Ferry from Ibiza
The option with the most frequent departures. Ferries connect Ibiza Port with La Savina throughout the year.
- 11 March 2026
- General guides and tips
What to do in Formentera: complete guide by areas
What to do in Formentera: complete guide by areas (beaches, lighthouses, routes and where to eat)
Formentera is the perfect plan to truly disconnect: turquoise waters, clear sand, lighthouses on cliffs and a slow rhythm that makes you lower your pace. To enjoy it properly (especially if you only have one day), the most important thing is not to “see everything”, but to organize the day by areas and choose realistic stops.
This blog helps you decide what to do in Formentera depending on your style: iconic beaches, quiet coves, lighthouse sunsets, walking or cycling routes, and where to eat without complications. And if your base is in Sant Antoni, it’s even easier: you rest in a peaceful setting and head out with a clear plan.
Quick index
How to get to Formentera
Formentera does not have an airport, so the island can only be reached by sea. The most common option is to take a ferry from Ibiza Port to La Savina, although during the season there are also connections and excursions from other parts of the island. These are the main alternatives so you can choose the one that best suits your trip.
For a day trip, it is worth choosing your departure point while also considering your return journey and how you plan to get around once you arrive. Organising these details in advance will help you make the most of your time in Formentera and spend more time enjoying its beaches, villages and landscapes.
Ferry from San Antonio
During the season, there are ferry connections from San Antonio to Formentera. It is advisable to check the operating days and available schedules in advance.
Excursions
During the season, you will find various boat trips departing from these areas, a convenient option for spending the day in Formentera.
How to get around Formentera
Your choice of transport directly affects what you can do during the day.
Cycling works particularly well for routes concentrated in a specific area. Public transport can be useful when your itinerary fits its connections and schedules. A rental vehicle offers greater flexibility for travelling between areas that are far apart, but this does not mean it is necessary for every type of visit.
The decision should be made after choosing the route, not the other way around.
If you are bringing your own vehicle to Formentera from Ibiza, remember that seasonal entry and traffic regulations apply. In 2026, these restrictions are in force from 1 June to 30 September and, depending on the type of vehicle and the visitor’s circumstances, you may need to obtain prior authorisation through Formentera.eco.
For a day trip, travelling as a foot passenger and choosing your transport once you have planned your route may be more practical than automatically bringing a vehicle over from Ibiza.
Bicycle
Best for specific areas and exploring at a relaxed pace.
Public transport
Useful if the connections fit your chosen itinerary.
Car or scooter
More flexibility, but check the regulations, access conditions and whether you really need it.
Must-see beaches and coves
Formentera is understood through its beaches, but what really makes the difference is choosing well by area. The north is usually ideal for the “postcard” view, the south for a long and relaxed plan, and the west for a perfect afternoon cove. In one day, two well-chosen stops are usually the sweet spot.
To decide quickly without improvising and choose according to the kind of day you feel like having, here is the complete guide by area: best beaches and coves in Formentera (essential guide to choose well). It is the link that saves you the most time because it takes you straight to useful options.
Realistic tip: if you see the day slipping away, cut down on “quantity” and raise the “quality.” It’s better to properly enjoy one beach than to do three quick visits in a rush and without any rest.
Ses Illetes
The most iconic image of Formentera and the most obvious choice for a first visit.
Cala Saona
A very different cove from those in the north, perfect for a relaxing afternoon and a route along the west coast.
Migjorn Beach
The best option for spending several hours by the sea and reducing travel time.
Sunsets and lighthouses (the “wow” that ends the excursion)
If you can, save the end of the day for a sunset. In Formentera, the ending is part of the journey: an open horizon, soft light and that feeling of calm that stays with you even after returning to Ibiza.
To choose where to watch the sunset without leaving it to chance, here is a clear and very practical selection of the best sunsets in Formentera. Use it to decide according to the kind of plan you want (more scenery, more beach, more viewpoint).
Tip: if the day has been all about beaches, the sunset balances the rhythm. And if the day has been more about the route, the sunset turns it into a memory.
Cap de Barbaria
Open landscapes and one of the island’s most iconic sunset spots.
Cala Saona
Perfect when you are already exploring the west and want to end the day by the sea.
North and Illetes
An alternative for ending the day near the northern beaches without crossing the entire island.
Formentera on foot and by bike (routes with calm, scenery and island feeling)
Formentera can also be enjoyed beyond its beaches. Exploring the island on foot or by bicycle allows you to discover rural landscapes, quiet paths and coastal areas at a much more relaxed pace, enjoying the journey as much as the destination.
You do not need to dedicate the entire day to a long route. You can combine a walk or a bike ride with a stop for a swim, a visit to a village or ending the day by the sea. These are two recommended guides to help you plan your route according to how you prefer to explore the island:
Practical tip: on hot days, prioritize walking or cycling early in the morning or later in the day, and leave the middle of the day for the beach and some shade. That way you keep your energy up, avoid rushing and the plan feels complete.
Hiking routes in Formentera
Discover walking trails and routes with our guide to hiking routes in Formentera, ideal for exploring rural landscapes, the coast and some of the island’s most peaceful corners.
Formentera by bicycle
Check out our selection of cycling routes in Formentera to explore the island along paths, through nature and villages, with stops by the sea.
Where to eat in Formentera (according to budget and style)
Eating well in Formentera is also part of the experience. You can enjoy a simple meal between activities, book a special table by the sea or spend part of the day soaking up the atmosphere at one of its beach clubs. Your choice will depend on your budget, the area and the type of day you want to plan.
To avoid wasting time improvising, it is worth deciding in advance which type of dining experience best fits your route. These are four recommended guides to help you choose where to eat in Formentera depending on what you are looking for:
Affordable restaurants
Check out our selection of affordable restaurants in Formentera to find more budget-friendly options and plan a meal that better suits your budget.
Best restaurants in Formentera
Discover our guide to the best restaurants in Formentera, with a selection of places for those who want to make gastronomy a special part of their trip.
Beach clubs in Formentera
For a plan focused more on atmosphere, views and a relaxed day, check out our selection of beach clubs in Formentera and choose the one that best fits your itinerary.
Vegetarian and vegan restaurants
If you are looking for this type of cuisine, check out our guide to vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Ibiza and Formentera to discover options during your visit.
Plans on the sea (seeing Formentera from another perspective)
A very special way to experience Formentera is to arrive there or get close from the sea: it completely changes the feeling of the landscape, the color of the water and the rhythm of the day. It is a perfect plan if you want something different or more experiential.
If you want options by area and departure point, here is a complete guide: boat routes around Formentera. And if you want to see more specific excursion-style alternatives, this article brings together boat options where Formentera plays the leading role: boat excursions and options to go to Formentera.
Tip: choose this plan when you want a real “wow day.” Do not try to squeeze it in if your day is already full of stops on land.
Recommended itineraries
Planning your time well in Formentera makes the difference between enjoying the island at a relaxed pace and spending the day constantly travelling from one place to another. Ideally, you should adapt your itinerary to the length of your trip and choose a realistic route, combining beaches, villages and landscapes without trying to see everything at once.
Whether you only have one day or want to include Formentera as part of a more complete trip around the Pityusic Islands, these guides will help you organise your itinerary according to the time available and the type of experience you are looking for:
Formentera in one day
If you are visiting the island on a day trip, check out our guide to Formentera in one day, with an itinerary designed to make the most of your time and discover some of its most iconic places.
Ibiza and Formentera in 5 days
For a longer stay, our Ibiza and Formentera in 5 days itinerary helps you combine both islands in the same trip without fitting too many plans into a single day.
Formentera on a budget
If you also want to keep your expenses under better control, check out our guide to Formentera on a budget, with tips for organising the ferry, transport, food and your itinerary more economically.
Peaceful base in San Antonio to enjoy more (and rush less)
Formentera is even more enjoyable when your base in Ibiza is peaceful and practical. At Hostal Rosell Boutique, your boutique hostal in San Antonio Ibiza, you can rest well, plan your day at your own pace and return to sleep without noise or stress.
FAQs
Is Formentera worth visiting for just one day?
Yes, as long as the itinerary is realistic. One day allows you to discover a representative part of the island, but trying to visit all the beaches, villages and lighthouses usually leaves too little time to enjoy each place.
Can you visit Formentera without a car?
Yes. Depending on your route, you can combine public transport, cycling and walking. The key is to adapt your itinerary to your chosen means of transport and avoid planning too many distant areas within the same day.
What shouldn’t I miss on a first visit?
It depends on your interests, but Ses Illetes is usually one of the top priorities for those looking for the island’s most iconic scenery. From there, you can add a village, a route, Cala Saona, Migjorn or one of the lighthouses depending on the time available.
How many days do you need to explore Formentera?
One day allows for a first introduction to the island. With two days, you can explore the main areas separately and travel at a more relaxed pace. From three days onwards, it becomes much easier to combine beaches, villages, routes and gastronomy while maintaining the relaxed pace that best suits the island.
Can I bring my car or motorcycle from Ibiza?
It is possible, but during the vehicle regulation period you should check the current conditions in advance and whether you need authorisation. Before booking transport for your vehicle, it is also worth considering whether you really need it for the route you have planned.
