What to see in Formentera in one day: route, transport and tips

Próximo Ferry | March 3, 2023

Formentera has no airport, but it’s only 30-40 minutes by ferry from Ibiza, so visiting it in a day is one of the easiest and most beautiful trips in the Balearics. With a little planning you can see its most famous beaches, drive up to La Mola and end the day with a sunset at Cap de Barbaria.

In this guide we explain how to get there, how to get around the island and a route designed to make the most of your day, from morning to evening.

• Getting there: by ferry from Ibiza port (30-40 min) or, in season, direct from Dénia.
• Getting around: rent a scooter, car or bike in La Savina, or take the bus.
• Must-sees: Ses Illetes, Sant Francesc, La Mola, Es Caló, Migjorn and Cap de Barbaria.
• Key tip: take one of the first boats and check the time of the last ferry back.

How to get to Formentera for the day

Most people cross by ferry from the Formentera ferry terminal in Ibiza port. The crossing takes 30-40 minutes on a fast boat, with sailings from early morning until the evening. If you’re coming from the airport, see Ibiza airport to the port.

To make the most of the day, take one of the first ferries and buy your ticket online: in high season you’ll skip the ticket office queue. You can compare all the ferry companies on Próximo Ferry and check the Ibiza–Formentera ferry timetable. Coming from mainland Spain? You can also do the day trip from Dénia.

How to get around Formentera in one day

• Rental scooter or car: the fastest way to see several places. Rental companies are right at La Savina port.
• Bike: perfect for a slow ride through Ses Salines Natural Park, Ses Illetes and Es Pujols on flat paths and green routes.
• Bus: connects La Savina with the main villages and beaches. Check routes and times in our Formentera bus guide.
• Your own car: in season you need a permit and must pay a fee. See the Formentera vehicle permit.

The island is about 20 km from end to end, so with a scooter or car you can see all of it in a day without rushing.

A route to see Formentera in one day

Here’s our suggestion to combine beaches, villages and scenery. Change the order depending on the wind and what time you arrive.

Morning: Ses Illetes, the most famous beach

From La Savina it’s just a few minutes to Ses Illetes, inside Ses Salines Natural Park and considered one of the best beaches in Europe. Go early: motor vehicle access is limited and, once the car park is full, you can only get in on foot or by bike.

If you prefer somewhere quieter, Cavall d’en Borràs and Llevant beach are close by, also inside the natural park.

Mid-morning: a stroll around Sant Francesc

Sant Francesc is the island’s capital. Wander its whitewashed streets, visit the fortified church and, in season, the craft market. It’s a good place for a coffee or a souvenir. If you like markets, read about the best markets in Ibiza and Formentera.

Lunch: Migjorn or Es Caló

Head down to Migjorn beach, more than 4 km of sand and calm water on the south coast, with beach bars and restaurants where you can eat with a sea view. Another option is the fishing village of Es Caló de Sant Agustí, with its boat huts and turquoise water.

Afternoon: La Mola and Es Caló

Drive up the La Mola road to La Mola lighthouse, at the highest point of the island, with cliffs and wide-open sea views. There’s a café next to the lighthouse and, in season, the El Pilar de la Mola craft market.

On the way down, stop at Es Caló de Sant Agustí for a swim among the rocks in its crystal-clear water. If you enjoy walking, the Camí de sa Pujada starts here.

Sunset: Cala Saona or Cap de Barbaria

End the day in the west of the island. Cala Saona, about 5 km from Sant Francesc, is a sandy cove between rocks, perfect for watching the sunset. Further south, Cap de Barbaria lighthouse offers one of the most beautiful sunsets in the Mediterranean; the last stretch is on foot. Then head back to La Savina with time to spare for the last ferry.

Tips for your day in Formentera

• Check the time of the last ferry back before heading out for the sunset, especially out of season.
• Bring water, sunscreen and a hat: the summer sun is strong and some coves have no facilities.
• Check the wind: if it’s blowing from the north, south-facing beaches like Migjorn will be calmer, and vice versa.
• Buy your ticket online and keep your boarding pass on your phone.
• If you want more, read how many days to spend in Formentera.

Frequently asked questions

Is it worth visiting Formentera for just one day?

Yes. Formentera is small and, with a good route, you can see its best-known beaches and landscapes in a day. Many visitors end up coming back for longer.

What’s the best way to see Formentera in one day?

A rental scooter or car from La Savina, so you can get from Ses Illetes to La Mola and Cap de Barbaria on the same day. If you’d rather take it slow, a bike is a great option for the north of the island.

What time is the last ferry from Formentera to Ibiza?

It depends on the day and season: in summer there are boats until the evening and in winter there are fewer sailings. Check the timetable for your travel date before you go.

You may also like

• Your guide to the Ibiza to Formentera ferry
• Formentera in 3 days: secret corners and authentic routes
• Smart guide to Formentera: exploring its beaches

We know that once you visit Formentera, you’ll want to come back. Compare timetables and book your ferry on Próximo Ferry.