illetes restaurants can exceed €100 per person, sunbeds/umbrellas are typically €10–€15 each, and accommodation prices spike in July–August (best value is May–June and September–October).
• Transport: No airport—arrive by ferry from Ibiza (35–60 minutes); the island is compact but not fully walkable, so use bicycles/e-bikes or scooters, the L3/L7 buses and taxis (scarcer at peak), note summer vehicle caps via formentera.eco and that Illetes parking fills early—bikes/buses are the easiest way in, and boats reach the Espalmador islet.
• Language: Catalan (Formenterenc) and Spanish are official, while English is widely understood in tourism settings and Italian is commonly heard in summer.
• Safety & comfort: Very safe and relaxed for families and solo travellers; the sun is intense (bring high SPF, hats and water), jellyfish can appear after storms (heed beach flags), petty theft can occur on crowded sands (don’t leave valuables), and naturism is normal on parts of Migjorn and Llevant.
• Crowds: July–August are busiest with day-trippers and yachts (Illetes quotas/parking can be full by late morning); May–June and September–October bring superb weather with fewer people, and winter is tranquil with limited services—visit popular beaches early or near sunset.

Seasonality on Formentera is pronounced: late spring and early autumn offer the best balance of warm seas and lighter crowds, July–August are hot and heaving, and winter is serene and wild. Most beach services run from April/May to October, with many closing in the off-season.

• Shoulder Season (May–June & Sep–Oct): Warm, sunny, swimmable seas; manageable crowds and fully open services; relaxed pace and golden light, with locals “reclaiming” the island in September.
• High Summer (Jul–Aug): Hottest days and warmest water; peak crowds, prices, and access quotas (e.g., Ses Illetes); buzzy, luxe beach‑club vibe.
• Winter (Nov–Apr): Mild but changeable weather and cool water; empty beaches and many venues closed; quiet, nature‑first atmosphere ideal for long coastal walks.

Seasonality on Formentera is pronounced: late spring and early autumn offer the best balance of warm seas and lighter crowds, July–August are hot and heaving, and winter is serene and wild. Most beach services run from April/May to October, with many closing in the off-season.

• Shoulder Season (May–June & Sep–Oct): Warm, sunny, swimmable seas; manageable crowds and fully open services; relaxed pace and golden light, with locals “reclaiming” the island in September.
• High Summer (Jul–Aug): Hottest days and warmest water; peak crowds, prices, and access quotas (e.g., Ses Illetes); buzzy, luxe beach‑club vibe.
• Winter (Nov–Apr): Mild but changeable weather and cool water; empty beaches and many venues closed; quiet, nature‑first atmosphere ideal for long coastal walks.

Day 3: Es Caló, Ses Platgetes, and lighthouse high drama A quieter, local‑feeling morning gives way to dramatic cliffs and iconic roads. You’ll blend swims, small‑village life, and Formentera’s big‑sky horizons.

• Morning: Breakfast in Es Caló, then swim and snorkel at Ses Platgetes’ linked little coves with rocky shelves and bright sand. Respect the fishermen’s slipways and gear; facilities are minimal and the water is crystal clear.
• Midday: For an adventurous dip, head to Cala en Baster (scrambly path, no lifeguard or services). Alternatively, cycle one of the flat green routes and lunch back in Es Caló on simple, maritime fare like peix sec salad.
• Afternoon: Drive or ride up to La Mola lighthouse for wind‑scoured cliffs and huge views that inspired literary lore; stay behind barriers as gusts can be strong. Then continue to Cap de Barbaria: vehicles are restricted near the end—walk the final stretch for the cinematic approach.
• Evening: Golden hour and stargazing at Cap de Barbaria make a perfect finale—bring a torch for the walk back. Return to Sant Francesc for a relaxed dinner in the square; if visiting June–September, ensure your formentera.eco vehicle permit is in order for tomorrow’s departure.

By Bus

• Ibiza Airport to ferry: EMT Ibiza bus L10 links the airport and Ibiza Town ferry terminal (about 25–30 minutes, frequent).
• Mainland long-distance coaches to Denia from Valencia (≈2–3 hours) and Madrid (≈5–6 hours), then ferry to Formentera.

By Car

• Drive to ferry ports:
  • Denia: seasonal direct ferries to Formentera; year-round to Ibiza with onward connection.
  • Valencia/Barcelona: ferries to Ibiza, then connect to Formentera.
• Vehicle transport on ferries is possible, but bringing a car/motorbike to Formentera in summer (1 June–30 September) requires a prior permit under the formentera.eco scheme (daily fee and quotas; reserve in advance at formentera.eco).

Who should go to Formentera?

Formentera is ideal for travellers who crave pristine beaches, translucent turquoise water and a slower, barefoot rhythm. Nature‑minded visitors will love its UNESCO‑protected Posidonia seagrass, wooden dune boardwalks and car‑lite ethos. Come for easy days that drift from swims to sunsets, with bohemian chiringuitos and star‑filled nights.

• Scenery seekers: Double‑sided sands at Ses Illetes/Llevant give shallow turquoise lagoons on one side and wilder surf on the other—the true Caribbean of the Mediterranean.
• Beach lovers & naturists: Long, quiet stretches at Migjorn and Llevant welcome respectful clothing‑optional sunbathing in a relaxed, judgement‑free vibe.
• Families: Sheltered Cala Saona has calm, shallow water, lifeguards and easy sunset views, with nearby facilities that keep beach days simple.
• Active travellers: Cycle flat lanes to beaches, snorkel over Posidonia gardens, kayak quiet coves, and use buses or bikes to beat Illetes’ vehicle quotas.
• Foodies: From simple grilled fish at classic chiringuitos to splurge‑worthy Illetes beach clubs like Beso Beach, seafood lunches and sunset cocktails are the island ritual.
• Eco‑conscious travellers: Strict anchoring rules, park entry caps and the formentera.eco scheme make Formentera a low‑impact model—far quieter than Ibiza in May–June or September.