Ses Illetes, Formentera

Ses Illetes is a sandbar beach on the Trucador peninsula in the north of Formentera, the small island south of Ibiza in the Balearic Islands of Spain. It is the main reason most visitors make the day trip from Ibiza Town to Formentera, and it is known for its white sand and shallow, clear turquoise water on both sides of a narrow strip of land. The beach lies within a protected natural park area, and Formentera Park rules apply in summer.

Most visitors take a ferry from the Port of Eivissa to La Savina, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes and is run by operators including Balearia, Mediterranea Pitiusa and Trasmapi. From La Savina, the beach is about 7 kilometres away, and visitors reach it by bus, e-bike, scooter or car. Vehicle access to the Trucador peninsula is charged in summer, which helps limit traffic, and walking on is free.

Once there, visitors swim in the calm shallows, walk along the sandbar, snorkel and relax on the sand. The water is shallow for a long way out, so it suits families and nervous swimmers. A small number of beach bars and restaurants operate on the peninsula, and there is little tree cover, so shade, water and cash are important to bring. A full day is usually spent here, since the journey takes time.

Photographers favour the view along the sandbar with water on both sides, which is best from the dunes or at the northern end near Ses Illetes itself, and light is clearest in the morning and late afternoon. Drone use is restricted in many protected areas, so visitors should check the rules.

Crowds are heaviest in July and August, and the beach is busiest from late morning through afternoon. June and September offer a calmer experience with warm water, and arriving on an early ferry gives the quietest beach hours. The last ferry back must not be missed, so visitors should check the return timetable on arrival.