Formentera is the essential excursion from Ibiza. Half an hour by ferry, the neighbouring island has some of the most crystal-clear beaches in the Mediterranean —genuinely Caribbean— and a calm atmosphere, with no clubs or big hotels. This guide explains how to get there, how to get around and what not to miss to make the most of the day.
The key: give it a full day, not half. And book the ferry (and the vehicle) ahead in summer: it sells out.
Getting there
| Departure | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| From Eivissa port | ~30 min (fast) | Several ferry companies and frequencies |
| From Playa d'en Bossa | Seasonal | Handy if you're staying in the south |
You arrive at La Savina port. Always check the sea: with swell, ferries are delayed or cancelled.
Getting around
Formentera is about 19 km long and public transport is limited, so it's best to rent a scooter, bike or car at La Savina (book ahead in summer). The scooter is the most practical and fun; the bike, ideal for the flat tracks near the port.
The best beaches
- Ses Illetes. The jewel: white sand and turquoise water inside the Ses Salines natural park. In summer there's an access fee for vehicles.
- Platja de Migjorn. Long and open, with legendary beach bars for the sunset.
- Cala Saona. Smaller and sheltered, with reddish cliffs.
- Llevant and Es Pujols. For a swim and for the liveliest town.
Beyond the beach
- Far de la Mola. The lighthouse at the eastern tip, which inspired Jules Verne, with spectacular cliffs.
- Far de Cap de Barbaria. The southern lighthouse, at the end of a lonely road; one of the best sunsets in the Pityusic Islands.
- Sant Francesc. The small capital, with its fortress-church and markets.
A one-day plan
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 9:30 | Ferry from Eivissa and rental at La Savina |
| 10:30 | Ses Illetes: swim and snorkel |
| 14:00 | Lunch in Es Pujols or Migjorn |
| 16:30 | Cala Saona or Migjorn |
| 19:00 | Sunset at Cap de Barbaria and ferry back |
What we don't recommend
- Going for half a day in August. Between ferry and travel, it falls short; give it the day.
- Not booking the ferry or vehicle in summer. They sell out and prices soar.
- Stepping on the posidonia or leaving litter. The crystal-clear water depends on the protected meadows.
- Forgetting cash and shade. The wild beaches don't have everything.
Common mistakes
⚠️ Warning: the slip-ups we see most.
- Not checking the sea. With swell the ferry runs late.
- Arriving late at Ses Illetes. It fills up and parking is limited (with a fee in summer).
- Staying only on the beaches. The lighthouses and the interior are worth it too.
In one sentence
Formentera from Ibiza is Caribbean water at Ses Illetes, calm without clubs and lighthouse sunsets: the excursion you can't miss, ideally a full day. It's an essential part of what to see in Ibiza.