Formentera: A Practical Guide

We often get asked for advice about the best places to go, things to do, top tips and so on. So, here is your practical guide to Formentera, based on our experiences.

Is Formentera worth visiting?

Yes, yes, yes, is the answer here! Formentera has the most stunning stretches of white sandy beaches, crystal blue waters and a laid-back vibe that will have even the most fast-paced folk take a breath.

What is the best way to get there?

Ferry (from Ibiza Town)

Baleria et Trasmapi operate regular ferries between the islands.
The larger car ferries take slightly longer, around 40 minutes. If you already have a car or scooter, you can take it with you. The smaller passenger ferries are a touch faster, arriving at La Savina in Formentera in around 25/30 minutes. 

Tickets are available from the counter at the ferry terminal in Ibiza Town. Alternatively, you can easily pre-book them online.

Ferry (from San Antonio)

There is a boat trip to Formentera directly from the marina in San Antonio. However, it does take much longer than the ferries from Ibiza Town.
This boat trip is great if you would like to enjoy longer on a boat. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the south coast on your journey. The only drawback here is with one trip there and back a day. So it doesn’t offer you the flexibility of using the ferry companies from Ibiza Town.

For more information about boat excursions, visit the wooden huts by the port in San Antonio. 

Private Boat Charter

By far the most luxurious way to go. But has the price tag to go with it. Although in all honesty, if there are a few of you it doesn’t work out to be so expensive.
Most private boats can take up to 8 -12 pax. It will certainly be a memorable day. The skipper will be able to give you tips on places to stop to eat, swim, snorkel, see etc. Boats can be chartered from either the marina in Ibiza Town, or from San Antonio. 

What is the best way to explore the island?

Car / Scooter

You can either take your vehicle with you on the car ferry. Or you can easily hire one from the many rental places in the marina in Formentera. In high season it is probably a good idea to pre-book these.
When you arrive in Formentera you will find many rental shops lining the marina and around the port. 

Having a car or scooter allows you the freedom to explore wherever you want, whenever you choose. The island isn’t very big. But it is lovely to move around on your timescale. And explore all of the far corners of the island. 

Bicycle

This is a lovely option for the more active visitor. To immerse yourself in nature as soon as you arrive. The island is pretty flat, apart from the southeastern tip. Here you can visit the lighthouse, Far de la Mola.

There is a great infrastructure for cyclists on the island. With lots of well-maintained cycle paths alongside the main roads. And lots of well-signposted cycle routes. If you stop at the tourist information point at the Port, you can pick up a map of these routes.

From the
La Savina marina, you can cycle along the coast on a lovely sandy path to take you to the stunning beaches of Playa de Ses Illetes. You can easily spend the whole day here. 
I have also cycled from the Port to the stunning beach Cala Saona on a day trip, it was a lovely rural route. 

For an economical way to travel, I’d recommend a bike.

On foot   

You can walk to Playa de Ses Illetes from the Marina, it is a very pleasant walk. The only drawback is it is a bit slow, depending on your pace it will take you just under an hour to walk from La Savina (the Marina) to the beach. 

How long should you stay?

How to stay in Formentera is down to personal preference. I have visited many times just for the day to enjoy the beautiful beaches and a lovely lunch somewhere. Honestly, it is well worth it.

I love to go towards the end of the season and stay for a couple of nights to appreciate the pace of the island. Getting the early ferry on the first day gives you the whole day to enjoy the island. Having a full day and night where you don’t have to be anywhere or do anything gives you a chance to slow down and immerse yourself in the peaceful, relaxing pace of the island.

Of course, you can always stay longer… although the island is small, there are lovely beaches, delicious restaurants and quiet villages to explore.

What is the best time of year to visit Formentera?

This depends on what you want from your trip to Formentera.

From May – October you can enjoy pleasant weather. Most bars and restaurants will be open. 

High season generally means busy beaches throughout the Balearics. The advantages of visiting in the high season are the great weather and a busier buzzier vibe. If that’s what you are looking for. 

Personally, my favourite time to visit Formentera is early or later in season, when it is a bit quieter. It isn’t so hot and you can enjoy the sleepy pace of the island. The beaches are stunning all year round, so you can visit any time of year. There won’t be so much open in winter. But you can still enjoy the island for a lovely hike or bike ride. 

 

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