Formentera's most popular beaches are a sublime treat and are all easily accessible. With great beach bars and restaurants, sunbeds and parasols for rent, their facilities are among the very best to be found. Many make great spots for snorkelling, with some offering water sports activities too.
Whilst these well-loved stretches of sand can attract a lot of visitors at the height of summer, a quick stroll away from the busiest parts will reveal less populated areas of beach that are perfect if you require a place with more solitude. It's recommended to take something to shade yourself with, as these more isolated parts will not offer this type of facility for rent.
Playa Illetes
When you arrive at Playa Illetes, you will feel like you have temporarily stepped out of the Mediterranean and into a Caribbean idyll. It comes as no surprise when you get there that this beach was voted the best in Europe and ranked number six in the world's top ten beaches.
Along the whole west side of a narrow peninsula stretching for miles, you will find fine white sand, beautiful blue skies and the most crystalline waters you have possibly ever seen, which combine to make it Formentera's very own piece of paradise. Just 5 km from the port of La Savina, you can easily get there on bicycle, bus, taxi, scooter or car.
Illetes means ‘islets', and you will see a series of these along this stretch of sand, which you can swim between and even walk to through the water. The farther along you walk, the less crowded it becomes, especially when you reach the nudist area, which is wilder and free of sunbeds. You can learn about our favourite beach choices for nudists on Formentera and Ibiza in our article.
At the end of this small peninsula, you can see the little neighbouring island of Espalmador. Although it appears to be very near and easy to reach, please do not try to swim or walk to it through the water, even if others are doing so. The water has very strong currents here, and it is very dangerous. Warn anyone else who appears to be attempting this crossing. The only way to get there safely is with your own boat or by chartering one.
There are many beachside restaurants here that offer incredible menus, with amazing fresh fish dishes and a wonderful atmosphere to dine in. However, be aware that they are all very high-end and very expensive places to eat. If they are within your budget, please note that tables need to be booked well in advance in high season.
To avoid getting caught out, once at Playa Illetes, get your food supplies in one of the supermarkets in La Savina, which will be a lot easier on your pocket. There are no beach huts or kiosks on the beach selling reasonably-priced food and drinks, so it makes sense to stock up.
All sorts of people come to this beautiful beach, holidaymakers, locals and the rich and famous, who moor their yachts here. Many of the beach restaurants offer a yacht service, ferrying over their gorgeous food or picking up the rich clientele.
In summer, Playa Illetes is well protected from the winds which blow mostly from Eastern directions, maintaining its calm waters and gentle rippling waves. However, should the wind blow from the other direction, we suggest walking the few steps over to the other side of the peninsula to Playa de Levante, where the waves and wind will be low and calm.
Note: A small fee has to be paid when you access the small peninsula where Illetes, Levante and El Tiburón beaches are located by car or scooter. Access is limited, meaning that when all the parking places are full, they don't let you through anymore, so go early. Quad bikes don't have access at all.
Playa de Levante
On the eastern side of the narrow peninsula, where you also find Playa Illetes, is the long, broad, sandy beach of Playa de Levante. Here you will find quiet bays and small rocky areas where you can enjoy peace and privacy. The tranquillity of Playa de Levante makes it a popular spot for nudists, with the backdrop of sand dunes making sweet spots to bare it all as nature intended.
Playa de Levante tends to get the full force of any strong winds, so do be aware that it can be very windy with strong water currents and high waves at times. Whilst this makes the beach much less frequented during the summer, if you like waves, then this is the beach for you.
If you want to get away from it all, this beach is ideal. There are amazing views across the water to Ibiza from here.
Note: A small fee has to be paid when you access the small peninsula where Illetes, Levante and El Tiburón beaches are located by car or scooter. The access is limited; when all parking places are full, they don't let you through anymore, so go early. Quad bikes don't have access at all.
Playa Es Pujols
At the island's only resort, you will find a charming broad, sandy beach, backed by sand dunes with some little rocky islands offshore and beautiful vistas. Sited in a lively tourist location, it retains its charm with fishermen's huts at either end. Suitable for the whole family, it also accommodates disabled people, with ramp access into the water. Furthermore, it is a smoke-free beach; please respect this.
A lovely promenade lined with lots of tempting places to eat overlooks the beach. More eateries are dotted along the streets behind.
If you are into active fun, a whole host of watersports can be rented and enjoyed for the day. Shops and bars are close by, and from early evening you can enjoy a small hippy market on the promenade of Es Pujols.
Playa Migjorn
On the south coast of the island lies this white-sand beach, covering an area of over five km. By far the island's longest and shaped in a long half-moon, it is home to delightful small coves, scattered rocks and golden beaches. Unsurprisingly, it's popular with tourists, and chiringuitos (traditional rustic beach bars) and beach clubs abound along this glorious stretch of sand. Many restaurants serving up an array of fabulous food also line Playa Migjorn.
You will find a very hippy, cosmopolitan vibe here, with beautiful, clear blue waters that are ideal for snorkelling. Clothing is optional on all points of the beach, so don't be surprised to see people stripping off - it's a really easygoing beach. In some parts of Playa Migjorn, especially on the north-western end, the seabed is rocky, which is great for snorkelling, but bathing shoes are recommended here.
Playa Es Arenals
At the south-eastern end of Playa Migjorn is this beautiful beach with fine white sand.
You won't feel overcrowded here, but you will feel a bit closer to civilisation than on Playa Migjorn, as there are sun loungers, parasols and other facilities.
Several restaurants and beach bars offer food and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere and with stunning views; most bars of the surrounding hotels will also welcome you.
Cala Saona
This small, picturesque cove is a wonderful beach to go for peace and quiet. Fantastic views of Ibiza can be had from here, and its westerly position makes it ideal to catch one of Formentera's magical sunsets. As well as a couple of beach restaurants offering great food, the beach is overlooked by Hotel Cala Saona, also blessed with great views. A small kiosk offers drinks and snacks for the day.
There is some parking right at the beach and a large car park when you pass the hotel. A portion of the beach has sunbeds and umbrellas, or you can simply lie on the soft white sands and soak up the sun for free.
The clear waters are beautiful for bathing and perfect for snorkelling, especially around the edges next to the rising rocks and the small number of fishermen's huts dotted around them. Backed by red rocks and with small rocky inlets around the cove, it has plenty of spots for private bathing.
If you are staying for a few days on Formentera, then you should definitely add Cala Saona to your list. It really is utterly beautiful.
If you want absolute solitude or simply want to try something else for a day, check out Formentera's small and secluded beaches.
