Guide to the Beaches and Coves of Formentera: A Mediterranean Haven

Frequently considered one of the best beaches in the world and in Europe, Ses Illetes is located in the north of the island, within the Ses Salines Natural Park. It is a narrow strip of fine sand flanked on both sides by an almost transparent blue sea of shallow depth.

Why does it stand out?

Its paradisiacal scenery and the sensation of walking on water due to the shallow depth of its shore make it a must-see. Being oriented towards the west and east depending on the stretch, it offers spots sheltered from the wind.

Local tips for visiting:

• Sustainable access: Motor vehicle access is regulated and limited to protect the natural park. The best way to get there without parking restrictions is by bicycle or via public transport/boat excursions.

• Services: It features wooden walkways to protect the dunes, high-end beach bars, and sun lounger rental services.

Spanning over 5 kilometers, Migjorn Beach covers practically the entire southern coast of Formentera. Unlike the hustle and bustle of Ses Illetes, Migjorn is characterized by its tranquility, its various coves connected by wooden walkways, and its natural dunes.

Atmosphere and Featured Areas

Being so vast, it hosts very distinct stretches. Areas like Ca Marí or Es Arenals combine family tranquility with some of the island's most bohemian and authentic beach bars, ideal for enjoying the sunset with relaxing ambient music.

Recommendation:

It is the perfect beach if you are looking for space, escaping crowds in high season, and enjoying a safe swim with slightly livelier waves when the south wind blows.

Located on the west coast, Cala Saona is a small, beautiful cove sheltered between reddish cliffs and a lush pine forest. Its water forms an authentic natural pool of intense turquoise tones that contrasts with the clayish color of the cliffs. Despite its short length (barely 140 meters long), this small beach is one of the most beautiful to visit and the only cove in Formentera with its specific dimensions.

Its tranquility and characteristic beauty make this cove a must-visit spot for tourists, where you can enjoy restaurant services, sun loungers, parasols, beach bars, and the well-known Hotel Cala Saona, one of the accommodations with the best views in Formentera, right on the beach.

Surrounded by the wonderful views offered by the neighboring island of Ibiza, or closer still, the coast of Punta Pedrera or the beautiful cliffs of Punta Rasa—easily accessible on foot as they are just 10 meters away.

Due to its orientation and tranquility, it is also one of the beaches chosen by many visitors to enjoy an incredible sunset while peacefully sipping a mojito right on the sand.

The best of Cala Saona:

It is one of the best spots on the island to watch the sunset over the marine horizon. In addition, its calm, crystal-clear waters are an absolute paradise for snorkel lovers and families with children.

Right on the opposite side of Ses Illetes, also within the northern natural environment, is Llevant Beach. It is a gigantic, wild sandy stretch open to the wind, ideal for those seeking rougher waters and absolute peace even in summer.

On the other hand, Es Pujols Beach is the island's only urban beach. Located in front of the tourist and commercial hub, it stands out for its promenade, calm waters, and the convenience of having all services, restaurants, and accommodations just a few meters from the shore.

Separated from Formentera by a narrow arm of water called Es Pas, Espalmador Island is a private islet for public enjoyment, completely free of buildings and services. Its beaches represent the purest and wildest state of the Balearic Islands.

Dream beaches without civilization

The famous S'Alga Beach is a natural turquoise-water harbor where boats usually anchor, while Sa Torreta offers an even more solitary and protected environment. Since there are no services, restaurants, or shade of any kind, bringing water, food, and sun protection is essential.

Located at the foot of the climb to La Mola, the beach of Es Caló de Sant Agustí is a corner of deep fishing tradition, surrounded by characteristic wooden boat sheds where locals keep their small traditional boats (llaüts).

Ses Platgetes are a series of small beaches interspersed with rocky areas located in the eastern zone just before reaching the small village of Es Caló de Sant Agustí. To access them, you can stop at small detours along the road on the way to Es Caló or reach the village of Es Caló itself and take a short walk toward the beach area.

They are small coves or beaches formed by fine white sand, and the best part—apart from not being excessively crowded—is the impressive panoramic view of the La Mola area. At Ses Platgetes you can find all the services of a large beach: beach bars, sun loungers, parasols, walkways for people with disabilities, restaurants (in Es Caló), and of course, incredible crystal-clear water perfect for swimming.

Unfortunately, the only drawback of this area is that we don't have a sunset view since it is at our backs... but we can always enjoy an appetizer in Es Caló before going up to La Mola to see the craft market... or simply stay in the village of Es Caló enjoying one of the quietest and most beautiful areas of the island.

A spectacle of color

The rocky seabed combined with patches of white sand and posidonia meadows creates the most spectacular and intense blue contrasts in all of Formentera in this area. It is, without a doubt, an essential paradise for snorkeling and diving.

• Protect the dunes: Never walk on the sand dunes. Always use the wooden walkways provided to preserve vegetation and prevent coastal erosion.

• Watch out for currents: Although the water may look like a swimming pool, some eastern-facing beaches (such as Llevant) can have secondary currents when the weather is unstable.

• Sustainability: Do not leave waste on the sand. Formentera jealously guards its natural environment and has trash cans and recycling points at the main access points.