A holiday trip to Ibiza is only ever complete with a visit to the Island's beautifully preserved sister, Formentera. Everyone who visits the pretty island is in love with the soft sand and crystal-clear waters of what are considered to be some of the best beaches in Europe.
Once on the island, it is easy to explore. Regular bus services leave the port of La Savina to all the major beaches, and the port's main street is lined with kiosks for renting cars, bicycles or scooters.
Of course, the large ferry companies operate regular services from the Port of Ibiza, but here is a roundup of our recommendations for cheaper, alternative, fun ways to get to and from Formentera, to experience the natural beauty of the island.
DIRECT Ferries
Now with a new fleet of fast ferries, Aquabus is, by far, the cheapest option, putting you close up to the action. From the port of Ibiza, the crossing lasts 30 minutes and a same-day return ticket is under €30 per adult and under €20 for children. Pets and bicycles travel for free!
Aquabus also operate a very convenient, slightly cheaper service from Figueretas and Playa den Bossa, where free, all-day parking can be easily found. You can enjoy the sunshine on deck as you keep an eye out for the beautiful dolphins that may enjoy playing in the boat's wake. There are four trips per day throughout the season.
Those staying in the north may also take advantage of Santa Eulalia Ferry's daily service to Formentera. Picking up at the resorts of Es Caná, Cala Pada and Cala Llonga, as well as Santa Eulalia port, this is another fun, friendly crossing aboard the ‘Capità Jack'. A return ticket will cost adults just over €40 and children just over €20.
All-inclusive Excursions
Run by Aquabus Ferry Boats every Friday, the Discover Formentera Cruise is the most direct route to Ibiza's smaller sister island. Departing from the port of Ibiza at 09:15, the boat returns at 17:00. On arrival in La Savina, the port of Formentera, you then take a local bus with a guide to the highest viewpoint on the island, the imposing La Mola lighthouse. The views of the sea and Ibiza from here will take your breath away. The tour includes a morning and an afternoon beach stop, with plenty of time for sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling. In between, there's lunch included at a local restaurant in the village of San Francisco. This trip is great value and a complete, fun day out for all the family.
The Ibiza to Formentera and Es Vedrà cruise departs every day from three different points in Ibiza town. A fantastic day-long cruise (around 12 hours in total), it is the only boat trip that takes you to the stunning and uninhabited islet of Espalmador. It also gives you some time on Formentera and takes you on a close-up visit to Ibiza’s iconic islet Es Vedrà. This enticing full-day voyage includes snacks and free drinks throughout the cruise, and an Ibizan-style paella lunch and light supper. There's plenty of opportunity to sunbathe and enjoy aquatic activities such as swimming, snorkelling and paddle surfing in the aquamarine waters of the Mediterranean - all gear provided.
For those staying on the west coast, the Es Vedrà and Formentera cruise is a full-day excursion leaving every day from San Antonio and picking up from various places along the bay of San Antonio and Cala Tarida en route. This is a relaxed, all-inclusive cruise past Es Vedrà and on to the beautiful islands of Formentera and Espalmador - allowing you to see the entire archipelago. While on Formentera you'll have four hours to discover nearby beaches on foot, or rent a bike or scooter to explore further. Food and drinks are included and the return cruise toward the sunset will round your day off perfectly.
Private Hire
One of the White Isle's most trusted boat and yacht rental companies, Boats Ibiza offers a range of rental options from among their immaculately kept fleet. Whether it's for a couple seeking a romantic day out on the sparkling waters of Formentera, private or shared groups, aboard a super sporty speedboat or a sedate luxury yacht, they've got the perfect package for you.
When you want complete freedom to chart your own course and create a personalised dream cruise, you can't beat Smart Charter Ibiza. Their team of knowledgeable island experts are only too happy to work with you, designing the perfect day at sea, regardless of the occasion, group size or budget!
Their classic Ibiza - Formentera day trip sets off from the port of Ibiza Town, visits Salinas beach or the islet of Espalmador for a swim break en route, then continues on to Ses Illetes beach on Formentera for lunch at one of the top restaurants there. After lunch, there's more cruising around Formentera's magnificent coastline with optional stops for swimming, snorkelling and exploring secret caves and other spots of interest. This full-day private cruise is an Ibiza boat charter experience you won't forget!
