15 Things to Do in Formentera: Essential Guide 2026

Formentera, Ibiza’s little sister, is for us one of the paradises of the Mediterranean. We explored it in the summer of 2023, during our road trip around Spain, and it stuck with us because of the color of the water: turquoise and crystal clear, the kind that looks edited in photos but isn’t.

In this guide we tell you about the best things to do in Formentera: the best beaches, lighthouses and villages, with the practical information that has changed the most in recent years, such as the summer vehicle limit and regulated access to Ses Illetes and Cap de Barbaria.

Summary: things to do in Formentera

1. Ses Illetes Beach

For us, the most beautiful beach in Formentera: white sand (pinkish in some parts), turquoise water and a strip of land that stretches into the sea to the north. It’s part of Ses Salines Natural Park.

On foot or by bike, you get in for free. By car or motorbike, parking is regulated from 10 May to 15 October and costs between €5 and €7 for a car and between €3 and €5 for a motorbike, depending on the fortnight; electric vehicles don’t pay. Go early: capacity is limited.

2. Espalmador Island

From the tip of Ses Illetes you can see, just opposite, the island of Espalmador, with unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear water. It’s the only island in the natural park where you can land, through the marked channels. It used to be famous for its mud baths, but today they are completely banned to protect the pond.

➜ BOAT TRIP TO ESPALMADOR ISLAND (CLICK HERE)

3. Cap de Barbaria Lighthouse

At the southern tip of the island, the Cap de Barbaria lighthouse is one of Formentera’s most iconic postcards: a narrow road crossing an arid landscape, with the sea in the background, and the white lighthouse on top of the cliffs. Very close by is the Cova Foradada, a cave with an opening over the sea.

Important: from 15 May to 15 October cars and motorbikes can’t drive all the way to the lighthouse. There’s a barrier at kilometer 6.5 of the road, with parking, and from there you continue on foot or by bike. Our advice: go at sunset, with water and comfortable shoes.

4. Cala Saona

A gorgeous cove surrounded by pine trees, with crystal-clear water and spectacular sunsets. On the right there’s a high viewpoint with an incredible view.

5. Migjorn Beach

A must: kilometers of beach on the south coast, ideal for walking and snorkeling, and famous for its beach bars (chiringuitos).

6. Es Pujols

The most touristy village on the island, with plenty of places to stay and eat, calm-water beaches, coastal trails and a small harbor.

7. Sant Francesc Xavier

Formentera’s capital, a village of white houses around its square and its church. From May to October it has a craft market in the morning.

8. El Pilar de la Mola and its craft market

On the La Mola plateau, in the east, is this quiet village famous for its hippie-style craft market, held on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, from May to October.

9. The Far de la Mola

At the highest point of the island, with spectacular panoramic views over the cliff. Today it’s a cultural space, with a permanent exhibition of works by Cati Verdera; entry costs €4.50. Check the opening hours before you go, because it closes in winter.

10. The Molí Vell de la Mola

A historic windmill that appears in every guide. If you’re around La Mola, it’s worth a stop for a photo.

11. The Formentera viewpoint

On the way up to La Mola there’s a viewpoint with unique views of the island. Perfect for a stop and some photos.

12. Ses Platgetes and Es Caló

Three small bay-shaped beaches, also known as the Es Caló beaches, next to the little village of the same name, perfect for eating fish and staying on for the beach.

13. Caló des Mort

One of the most beautiful coves in the south, with crystal-clear water and a natural setting. In summer access is regulated, as in other sensitive areas of the island.

14. The salt flats of Ses Salines

On the way to Ses Illetes you cross Ses Salines Natural Park, with its ponds and wildlife. Exploring it by bike is one of the loveliest things to do on the island.

15. Exploring the island by bike or motorbike

Formentera is small and flat (except for the climb to La Mola), so bikes and motorbikes are ideal. Getting around by bike between villages and beaches is part of the experience.

How to get to Formentera

Formentera has no airport: you get there by ferry from the port of Ibiza to La Savina, in about 30 minutes. Trasmapi and Baleària (Formentera Lines) operate the route, with several departures a day. Prices vary by season and company.

➜ BOOK THE FERRY FROM IBIZA TO FORMENTERA (CLICK HERE)

If you only have one day, there are also day trips from Ibiza that include the ferry:

➜ FORMENTERA DAY TRIP FROM IBIZA WITH AN ENGLISH-SPEAKING GUIDE (CLICK HERE)

Getting around Formentera: the vehicle limit

To protect the island, from 1 June to 30 September Formentera limits the number of vehicles. If you bring your own car or motorbike, you need an authorization on formentera.eco and must pay a fee:

Hybrids pay half and electric vehicles are exempt. Rental vehicles on the island have their own quota, so renting in Formentera is usually the simplest option.

➜ COMPARE CAR RENTAL PRICES IN FORMENTERA (CLICK HERE)

Best time to visit Formentera

We went in the height of summer and it’s amazing, but it’s very crowded. For us, the best months are June and September: the water is lovely, there are fewer tourists and the fee for bringing a vehicle is lower.

Where to stay in Formentera

The island is small, so you can get anywhere quickly from any base. The important thing is to book well in advance, because there’s limited accommodation.

Tourist tax: as in all the Balearic Islands, in high season you pay between €1 and €4 per person per day, depending on the type of accommodation (plus VAT).

Travel insurance for Formentera

We never travel without insurance. We use IATI, and through our link you get a 5% discount.

Frequently asked questions about things to do in Formentera

How do you get to Formentera?

Only by boat: it has no airport. Ferries leave from the port of Ibiza and reach La Savina in about 30 minutes, with several departures a day (Trasmapi and Baleària/Formentera Lines).

Can you take your car to Formentera in summer?

From 1 June to 30 September there’s a vehicle limit, and visitors need an authorization on formentera.eco and must pay a fee: in July and August, €9 per day for cars (minimum €45) and €4.50 for motorbikes. Electric vehicles are exempt.

Do you have to pay to get into Ses Illetes?

Not on foot or by bike. If you go by car or motorbike, parking in Ses Salines Natural Park is paid from 10 May to 15 October: between €5 and €7 for a car and between €3 and €5 for a motorbike, depending on the fortnight.

Can you drive to the Cap de Barbaria lighthouse?

Not between 15 May and 15 October: there’s a barrier at kilometer 6.5 of the cape road, with a parking area, and from there you continue on foot or by bike.

How many days do you need to see Formentera?

With 2 or 3 days you can see the highlights; if you want to enjoy the beaches with no rush, ideally stay a week. Many people visit on a day trip from Ibiza, but it’s too short.

What is the best time to visit Formentera?

June and September: the sea is lovely, there are fewer people than in July and August, and the fee for bringing a vehicle is lower.

Conclusion: Formentera, a paradise worth protecting

Formentera is pure nature: turquoise beaches, lighthouses on the edge of the sea and quiet villages. Plan ahead for the ferry, your accommodation and, if you’re going in summer, the vehicle authorization. And when you’re at Ses Illetes, stop for a moment and look at the color of the water: you’ll understand why we keep recommending it.

If you’re continuing your trip around the country, check out our Spain guide.

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