CALA SAONA

Cala Saona is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the island of Formentera. It’s just 5 kilometers away from the capital, Sant Francesc Xavier.

Cala Saona beach

View of the Cala Saona beach

Cala Saona is the only beach located on the western side of the island, offering a truly unique setting. Its white sand and crystal-clear waters boast sandy, gently sloping seabed, perfect for both swimming and relaxing on the shore. However, what truly sets this place apart are the large red rocks that frame the cove.

Nestled within a stunning bay, Cala Saona offers colors and views that are hard to find anywhere else on the island. Part of the Cap Alt Natural Area of Special Interest, this beach, surrounded by rugged, wild nature, is undoubtedly one of the most unique spots in Formentera.

Despite its small size, approximately 200 meters long and 140 meters wide, this place, especially during the early hours of the morning, offers an absolute tranquility that will make you feel almost like you’re on a private beach. Equipped with every comfort, from sunbeds to a restaurant with a view, we recommend staying here until sunset. It’s precisely during the “puesta de sol” (sunset in Spanish) that Cala Saona is painted with warm and enchanting colors. To fully enjoy this experience, try to find a seat at the small beach bar Bocaboca (opened in July 2024) which is located on a raised position overlooking the beach: sipping your cocktail you will be captivated by the beauty of the sun setting behind the islet of Es Vedrà.

Even in this bay, as in other beaches of Formentera, you can see the long wooden guides for the fishermen’s boats.

How to get to Cala Saona?

Cala Saona is located in a quieter, less touristy part of the island, yet it remains easily accessible from any other location. For those staying in apartments in Es Pujols, simply head toward Sant Francesc and follow the signs for Cap de Barbaria. Continuing along this road, you will find the signs for Cala Saona beach on your right.

During the drive, you’ll notice that in this western part of the island, the Mediterranean scrub dominates the landscape: the entire road is lined with fig and carob trees. An intense fragrance will accompany you all the way to the sea.

For those arriving by car, scooter, or bicycle, there is a free parking area nearby. Alternatively, a convenient bus stop is located just 100 meters from the beach. The L5 bus line connects Cala Saona beach with the towns of Sant Francesc and La Savina.

The surroundings

The reddish rocks around Cala Saona

Behind this magnificent beach lies lush vegetation that embraces the entire bay. You can explore numerous coastal paths south of Cala Saona, leading you to the cliffs of Punta Rasa. Here, you will encounter untouched landscapes with a true island soul.

As you walk through natural trails rich in sabine (the typical junipers of the island), you’ll be surrounded by aromatic plants like thyme and rosemary. Thanks to the perpetually mild climate, these plants flourish in abundance, and the scent released by this untamed nature will leave you speechless.

Along the way, you’ll find shaded areas to seek relief from the warm summer sun. Many pine trees, characteristic of the island and the entire Balearic archipelago, offer perfect spots for a pleasant break. In fact, Ibiza and Formentera are known as the Pityuses (the Islands of Pines).

Another highlight of this beach is the spectacular view from the coast: the contrast between the reddish rocks and the deep turquoise water creates a true postcard landscape. As the sun sets, a vibrant palette of colors will unfold before your eyes.

Cala Saona restaurants

For a lunch break with a sea view, Cala Saona offers two restaurants located just a few steps from one another. Sol Cala Saona, situated directly on the beach, boasts a privileged view of the bay. The cuisine is typically Mediterranean, featuring fresh seafood and a focus on local ingredients. Innovative dishes and high-quality products make it the ideal spot for those seeking an unforgettable experience.

View from Pikala restaurant

Newly opened in the summer of 2025 is Pikala, a venue with two souls but a single goal: to engage and amaze its guests. Pikala’s concept includes a chiringuito area, open all day, where you can enjoy excellent tapas in an informal yet exclusive atmosphere.
The gastronomic vision of Chef Antonio D’Angelo (Executive Chef of Nobu Milano) truly unfolds in the main restaurant, which offers a gourmet experience, a journey through world flavors enhanced by contemporary techniques. Highlights of the menu include Wagyu bresaola with parmesan, yuzu oil, and nori seaweed, as well as unique desserts like the “Pika-su” and mango and passion fruit mochi.
For those moored in the bay, the restaurant also provides a dedicated boat delivery service.

Located within the Hotel Cala Saona but open to the public is Sol Post. Led by talented young chefs, this restaurant offers a menu with Central American and Catalan influences. Local excellence meets creativity in dishes that pay tribute to the Mediterranean: a gourmet experience defined by explosions of flavor and meticulously curated presentations.

Finally, on the road from Sant Francesc to Cala Saona, once stood the renowned restaurant A Mi Manera. Famous for its enchanting garden and bohemian soul, its story came to a halt in October 2023 following a fire.