Formentera is a gift of nature, a paradise of incredible beaches with crystal-clear waters that are the loveliest shade of turquoise you’ve ever seen. A place where spits of sand blend with cliffs, seagrass and pink salt lakes.
Formentera is just 20 km from lively and famous Ibiza, so come and discover the smallest inhabited island in the Balearics. It only takes between 30 min and an hour to get there by boat from its sister island’s port. And once you’re there? Pure relaxation.
Cala Saona
This small beach is one of the few west-facing coves and is popular with sunset hunters. As the afternoon draws to a close, the sun lies right opposite the shore and the beach turns different shades of orange and pink; people make the most of the moment, saying farewell to the day with a mojito in hand and one of the best views in Formentera.
This small cove is in a bay that is sheltered from the wind and is popular for doing water sports and enjoying a peaceful swim. It’s surrounded by lush pine trees and sand dunes and can easily be reached along wooden walkway that leads to the beach. The rocky area has typical fishermen’s huts with wooden ramps for pulling boats up and down, and a friendly beach bar that’s the perfect place for a beer.
Isla de Espalmador
This small island is barely two square kilometres in size and lies between Ibiza and Formentera. It can be reached by boat or by walking along a narrow stretch of sand, although this second method is dangerous if you aren’t familiar with the sea currents. Despite being a private island, there are no buildings of any kind and it’s open to the public. Espalmador is perfect for strolling around and discovering the idyllic beaches of S’Alga, Sa Torreta and Cala Bosch. S’Alga particularly stands out among these three wonderful spots and its white sand and turquoise waters can easily match any exotic beach in the Philippines.
S’Espalmador is in the heart of Ses Salines Natural Park, home to examples of almost every ecosystem in Ibiza and a large population of flamingos.
Es Pujols
This is the only urban beach of Formentera. Located next to a promenade and a residential area, Es Pujols beach has a great variety of leisure and restoration; from stores, bars and hippie stalls, to sport oriented schools and equipment rental. It is an extensive beach divided by several stretches of rock, where fishermen keep their boats in their typical wooden huts. In addition, the front of the beach is protected by a row of islets, so its waters are calm and perfect to go with the whole family. If you are looking for a less crowded environment we recommend the nearby beach of Ses Canyes, more natural and wild, where you can practice nudism.
Caló des Morts
This tiny cove is less than 100 m long and is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Formentera. It lies between long Migjorn beach (6 km) and Es Ram.
Surrounded by rock formations and low cliffs, this white sand beach is fairly private so is popular with nudists, like many other beaches on the island. There aren’t any bars here either, so you need to take your own food and drinks. Its small size means it usually fills up very quickly, especially at high tide. Make the most of your visit to enjoy the spectacular views and go snorkelling among the rocks.
Ses Illetes
One of the most photogenic beaches from the air and thought by many to be one of the most beautiful in Spain. Seen from a bird’s eye view, its stunning strip of white sand that runs through Ses Salines Natural Park and hypnotic turquoise waters are truly impressive.
Ses Illetes has no roads and is surrounded by dunes so the best way to get there without paying is on foot or bicycle. Once there, it’s a great place for diving and paddle surfing thanks to its calm waters. And if you’re looking for something different, you can also do a glass-bottomed boat trip to see the amazing seabed.
Es Arenals
This beach is synonymous with comfort and relaxation because everything is to hand and you don’t have to set off on an adventure to get there. It’s in the popular Migjorn area and is one of the biggest beaches on the island. It’s 5 km from Pilar de la Mola, the village famous for its lighthouse and hippy market, and within walking distance of Caló des Morts.
We recommend having a pomada, a typical Balearic drink, or mojito with nachos at the famous Pirata Bus beach bar. It’s the ideal spot for visiting as a couple or with friends and enjoying live music, improv and the stunning location.
Llevant
Far from urban life, this gorgeous spit of white sand on the Es Trucadors peninsula is known as Ses Illetes’ twin. The two beaches are separated by a long strip of dunes, plants and a path for cycling to the northern point of the island.
Llevant beach is under 1 1/2 km long and is less crowded than its neighbour, perhaps because the wind blows more strongly here. Despite this, we recommend strolling along the shore to reach Racó de ses Ampolles, always keeping an eye on the waves.
