The most popular day trip from Ibiza, crossing to the car-free paradise of Formentera. Rent a bicycle at La Savina ferry port and cycle to the extraordinary turquoise beaches of Illetes and Ses Platgetes - waters often compared to the Maldives.
Formentera is the smallest of Spain's Balearic Islands, and the ferry crossing from Ibiza makes it the most celebrated day trip in the archipelago. Ferries operated by Baleàlia Lines and Trasmapi depart from Ibiza Town harbour regularly throughout the day, with the fast service covering the 30km crossing in approximately 35 minutes. Return tickets cost €35–50 depending on the operator and season. Arriving at La Savina port on Formentera's northwestern tip, visitors find bicycle rental stalls clustered at the quayside. The island is flat and largely car-free in peak season, and cycling is by far the most rewarding way to explore; hire costs around €15 per day, and the well-maintained cycle network connects all main beaches via salt flats, pine scrub, and inland farmland. The morning is best spent cycling north from La Savina to the Illetes sandbar — a narrow tongue of white sand and turquoise water regularly cited as one of Europe's finest beaches. The extraordinary clarity is due to the Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows beneath the surface, a UNESCO-protected ecosystem spanning much of the seafloor between Ibiza and Formentera. Arriving before 10:30 is advisable to secure space ahead of the mid-morning day-trip boats. From Illetes, the path continues to Es Trucadors headland, where views extend across the Ses Salines natural park — a protected salt flat straddling the Ibiza-Formentera border that hosts flamingoes and migratory waders during spring and autumn. Lunch is well served in Es Pujols village on the north coast, where waterfront restaurants serve fresh fish, rice dishes, and local seafood. Sant Francesc Xavier, the island capital in the interior, has bakeries and tapas bars frequented mainly by residents. The afternoon suits the southeastern beaches: Playa de Migjorn stretches for several kilometres of unspoilt sandy shore, and Cala Saona on the west coast presents dramatic orange limestone cliffs above deep blue water. Evening ferries run until late in peak season, and watching the Ibiza skyline from the La Savina pier at dusk closes the day on a memorable note.
Highlights
- Illetes sandbar beach
- Cycling across the flat island
- Ses Salines viewpoints
- Es Pujols village lunch
Tips for visiting
- Book ferry tickets at least one day ahead in July and August — sailings fill quickly and missing a boat can cost two hours of island time.
- Rent a bicycle at La Savina port on arrival; the flat terrain suits all fitness levels and the cycle paths reach all main beaches.
- Arrive on the first or second morning ferry, before 10:00 where possible, to reach Illetes beach ahead of the mid-morning crowd boats.
- Pack sunscreen and carry water — shade is minimal along the Illetes sandbar and Es Trucadors headland.
- Trasmapi and Baleàlia Lines both offer online booking; checking both operators often reveals additional departure times in shoulder season.
When to visit
May, June, and September offer the best balance of warm water, manageable crowds, and reliable ferry schedules. Arriving on the first morning sailing reaches Illetes beach ahead of the mid-morning rush from other day-trip boats.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the ferry from Ibiza to Formentera take?
The fast ferry takes approximately 35 minutes from Ibiza Town port to La Savina. Return tickets cost around €35–50 depending on the season and operator. Both Baleàlia Lines and Trasmapi run the route with multiple daily departures.
Is Formentera suitable for a day trip or should visitors stay overnight?
Formentera works very well as a day trip from Ibiza, with ferries running from early morning to late evening in high season. Visitors wanting a quieter experience or planning to explore beyond the main beaches often find an overnight stay worthwhile.
Are cars allowed on Formentera?
Vehicle access is restricted from June to September under Formentera's sustainability plan. Visitors arriving by ferry can rent bicycles, electric bikes, or scooters at La Savina port. Taxis are also available for those who cannot cycle.
What is the best beach in Formentera?
The Illetes sandbar in the northwest is widely considered Formentera's most spectacular beach, with turquoise water comparable in clarity to the Maldives. Cala Saona on the west coast and the long Playa de Migjorn in the south are quieter alternatives.
Is it necessary to pre-book the Formentera ferry?
In July and August, booking at least a day ahead is strongly advisable as sailings sell out on peak days. In May, June, September, and October, same-day tickets are generally available from the booths at Ibiza Town harbour.