Access to Formentera is by sea only, its only entry and exit point being the port of La Savina. Ferries travel there from Ibiza and several ports from mainland Spain. Once there, it is easy to get around via bike, bus, scooter or car, with electric versions available for most of these options, which helps to keep the island pristine.
Many people fly to Ibiza first - taxis and a bus go direct to Ibiza Town's port - then take a ferry across. If you find that your travel arrangements require an overnight stay in Ibiza, then don't forget to browse our range of Ibiza hotels.
TRAVELLING TO FORMENTERA
Ferries from Ibiza
The most economical and speedy way of getting to Formentera from Ibiza is with one of the low-cost ferries. These ferry services take you to Formentera's port of La Savina from Ibiza Town all year round, with Playa d'en Bossa and Figueretas added for the summer months (May to September).
People staying on Ibiza's east coast can take the Santa Eulalia Ferry with daily Formentera services going from the resort's port as well as from Es Caná and Cala Llonga.
The ferry terminal in the centre of Ibiza Town (see Google maps) has a selection of ferry services, some of which allow you to take cars. From mid June to mid September you're obliged to pay a fee to take your car to Formentera. The authorities are committed to reducing the volume of vehicles in summer.
Day-trippers can also choose from a number of boat excursions going to Formentera and some of its outlying islands, like Espalmador, travelling from many resorts on Ibiza.
Ferries from Mainland Spain
Ferries go to Formentera from the Spanish ports of Denia and Gandia also. Please check the relevant ferry operators' pages for timetables.
TRAVELLING AROUND FORMENTERA
Bikes
One of the most popular and most sustainable ways of getting around Formentera is by bicycle. Both manual and electric bikes are available for hire. Ferry companies like Aquabus allow you to take over bicycles from Ibiza for free, but we recommend hiring one from the bike hire station Moto Rent Pujols, which you will easily find when passing the ferry terminal in the port of La Savina.
With flat contours and more than 30 Routes for running, walking or cycling all across the island, Formentera is incredibly easy to pedal your way around - or to discover it by foot. More than 100 km of pathways will take you around the coast, by sand dunes or landmarks and through rural farmland with goats, fig trees and pretty dry-stone walls.
Buses
Several regular bus routes take you from La Savina to the villages and beaches of the island, as well as its resort, Es Pujols - and the best thing of all is, for the 2023 summer season they are free of charge! Only if you go to the beaches of Ses Illetes - part of a natural park - do you have to pay €4.00.
What is not free are the special circuits for tourists: the L3 offers two bus routes with direct connections from the port in La Savina and the resort Es Pujols to Ses Illetes beach.
Services run throughout the year, with additional summer services running from the middle of May to the end of October.
Check the Formentera bus company website for information on routes, prices and timetables: www.busformentera.com
Scooter hire
If you prefer automated transport, you will find Moto Rent Pujols renting scooters in La Savina. When choosing this option, you might want to rent a scooter to take two people to minimise fuel and vehicle usage.
Look out for potholes and ruts on tracks that lead to the beaches, especially if you are new to this mode of transport. Please note that wearing a helmet is compulsory. Not doing so risks an on-the-spot fine.
Car hire
There are many car rental companies in La Savina - great for when you need to transport more than two people. Note that there are just two petrol stations available, one just outside La Savina and one between San Francisco and San Fernando.
The car hire company Pro Auto now also offers electric cars with 12 charging points dotted around the island. The speed limit on Formentera is 70 km/h and cameras are often used to catch speeding motorists.
Parking
In some towns and villages there are different parking zones according to the colour of the kerbs. These work the same way as on Ibiza; have a look at our detailed guide here.
When you want to drive onto the peninsula with the Illetes, Levante and El Tiburón beaches, you have to pay a small fee. When all parking places are full, access is limited, so go early.
Beach ferries to Ses Illetes and Espalmador
There's a very useful small beach ferry service called La Bahía. Running during the summer months, it will take you from La Savina to the beach of Ses Illetes and the island just below it, Espalmador. There are normally three journeys in the morning to get there and three in the afternoon to get back. Find out times and prices in the port of La Savina.
Taxis
You will find taxi stops in all town centres as well as a radio taxi service. As Formentera is a small island, you won't pay much for using a taxi, especially when travelling in a group.
La Savina: (+34) 971 32 20 02
Es Pujols: (+34) 971 32 80 16
San Francisco: (+34) 971 32 20 16
Radio taxi (for the whole island): (+34) 971 32 23 42
Whichever way you use to get around Formentera, remember that it is a small island with a slow pace of life. Enjoy your trip!
