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Formentera by sailboat

Guide to the most beautiful places, bays and beaches of Formentera

Formentera: a corner of paradise where you can savor an unparalleled atmosphere surrounded by a transparent turquoise sea; the perfect destination for a boating vacation.

A diverse tourism can be found in Formentera. VIPs and celebrities, young and old, and families who want to experience a vacation of nature, relaxation, but also fun. 

The sea is the absolute protagonist here, with its colors ranging from blue to emerald green and turquoise. For those who do not like confusion, Formentera offers small dreamy coves where you can isolate yourself and corners of extraordinary beauty. On the other hand, for those who don't want to give up the nightlife, you will find numerous chiringuitos where you can have aperitifs by the sea and clubs in Es Pujols where you can keep the early hours.

During your sailing vacation you can relax, lulled by the waves, in Cala Saona, one of the most beautiful places on the island, and reach Las Salinas for sunset. If you sail southeast of the island, you will find El Mirador de La Mola, where you can enjoy the best views of the Mediterranean.

The best time of year

Formentera's favorable year-round climate allows you to enjoy every location and swim in the sea in most months. If you are looking for a quiet experience away from the hustle and bustle, avoid July and August, when the island is taken by storm by tourists. The mostly calm sea and low wind ensure smooth sailing for much of the period.

Sea color

What shade of blue prevails around the coast?

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Beach type

Fine sand, small pebbles, shells or rocks?

Sand

Wind strength

How much wind is there in the peak season?

Moderate breeze

Formentera is the perfect destination for

Nature

Nature

From dense pine forests to pristine beaches, a wide variety of flora and fauna

Beaches

Beaches

Little corners of paradise to be discovered

Nightlife

Nightlife

Typical beachside chiringuitos where you can enjoy exclusive sunsets and chic clubs

Sailing through pristine nature and iconic sunsets: sailing vacations in formentera

A journey through unspoiled nature and the Ses Salines Natural Park: a place suspended between land and sea

A journey through unspoiled nature and the Ses Salines Natural Park: a place suspended between land and sea

Tourists coming to Formentera are attracted by the enchanting Mediterranean landscapes. Visiting the Ses Salines Natural Park is the best way to discover the varied fauna and flora typical of the area.

The island's landscape is characterized by pines and junipers, while the beaches show an environment of dunes and shrubs. Under the sea you can find one of the protagonists of this ecosystem: the Posidonia, a marine plant that makes the island absolutely unique. The fauna is also very diverse; the island is home to more than 200 species of birds and colorful lizards, one of the island's most emblematic animals. 

The Ses Salines Natural Park, extends from the south of Ibiza to the north of Formentera, encompassing the arm of the sea that separates them.  Strips of land separated by an expanse of blue sea that together represent one of the most important terrestrial and marine habitats in the world. A symbol of the Balearic Islands, this park became a nature reserve in 1995 and a government-protected nature park in 2001. Unmissable especially during the salt crystallization period when breathtaking plays of color are created at sunrise and sunset.

Es Cap de Barbaria: one of the most iconic places on the island

Es Cap de Barbaria: one of the most iconic places on the island

Close your eyes and imagine an almost desert landscape, a narrow road, the lighthouse in the distance in the center and the blue sea in the background: all this is Es Cap de Barbaria

Located in the extreme southwest of the island, it is the southernmost rocky promontory of all the Balearic Islands. The lighthouse of Cap de Barbaria dominates an impressive 100-meter vertical cliff overhanging the sea. This area is barren and sparse of vegetation, able to withstand the strong winds that batter the cliff. From here you can catch a glimpse of nearby Ibiza with Es Vedrà. It is considered the most striking place on the island to admire the sunsets to be experienced with intense feelings of solitude and freedom.

Chiudete gli occhi e immaginate un paesaggio quasi desertico, una strada stretta, il faro in lontananza al centro e il mare blu sullo sfondo: tutto questo è Es Cap de Barbaria.

Child-friendly Formentera

Child-friendly Formentera

Formentera is the ideal destination to spend an unforgettable vacation with your children. Calm turquoise waters and a perfectly preserved environment make it a true paradise for the whole family.

Children will be able to entertain themselves with all kinds of activities on land or in the sea. Various water sports including windsurfing, sup, kayaking, snorkeling or total relaxation on idyllic white beaches. The sea around the island tends to be calm and flat, this will allow you slow and peaceful sailing suitable for even the youngest children. You can go ashore and visit the island by bicycle or on foot along the countless rural trails to discover the cultural heritage. 

Recommended beaches for families are those of Es Pujols, Es Arenals, Ses Illetes and Cala Saona, characterized by sandy, shallow waters. Not recommended, however, are the beaches of Ses Platgetes, which are predominantly rocky.

Sailing and catamaran in Formentera and the Balearic Islands

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Practical Info

Territory

Formentera has an area of 83 square kilometers and with just over 12,000 inhabitants is the least populated island in the Balearic Islands. The mild climate has favored the development of Mediterranean vegetation, with alternating dune areas and patches of junipers and pine forests. It is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful beaches and its proximity to Ibiza.

Population centers

The island has a total of six population centers. Sant Francesc Xavier, the main town; La Savina, home of the port; Es Pujols, the main tourist center; and other small villages.

How to get there

There are no airports on the island. The best way to get there is to take a flight to Ibiza and from there a ferry that will take you to your destination in about an hour. Connections run all year round and are very frequent during the summer season.

Getting around

Formentera, in addition to having few paved roads, is so small that you can very well get around by scooter or bicycle.

Ports and marinas

On the island, the only port available to safely moor your boat and take advantage of onshore services is La Savina.

Activities

Formentera's main attraction is its Mediterranean nature, which allows for numerous activities. Its turquoise waters are perfect for water sports such as kayaking, snorkeling and stand-up paddle boarding. Inland, there are numerous trails that lead into wild landscapes that you can explore on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. Birdwatching is especially popular in the fall, as the island is at the center of one of the world's major migration routes.

Sea and beaches

Formentera has a distinctive jagged shape that allows it to have a long coastline composed of numerous beaches and coves. Mostly fine white sand and only a few rocky.

Formentera's beaches not to be missed

  • Playa de Ses Illetes and S'Espalmador

    Fine white sand, blue sea and a lovely location, with the expanse stretching to S'Espalmador, an uninhabited islet. Ses Illetes is part of the Ses Salines Natural Park, is among the most popular and can be very crowded in summer, best reached by sailboat.

  • Caló d’es Morts

    The pearl of Formentera. A tiny rocky cove within which is a real natural pool with crystal clear, transparent sea. A cove devoid of services and from where you can admire the famous escars, the areas where fishermen dock their boats.

  • Playa de Llevant

    Located to the north on the Trucador Peninsula; with almost no services, it is one of the wildest beaches and therefore beloved by those seeking relaxation and by naturists.

  • Playa de Es Pujols and Es Arenals

    These are undoubtedly the most touristy and frequented beaches on the island. Most of the nightlife is concentrated in these two areas. It starts at sunset with an aperitif in typical chiringuitos and continues until late at night.

  • Cala Saona

    It is characterized by shallow water, no wind, and the presence of both white sand and the pine forest behind it. This makes it one of the most sought-after beaches for families.

  • Playa de Ses Platgetes

    Rocky beach, wild and far from the hustle and bustle of tourists. Ideal for those who are not looking for comfort, but for beauty and want to experience the sea in the most authentic way.

Guides & tips

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Balearic Islands by sailboat

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Ibiza by sailboat

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Guide to catamaran interior spaces

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