Formentera – The best day trip from Ibiza

You can find this small island with amazing landscapes 9 km away from Ibiza. Formentera is a very popular island with gorgeous beaches, golden sand, and turquoise water, and it’s considered a must-visit if you are staying in Ibiza.  It is also considered the best day trip from Ibiza. 

If you are looking for help to plan a day trip in Formentera, you are in the right place. 

How to get there for a day trip from Ibiza:

Ferry is a popular and economical way to get from Ibiza to La Savina, Formentara’s port.

There are a lot of ferries from Ibiza to Formentera and the journey takes around half an hour. The ticket price starts from 18€ to 40€ one way, it depends on the company and time you choose for your journey. I recommend starting the trip with the ferry at 7:30 AM.
If you are staying in the Old Town there is a ferry in the city’s port.

But also, you can take the boat (slow ferry) to Playa d’en Bossa, Figueretas Beach, Santa Eulalia, Es Cana, and Cala Llonga for a day trip to Formentera. The journey is a bit slower, it takes up to one hour, but the prices are cheaper.

You can also find private transfers from Ibiza to Formentera, adapted to your needs.

How to get around in Formentera:

Once you get out from La Savina port you will see a lot of scooters, motorbikes, or bicycles for rent, and that’s the best way to get around on the island. Renting a scooter or bike will give you more flexibility and the possibility to see a lot of beaches in a day.
There are also 4 lines of buses (from the outside of the ferry terminal) that connect the port with the beaches. They may be overcrowded and the time schedule doesn’t match with yours but it’s still a way you can consider to get around the island.
Since the island is very small and you are not eager to explore many beaches, you can reach some beautiful beaches by foot from La Savona port.

If you have a rented car, you can bring it with you on your day trip from Ibiza.

Tip: In La Savina port you can find one of the three lighthouses in Formentera, Far de La Savina.

Is Formentera family-friendly?

I find Formentera to be more family-friendly than Ibiza. The sand beaches with crystal clear water and a lot of facilities make Formentera a child-friendly destination and very suitable for family vacations.
You can find a lot of luxury resorts to relax in a safe and family-friendly environment. That’s why this is a must-day trip from Ibiza.

What you can do on a day trip in Formentera:

If you haven’t rented a bike or scooter:

-Reach one of the nearest beaches with the port (walking distance) and relax in a quieter place compared to Ibiza’s beaches. The nearest beaches (sorted by distance) are Beso Beach(24 minutes walking), Es Cavall d’En Borràs(24 minutes walking), El Tiburón(37 minutes walking), and Es Molí de Sal(40 minutes walking).

-Take the bus from the outside ferry terminal and head to one of the beaches covered by the bus service. The bus will take off and pick up in the same place.

-Book an island bus tour. This is a very good way to see the island and gives you a couple of hours break in one of the beaches, usually at Es Pujols beach.

-Book a boat party around the island instead of spending all day long on the same beach. It will be fun and an experience in itself.

If you have rented a bike or scooter:

-You can slowly explore the island. You can reach the most beautiful beaches and take a short stop in your favorite ones.

– Explore and take lunch in Sant Francesc Xavier, the island’s economic and cultural center. (Located around 4km from the port.)

– Visit the other two lighthouses: Far de la Mola lighthouse (east) and Faro de ed Cap de Barbaria(south). The lighthouses have been the shooting scenes of many films and you will enjoy a real-life fairytale scenery.

-Another activity to consider in Formentera is going snorkeling in the crystal blue water to see the underwater life, or if you are more enthusiastic, there are diving activities too.

Tip: Before choosing the restaurant to get lunch, take a look in the “local craft market” and after lunch take a walk in the “mills of Sa Mirada” near Sant Francesc.

How to properly close your day in Formentera:

There isn’t a better way to close your day trip in Formentera than to have dinner or aperitivo at the “lively Es Pujols”. There you will find a lot of bars and restaurants where you can admire the sunset views.

Tip: I always recommend trying local food, like dry fish and traditional liqueur.

Best beaches to visit in Formentera during your day trip from Ibiza:

Cala Saona – Surrounded by a dense pine forest, this is considered the best beach in Formentera. Fine white sand and crystal clear waters make this beach a paradise.

Ses Illetes – Is located in the Ses Salines Natural Park (north of Formentera), and is one of the most iconic beaches of the Balearic Islands. Note that you have to pay a fee to enter the natural park.

Els Arenals – Located near the town of El Caló de Sant Agustí, the white sand and turquoise water makes this beach one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

Levante – huge sandy beach with clear and crystal waters, absolutely worth visiting. The beach is located near the city center and as it is very easy to access, it may be very crowded.

Es Pujols – This very quiet beach with crystal clear water.

Es Migjorn – If you are searching for some fish swimming around you, this is the place to be. Also, this is one of the best beaches to see the sunset.

De S’alga – Very relaxing beach with crystal clear water. It can only be reached by boat and in the high season there can be so many boats.

Caló des Mort – One of the most beautiful small cozy beaches of Formentera. It has a steep step to go down and is not suitable for the elderly or kids. Make sure to bring some sort of umbrella, as there is very little shaded area.

Ses Platgetes – One of my favorite beaches in Formentera, because is not very crowded. There is white sand and turquoise-blue water. Great for snorkeling.

Cala es Ram – This gorgeous snorkel spot is a few hundred meters away from the crowded Calo d’Es Mort. Only accessible if no waves, otherwise may be dangerous.

Particular beaches:

Es Cavallet – A beach with a nudist area and a perfect spot for windsurfing.

Cala Gracio – A peaceful beach with calm waters and a rocky coastline.

Cala Xarraca – Perfect beach for snorkeling.