Beaches of Formentera: The ultimate island escape guide

Formentera is more than just a beach destination, it’s a beach destination in the Balearics. This means that you can expect crystal-clear waters, soft sands, and laid-back energy. But, with so many beaches to choose from, it can be a bit daunting to find out which are the best ones. But, never fear, this isn’t just another top-10 list of all the usual spots. 

We’ve put together the ultimate Formentera beach guide with all the must-knows: family-friendly spots, wild and wind-free coves, beaches with sunbeds and mojitos, and untouched stretches where it’s just you and the sea. 

So, let’s dive into 11 of the best Formentera beaches and kick off a dream summer escape like none other!

• Family-friendly fun on the beach
• Secluded beaches for the wild
• Beach bar heaven
• Calm waters for lazy days under the sun

Family-friendly beaches in Formentera

Traveling with little ones or just want calm waters with easy access? These beaches on Formentera are ideal for stress-free days under the Mediterranean sun.

Es Pujols

If you are looking for a beach with shallow turquoise waters and soft sand, then look no further than Es Pujols. This is the go-to destination for a day out on Formentera with the entire family, building sand castles and splashing about in the waves. 

Aside from the picture-perfect beach though, at Es Pujols there are many cafés, shops, and all-day amenities right at your feet, so you won’t have to worry about a thing. Es Pujols is generally lively, without being overwhelming, and great for a full day of fun in the sun.

How to get there: Es Pujols is in Formentera’s main tourist area, so you can easily accessible from anywhere on the island. The beach is located in the main tourist village of Es Pujols and is easy to walk from the nearby hotels.

Es Pujols is one of the most popular family-friendly beaches of Formentera

Playa de Migjorn

Taking up almost the entire southern coast of Formentera and extending for about 5 km, Playa de Migjorn is the island’s longest and perhaps most impressive beach. Despite being one of the most popular beaches on the Balearic island, you are almost guaranteed to find a spot to spread out your towel. 

The beach is split into four smaller beaches: the main beach of Migjorn, the peaceful Ca Marí near the village of Sant Ferran, Es Arenals (more on that later) and Es Copinar on the eastern side. Families tend to flock to the gentle shores of Migjorn for the laid-back vibes, but there are plenty of beach bars, as well as hidden coves to explore in the area.

How to get there: getting to Playa de Migjorn is fairly straightforward, as it is a 15-minute drive from the port village of La Savina. If you don’t have your own car, you can also reach the beach by bus.

Playa de Migjorn has something for everyone

Sa Roqueta

This small and peaceful beach of Sa Roqueta is a stone’s throw away from Es Pujols, making it a great choice if you are after a relaxed time under the sun with the entire family. The sea has a mix of sandy and rocky areas, but its shallow entry and calm waters make it ideal for little swimmers. 

While not as popular as other beaches on the island, Sa Roqueta has a more peaceful vibe, with the nearby pine forests and salt flats setting the relaxed tone. There are also a few places to grab a drink or snack without the major crowds you’ll encounter on Formentera’s more popular beaches.

How to get there: Sa Roqueta is about 2 km northeast of Es Pujols, so you can easily reach it by foot or by bike from there. If you plan on driving directly to Sa Roqueta, try to arrive early, though, as the parking spaces in the area are limited.

Kick back under the sun at Sa Roqueta

Formentera beaches with sunbeds and beach bars

Looking to lounge in style or sip a cocktail with sea views? These beaches bring the good life, Mediterranean-style.

Ses Illetes

Welcome to Ses Illetes, a beach so beautiful it feels like it was photoshopped by Mother Nature herself. Located in the Ses Salines Natural Park, this beach is all about the powder-fine white sand and calm, crystal-clear turquoise waters that extend endlessly into the horizon. Yes, Ses Illetes gets popular (and rightfully so), but the vibe stays blissfully relaxed and effortlessly chic. 

Book your sunbed, toast the view with a cocktail from a beach bar, and soak up that iconic glam-meets-nature atmosphere that makes this spot unforgettable. With yachts bobbing away in the distance and flamingos occasionally making a guest appearance, Ses Illetes is the very definition of Instagrammable cool.

How to get there: this slice of Formentera beach heaven is just 10 minutes from the island’s main port and is easily accessible by bike, bus, or taxi.

Ses Illetes is Formentera's most popular beach

Es Arenals

A golden slice of the larger Migjorn coastline, Es Arenals is where comfort and cool collide. With soft sand underfoot and gentle, shallow water that’s perfect for swimming and water sports, this beach has everything you need for a full day in the sun. 

And then there are beach bars, which strike the perfect balance between chill and cheerful, serving up everything from fresh seafood to refreshing sangría and mojitos to enjoy as the sun goes down. So whether you're looking for some quality beach time or a bit of buzz, Es Arenals has all the space to stretch, splash, and unwind, with a laid-back atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.

How to get there: Es Arenals is on the southeastern stretch of Migjorn, and is easily accessible by car or bike with nearby parking.

The beach at Es Arenals is well-organized

Secluded and wild beaches in Formentera

Are you after a bit of peace and quiet, with a side of discovery? Then you are in luck, as Formentera has many beaches off the beaten path that will reward your wanderlust.

Caló des Mort

Don’t let the name fool you, Caló des Mort (“Dead Man’s Cove”) is one of Formentera’s most striking beaches and iconic coves. Tucked beneath sandstone cliffs and dotted with boathouses, the beach might be small, but it is also oh-so-beautiful, with a distinct bohemian vibe and waters that look like liquid glass. 

Reaching it is part of the adventure, but once you get there, you will quickly find out why this beach is considered one of the finest amongst locals. As it has become very popular, try to get there early or catch golden hour for a more serene experience.

How to get there: this secluded cove beach on the southern end of the Migjorn stretch is a 20-minute drive, followed by a short walk from Es Caló. 

The crystal-clear waters at Caló des Mort

S’Alga (Espalmador)

Although this is technically a separate islet, S’Alga on Espalmador is as secluded as it gets. This untouched oasis is just off the northern coast of Formentera and has no beach bars, hotels, roads. In fact, the only structures you will find on the island are a small chapel, ancient watchtower and a lighthouse.

You’ll need to hop on a boat or water taxi to get there, but what awaits you there is pure Balearic magic: powdery white sandy stretches, shallow turquoise waters, and a silence so serene it feels surreal. Espalmador might only be 2 km², but there’s more than enough space to find your own private patch of paradise.

How to get there: the only way to get to Espalmador and its beaches is by boat or water taxi from La Savina or Ses Illetes. There are no services on Espalmador, so make sure you pack well.

The beaches on the islet of Espalmador are the very definition of unspoiled

Playa de Llevant

Often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor Ses Illetes, Playa de Llevant is the wilder, more untamed side of this Balearic paradise. The vibe is peaceful, the stretch of sand is long and open, and there's way more space to lay your towel and just breathe. It's a favorite among naturists and anyone craving a laid-back, less polished scene.

The sea here is deeper and more dynamic, which is great for confident swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. On windy days, you might even catch kitesurfers carving across the waves. As for the views, they are absolutely jaw-dropping, with Ibiza shimmering on the horizon and fewer crowds to share them with.

How to get there: Playa de Llevant is right next to Ses Illetes, which is a 10-minute drive from La Savina.

Sunset at Playa de Llevant

Wind-protected beaches in Formentera

The island can get breezy, especially on the East Coast. Here are the best beaches for calm waters even when the wind picks up.

Cala Saona

Surrounded by rust-red cliffs and calm, turquoise waters, Cala Saona is a dreamy little cove on Formentera’s wild west side. The contrast between the bright sand and the fiery rocks makes this one of Formentera’s most photogenic beaches, especially during that magical hour when the sun starts to dip. 

When the sky turns pink and the sea glows orange, you’ll understand why locals and couples come back here again and again. Cala Saona is also a top spot for snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and discovering that uniquely Balearic blend of beauty and tranquility. 

How to get there: this gem on Formentera’s western coast is about a 15-minute drive from La Savina and the island’s main port.

The turquoise waters and rocky shores at Cala Saona

Playa de Tramuntana

Looking for a quiet, wind-protected stretch of sand, far from the beach bar buzz? Then Playa de Tramuntana, on Formentera’s rugged northern shores, should be on your radar. Less polished and more peaceful than the island’s southern sands, this beach is perfect when the breeze (and crowds) pick up elsewhere on the island. 

Expect rocky patches, crystal-clear water, and a sense of ease and relaxation that’s hard to beat. With fewer crowds and a wilder backdrop, Playa de Tramuntana is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve discovered your very own little hideaway.

How to get there: this beach is about a 10-minute drive from the main port of Formentera, om the way to the beach and seaside village of Es Caló de Sant Agustí.

Peace and quiet at Playa de Tramuntana

Es Caló

Es Caló is a tiny pebble beach right next to a sleepy fishing village, and it’s got all the charm and none of the chaos. The water is so clear, that it feels like you’re swimming in bottled spring. And when it gets a bit breezy, this spot on Formentera stays chill, both literally and vibe-wise.

While Es Caló is not made for lounging all day, it’s the perfect place for a peaceful dip in the Mediterranean followed by a delicious meal with a view at one of the nearby seafront restaurants. This is the Formentera that everyone is after: quiet, authentic, and just the right amount of undiscovered.

How to get there: the beach is just before the village of Es Caló de Sant Agustí, about 10-15 minutes from the port of La Savina by car.

The refreshing emerald green waters of Es Caló await!

Now that we’ve set you on the right path towards discovering Formentera’s unspoiled beauty, you might be wondering what is the best way to get to this Balearic paradise. The only way to travel to Formentera is by ferry, from neighboring islands and the Spanish mainland.

For more details on the routes and schedules, you can check out the Formentera ferries and then book your tickets on Ferryhopper hassle-free. 

Tip: if you are planning a sun-soaked adventure through the Balearic Islands, you can use our Map of ferries to plot your trip.