Are you thinking of visiting Formentera and only have one day to do it? Don’t worry, you’ll have time to do many things and, above all, you’ll have a good excuse to come back! Formentera is a treasure, an impressive natural space full of beauty, with white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Although it’s only about 20 kilometers from tip to tip, there are places and things to do that you can’t miss, and we’ll tell you all about it. We propose an itinerary with some of the best places to see in Formentera in one day so that, despite being a short visit, you can make the most of the island’s most spectacular places.
Formentera, along with Ibiza and numerous islets, belongs to the so-called Pityusic Islands, and being so close to Ibiza allows you to discover all its charms comfortably, quickly, and easily.
You have two options for visiting Formentera, by land or by touring the island by boat. If you’re a sailing enthusiast, Formentera deserves a day to explore it entirely by sea, bathing in its wonderful coves and ending the day in one of its coves, enjoying the stunning sunset view. In addition, some of its beaches, such as Cala Saona, offer a delivery service from restaurants and will bring paella to your boat – a fantastic plan! Below, we provide information about companies where you can rent a boat, with or without a skipper, and sail from Ibiza. It’s a journey of about 40 minutes that also allows you to admire the coastline of Ibiza, with the islet of Es Vedrá in the background, a true marvel of nature.
If your choice is to visit Formentera by land, the best way is to take one of the ferries departing from the port of Ibiza, as Formentera does not have an airport. This is the fastest and most economical route and, as a result, the most commonly used.
The schedules depend on the time of year; during the high season, there are ferries every half hour, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. If you have a car, you can take it on one of the ferries; you just need to check with the ticket counters to choose the right one. The main companies that operate these routes are Balearia and Trasmapi. If you haven’t purchased your ticket yet, we recommend using the Ferryhopper search engine to compare schedules, prices, and options.
All ferries arrive at the port of La Savina in Formentera. Once there, near the maritime station, you’ll find rental companies for cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. Another option is the regular bus service that runs around the island frequently during the summer months. However, having a motorcycle, bicycle, or car gives you a lot of freedom and allows you to reach all the special places you shouldn’t miss. We advise you to check prices from the best rental companies on Autoeurope and Rentalcars search engines. It’s important to make your reservation well in advance if you’re traveling during the high season.
It’s also important to note that if your vehicle is a rental, you should check whether your insurance allows for ferry transportation and island hopping because not all companies include this. Be aware of vehicle access and circulation restrictions on the island, as from June 15th to September 15th (inclusive), Formentera imposes limitations on the access and circulation of private motor vehicles. To visit Formentera with your own car or motorcycle, you must make a reservation on this website and pay the corresponding fee. The dates when this limitation applies may vary from year to year. If you don’t have your own vehicle, you’ll need to rent one in Formentera. It’s also not possible to cross with a caravan or motorhome, and camping is strictly prohibited on the island.
Now that we’re prepared to start the route through Formentera, we need to decide where to go.
We suggest starting with Ses Illetes. It’s the stretch of beach with turquoise waters that you’ve been admiring from the boat as it approached the port of Formentera. This nearly half-kilometer-long pristine beach will transport you directly to paradise. Ses Illetes is part of the Ses Salines Natural Park of Ibiza and Formentera, a protected area, and depending on the time of year, there may be an entrance fee (between 4 and 6 euros, depending on whether you’re traveling by car or motorcycle). If you’re a biking enthusiast, you’ll love the ride, with opportunities to spot various bird species (also depending on the season) and areas where dunes dominate the landscape. Both the colors and the air you’ll breathe here are truly exceptional.
At the end of the beach, you’ll find an area where you’ll see people applying clay mud all over their bodies. They say it has a special effect on the skin, but do be cautious if you’re prone to allergies or if salt irritates your skin. Otherwise, the results can be quite refreshing and invigorating.
Continuing our journey, we now head to Es Migjorn Beach in the southern part of Formentera. Here, you’ll encounter the largest beach on the island, with fine sand and crystal-clear waters. In some areas of this beach, you can walk far into the sea, and the water will still only reach your knees. In this area, you’ll find some restaurants and beach bars where I recommend trying the caldereta (a seafood stew) or lobster with fried eggs. Actually, any of the typical dishes from the Pitiusas Islands are delicious.
Now that you’ve enjoyed the sea and food, we suggest continuing your journey towards the northern coast of Formentera. You’ll reach it in just a few minutes if you’re traveling by car or motorcycle, arriving at the village of Es Caló de Sant Agustí. It’s a small settlement with white houses and local fishermen’s docks, which are the typical image of the area. You’ll also find old traditional wooden boat ramps that are still in use, adding to the charm of the place.
From here, you absolutely must visit one of the most impressive sites in Formentera due to the beauty of its limestone landscape, eroded by wind and sea. You can reach it by taking a path through vegetation and sandstone to Es Caló d’es Mort. This is a paradisiacal cove with reddish tones that will leave an indelible mark on your memory.
From here, we set course for the Faro de la Mola, and along the way, you can stop at one of its viewpoints to admire the views that stretch all the way to the island of Ibiza and even the islet of Es Vedrá.
Continuing on the same road that traverses the island from north to south, we arrive at one of the most photographed spots, the Faro de la Mola. It was built in 1861 on the edge of cliffs over 120 meters high above the sea. In addition to the breathtaking sea views, you can visit a museum and cultural center inside. You’ll also see a commemorative plaque for Jules Verne; the writer included this location in some of his novels. Near the lighthouse, there’s a small restaurant-bar where you can enjoy a refreshment while soaking in the details of the fabulous landscape.
If you still have some time left after your visit to the lighthouse, we recommend one last swim at Cala Saona. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the port of La Savina, where the Formentera ferry drops you off. Although the beach is small, it’s another one of those beaches with fine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and the surroundings are worth a short stroll.
In the opposite direction from the port of La Savina, you’ll find Sant Francesc Xavier, the capital of Formentera. It’s a bit more touristy and features a beautiful parish church completed in 1738. Near the town, you can also visit another point of interest, the Sa Miranda windmills.
Before taking the ferry back to Ibiza in La Savina, be sure to take a stroll through the small market stalls you’ll find at the port. It’s perfect for spending some time and picking up a souvenir to take home in your suitcase!
If you need accommodation in Ibiza, remember that Vibra Hotels has several hotels within walking distance from the port, with excellent locations that will allow you to enjoy a well-deserved rest after your visit to Formentera. Additionally, you can savor their excellent breakfasts, such as the one at Vibra Marítimo Hotel, in their restaurant Blavós, right by the sea, with views of Formentera from the rooms and the restaurant. What more could you ask for to conclude your trip!
