The Formentera Day Trip
The crossing to Formentera is the classic Ibiza day trip, reaching a smaller island of white sand and water so clear it looks tropical. Here is how to do it well.
Why Formentera is worth the trip
Just across a short stretch of sea, Formentera trades Ibiza's energy for calm dunes and translucent water. The beach at Ses Illetes regularly ranks among the most beautiful in Europe, and the whole island moves at a slower, more low key pace that makes for a perfect day away.
Getting there from Ibiza
Fast ferries run frequently from Ibiza Town to Formentera and take around half an hour, while some boat tours include the crossing as part of a full day on the water. Leaving early gives you the most time on the beaches before the afternoon ferries fill up.
The best beaches
Ses Illetes is the headline, a sandbar of pale sand and shallow turquoise water, but Migjorn and the quieter southern coves are worth seeking out too. With a bike or scooter you can string several together over the course of a relaxed day.
Getting around once you arrive
Formentera is flat and small, which makes bicycles and scooters the ideal way to explore. Rentals are easy to find near the port, and the island's gentle roads and short distances suit even casual cyclists wanting to reach a few beaches.
Making it a full day
Time the day around the beaches and a long lunch, then catch a late afternoon ferry back. Combining the crossing with a boat tour that passes Es Vedra on the way turns a beach day into a tour of two of the area's icons.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Formentera from Ibiza?
Fast ferries run frequently from Ibiza Town and take around thirty minutes. Some boat tours also include the crossing as part of a full day on the water.
Is Formentera worth a day trip?
Yes. Formentera has some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean and a calmer pace than Ibiza, with the beach at Ses Illetes a highlight of any trip.
How do you get around Formentera?
The island is flat and small, so bicycles and scooters are the best way to explore. Rentals are easy to find near the port for reaching several beaches.