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Formentera is small, just 83 sq km, and nearly every thing to do here involves the sea, a bicycle, or a clifftop view. You can cross the whole island by bike in under an hour. Plan around the Formentera weather by month data to pick your beach days, then work through the attractions below.
Things to Do in Formentera: The Beaches
Ses Illetes
Ses Illetes, on the northern tip of the island inside the Ses Salines Natural Park, is consistently ranked among the best beaches in the Mediterranean. The sand is white and fine, and the shallow water glows turquoise for 100 m out. Access is via a gated road from La Savina; car entry costs €4 to €6 in summer and the lot closes once full, often by 10am, so arrive early or cycle the 3 km on the Green Route cycle path. Sun loungers rent for about €15 a pair, and there are two beach bars serving paella and cold drinks. For more, see our best time to visit Formentera guide.Playa de Migjorn
This is Formentera’s longest beach at 5 km, running down the southern coast. It’s quieter than Ses Illetes and backed in parts by low dunes and cliffs. The water is clear but deepens faster, and there’s less shelter on windy days. Several chiringuitos (beach bars) like PÃratabus and Blue Bar sit along the sand; Blue Bar has been a sundown music spot since the 1980s. Parking is free in the dirt pull-offs, and the beach is reached by the PM-820 road. For more, see our Formentera events and festivals guide.Cala Saona
Cala Saona, on the western shore, is a sheltered cove with red cliffs on both sides and calm, shallow water, which makes it the best spot on the island for families and sunset watching. It faces due west, so the sun drops straight into the sea. It’s small, around 100 m wide, and fills by noon. There’s a free car park and a couple of restaurants above the sand. For more, see our Formentera neighborhoods guide.Things to Do in Formentera: Landmarks and Sights
Cap de Barbaria Lighthouse
The Far de la Mola at Cap de Barbaria, on the island’s exposed southern tip, is the classic Formentera photo. The 19th-century lighthouse stands on a bare limestone cliff with nothing behind it but sea. It’s open to walk around the outside any time, and the visitor centre inside is free. The 6 km road from Sant Francesc crosses open scrub, and there’s a small cave (Cova Foradada) cut through the cliff edge 300 m west of the lighthouse. For more, see our where to stay in Formentera guide.Es Caló de Sant AgustÃ
This small fishing hamlet on the northeastern coast is built around a natural rock harbour where wooden llaüt boats are still pulled up. A wooden wattled walkway runs over the rocks down to three tiny stone jetties used as bathing spots. Free access, and the walkway makes it one of the few rocky beaches that’s easy to swim from. A clutch of seafood restaurants line the small beachfront road. For more, see our Formentera travel tips guide.Things to Do in Formentera: Cycling and Boat Trips
Cycle the Green Routes
Formentera has 32 km of signposted Green Routes (Rutas Verdes) reserved for cyclists and pedestrians, linking La Savina, Es Pujols, Sant Francesc and the Ses Illetes park. Bike hire runs €8-12 a day for a basic city bike and €20-25 for an e-bike from shops in La Savina and Es Pujols. Cycling is the fastest way to Ses Illetes in August, when the car park is full by mid-morning.
Boat Trip to Espalmador
The uninhabited islet of Espalmador sits just north of Ses Illetes and is reachable by regular boat taxis from La Savina for about €15-20 return. Its main draw is the natural mud baths (font d’Argila) and a pristine sand spit. Bring water and a hat, there are no services on the islet. Boats run roughly every 30 minutes from June to September and stop in the shoulder months.
