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 alternative and fun ways to get to and from Formentera, to experience the natural beauty of the island.
Small Ferries
Although not as fast as the big catamarans from Ibiza, Aquabus is by far the cheapest option and puts you close up to the action. You can enjoy the sunshine on deck, as you keep an eye out for the beautiful dolphins that may enjoy playing in your wake. From the port of Ibiza the crossing lasts about an hour and a same day return ticket is under €20 per adult, €10 for children. Pets and bicycles travel for free!
Aquabus also operate a very convenient service from Figueretas and Playa den Bossa, where free, all-day parking can be easily found. There is a minimum of three trips over per day throughout the season, with more frequent departures in high summer.
Those wishing to avoid the hustle and bustle of Ibiza Town may also take advantage of the Santa Eulalia Ferry Company's daily service along the east coast. 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 €35/Residents €18, Children €18/Residents €9 .
Operating daily from Mid April until the end of October, and also departing from Figueretas and Playa d'en Bossa, the Ulises glass bottom catamaran allows passengers to watch the seabed as they cruise between ports. At only €22 for adults and €10 for 7 to 10 year olds (Under 7's travel for free) it is one of the most cost effective ways to get to Formentera. Take a look at the Ulises timetable and book your crossing.
All-inclusive Excursions
Formentera Experience is a combined boat and bus tour, leaving from Playa den Bossa pier every day from mid May to mid October. The trip will take you all the way to La Mola lighthouse, while stopping for a delicious paella lunch at the islet of Espalmador and other beach swimming and snorkeling stops along the route. Book your excursion tickets here.
For those staying on the west coast, the Es Vedrà and Formentera cruise is a full day excursion leaving from San Antonio and picking up from Cala Tarida, Cala Vadella and Cala d'Hort en route. This is a relaxed all-inclusive cruise past Es Vedrà and on to the beautiful islands of Formentera and S'Espalmador - allowing you to see the entire archipelago. A 3-hour bus tour of the island is included, stopping off for refreshing beach stops while you visit the most beautiful parts of the island. Food and drinks are included and the return cruise toward the sunset with a live DJ will round your day off perfectly.
The Formentera Explorer sets off from Marina Botafoch in Ibiza on a blissful VIP trip to explore the glittering waters of the archipelago, sipping cocktails aboard a 5-star catamaran. Formentera Explorer is suitable for all ages and available daily from mid May to mid October. The skipper drops anchor at various stops for passengers to enjoy the warm, shallow waters, including the world famous beach of Playa Illetes. Freshly made paella and salad is prepared onboard and served in the shelter of the islet S'Espalmador. Book your excursion, including a very special VIP option, here.
Private Hire
Live the wet-set dream lifestyle for a day with Smart Charter's unique shared charter scheme. To keep your costs to a minimum, Smart Charter will team you up with other clients, meaning that motoring to Formentera in your own beautifully restored cruiser, La Cereza, is an affordable option. You can direct the skipper where to head, depending on the most favourable wind direction, and a 6-hour excursion from Ibiza Marina, including food, drink and fuel, can be as little as €149 per person. Buy tickets for this unique, luxury experience here
Enjoy a whole day sailing peacefully to Formentera in your own private hire catamaran. Perfect for groups of up to eleven passengers, the comfortable 44-foot cat, Pia, is anchored at Las Salinas beach and is the perfect platform to relax, sunbathe and to enjoy the crystal-clear waters. Charter prices range from just over €1000 per day in low season, to €1800 in July and August for an 8-hour cruise, so get your friends together and make a reservation with the owner, through Ibiza Spotlight, here
And finally the healthy option… La Bella Verde is a 100% renewable energy charter company, with ten-metre electric-motored catamarans, moored at Salinas beach. The specially designed craft are ready to whisk you and a group of up to 20 friends, silently and with zero emissions, over to Formentera. No other company can offer this unique option for the environmentally conscious traveller and the prices, including food and drink, will please you even more.
