If you have decided to spend your holidays in the lively Ibiza, you will surely not want to miss the opportunity to see its little sister: the wonderful island of Formentera. Light years away from the Ibizan spirit, this patch of land fully embodies the idea of relaxation and wild nature.

If you want to concentrate in a short time some of the unmissable experiences to do in Formentera in one day, we suggest you follow our itinerary. Between beaches, windmills and suggestive views from above, we are sure that Formentera will immediately enter your heart.

Ferry from Ibiza to Formentera

To get to Formentera you will need to take a ferry, which takes about 30 minutes. There are several companies that offer this data-cfasync="false" data-cfasync="false" type of transfer, and Formentera Lines offers one of the most convenient deals on the market. Our suggestion is to get on one of the first ferries departing from Ibiza so that you can dedicate more time to discovering Formentera and its beauty!

By booking the ferry from Ibiza to Formentera online, you can save a considerable amount on the total price of the round trip. By selecting “same-day offer” you will have the possibility to add to the offer the bus ticket or the rental of a bicycle or scooter. The latter is highly recommended to get around the island independently, and renting it once you arrive at the port of Formentera would waste precious time. Optimizing in this case will prove prophetic.

On the day of your visit to Formentera, all you have to do is go to the dock at the port with your ticket on your mobile phone or in paper form (you must check in first as if for a flight) and board a Formentera Lines ferry. You will not have to queue at the ticket office and once you arrive at the port of La Savina in Formentera, you will be ready to start your day.

Pick up the scooter at La Savina port

As soon as the ferry docks at La Savina port, you will be immediately enveloped by the scents of the island. At this point, go to the motorcycle rental company (you will find the name of the company on your ticket), pick up the scooter, put on your helmet and you will be ready for your day on the island of Formentera.

Maps of the island are available inside the various motorcycle rental companies, so don’t hesitate to ask for one. It will help you find your way around and understand how to organize your movements. If you are more technologically inclined, you can always refer to the trusty Google Maps.

Heading to Sant Francesc Xavier

The first stop on our itinerary of what to see in Formentera in one day will be the island’s capital, the characteristic town of Sant Francesc Xavier. Less than 4 km away, it will take you very little time to reach it on your scooter. This small “pueblo” houses the island’s administrative buildings, such as the town hall.

Of particular interest, however, is the church located in the main square: a former fortress, built in the 18th century, it still has in its whitewashed façade, the hole that was used to fire cannonballs.

But the bustling morning life of Sant Francesc is mainly due to the bars and shops. It is really easy to get lost in the maze of narrow streets and not realize the time passing. Try not to linger too much in the various boutiques as your visit to Sant Francesc includes your breakfast!

If you are looking for the classic croissant and cappuccino, we suggest you go to the Big Store, one of the cult places of Formentera. In this colorful bar, founded by Mario Losio (former manager of Jovanotti), it is very likely that you will meet many fellow countrymen and perhaps some VIPs.
If instead you want a more Spanish atmosphere with a brunch-style menu, you must absolutely go to Cafè Matinal. It is located in a small street not far from the church and its authentic and hippy appearance will surely amaze you.

Another characteristic of Sant Francesc is the artisan market that takes place every morning in its narrow streets. It is one of the many fairs scattered throughout the island, but this one in particular is dedicated to jewelry.
You will find them for all prices and tastes: from the most expensive and elaborate ones in silver to those made with recycled materials and at a lower cost. After having made a few small purchases and filled your stomach, it will be time to move on to continue exploring Formentera.

Discovering La Mola

The island boasts two very evocative lighthouses, the Cap de Barbaria lighthouse and the La Mola lighthouse. The first one is definitely off the beaten track if you’re planning to visit Formentera in a day. It’s best to wait for a proper holiday on the island to enjoy it to the fullest (also because sunset is the best time to visit). The recommended lighthouse on our itinerary is the La Mola lighthouse.

From Sant Francesc, take the long paved road PM820 and head towards the town that gives its name to the namesake lighthouse: El Pilar de La Mola. Along the way, ruffled by the wind and enveloped by the scents of the island, you can observe the fields of Formentera. What will perhaps most attract your attention are the characteristic fig trees. Thanks to the particular technique of propping, these magnificent trees spread out in width: the canopy, supported by the branches planted in the ground, thus avoids collapsing. The effect created, in addition to being very scenographic, is also useful: like a protective umbrella, the grazing goats find shelter under it during the hottest hours of the day.

After passing the village of Es Caló, a former fishing village, the road will start to climb. You are approaching El Pilar de La Mola which is located on the only plateau of Formentera. At one point, after going around several bends, you will notice that you have already reached a considerable height. It is at this point, also marked by the presence of a panoramic restaurant aptly named El Mirador, that you can stop to take some photos. You will have a magnificent view of the island: to the left you will see the long Migjorn beach, while on the opposite side you can admire the coast that starts with the small beaches of Ses Platgetes and ends at Es Pujols.

After the usual photos, continue by scooter towards El Pilar de La Mola and once you have passed the pretty church, stop at the best preserved mill on Formentera. If you didn’t know, the ancient name of Formentera was Frumentaria. In fact, the island based its agriculture and trade on the milling of wheat. In the past there were many more mills, but today only the Molí Vell retains its structure intact.
To reach it, you will have to pass the Sa Figuera restaurant, located at the end of the village, and immediately afterwards you will find a dirt road on the right with the signs for Molì Vell de La Mola.

After admiring it, return to the main road and this time head straight to La Mola lighthouse, a must-see in Formentera. Once you arrive at its feet, you will realize its great emotional power. Like a solitary guardian, this colossus stands proudly on the highest cliffs of the island. If you are not afraid of heights, take a look at the edges of the rock: you will be impressed by the scenery below you.

Playa de Migjorn and lunch by the sea

After the excitement of the lighthouse and the windmill, you’ll be wanting to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Formentera. So head down the same road you came up and, after passing the village of Es Caló, you’ll find signs on your left for Es Arenals, the most beautiful part of Playa de Migjorn. This wonderful stretch of sandy coastline is located precisely at kilometer 11. You won’t have any trouble finding the entrance, as most of the access points to the sea are well signposted.

Es Arenals beach is wide and free. The water, needless to say, is of indescribable beauty! Take advantage of it to have a swim, but don’t linger too long. There is another wonder to see just a few steps away. We are talking about the beautiful Caló Des Mort.
To reach this cove that resembles a natural swimming pool, you will have to walk along the cliff from above. A short walk that will give you postcard-worthy views. You will know you have arrived at your destination because the cove is visible from afar. Nestled between high rocks, it presents itself in all its rare beauty. Carefully descend the steps carved into the rock and enjoy a swim in its transparent waters.

At this point it will be lunchtime. We offer you two options so you can choose according to your tastes. If you want to eat something light like a hamburger or a salad, the Bartolo chiringuito (located just before Calò des Mort) is the ideal solution. It is a very original blue stilt house with one of the most beautiful views of the island. Thanks to its slightly elevated position, you will feel like you are inside a painting. The atmosphere is decidedly informal and carefree.

If you’re ravenous and want to sit down for a proper meal, head to Restaurante La Fragata. To get there, you have two options: take a 400-meter stroll along the beach or, if you’re feeling a bit lazy, hop on a scooter and follow the signs to the restaurant. The latter option will take you on a much longer route, but you’ll still be there in 5 minutes.
The restaurant is large and welcoming, and if you’re lucky, they’ll seat you on the spacious terrace with direct sea views. The menu is extensive, ranging from fresh catch of the day to paella and seafood, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Don’t forget to ask for hierbas, Formentera’s digestive liqueur, at the end of your meal. It’s not a fancy restaurant, so there’s no need to dress up.

Afternoon at Ses Illetes and Llevant

You will dedicate the afternoon to discovering the Es Trucadors peninsula. What is it, you may ask? It is that tongue of sand that escaped the sea and is located not far from the port of La Savina and which houses two beautiful beaches. So, get back on your scooter and head northwest, following the signs for Ses Illetes beach. Near the entrance you can also admire the wonderful salt flats of Formentera. Basins rich in salt that, once upon a time, constituted a great source of income for the island.

To access the Ses Illetes and Llevant beaches you will have to pay a small fee. The area, in fact, belongs to the Ses Salines Natural Park and the money collected is used to preserve the rich biodiversity that populates this stretch of the island. Ses Illetes beach has been included several times in the ranking of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. You will see with your own eyes how Formentera can rightly compete even with the remote atolls of the Pacific Ocean.

Located exactly on the opposite side you will find the beautiful Llevant beach also called Platja de Llevant. A peculiarity to know is that, if the sea is calm and flat on one side, it will be agitated and choppy on the other. So choose the beach you prefer and enjoy your last hours in Formentera.
Ses Illetes and Llevant are not only famous for their undeniable beauty: they are also the beaches frequented by celebrities. If you are a gossip lover, keep your eyes peeled. Your neighbor under the umbrella could be a famous footballer or a TV presenter.

The most beautiful hour: sunset in Formentera

The first is the ultra-chic Es Molí de Sal, a historic Formentera landmark that often hosts numerous celebrities. It is located overlooking the beautiful Illetes beach. If you are looking for exclusive service and a refined atmosphere, here you will be satisfied and welcomed with all the trimmings.

Of a completely different kind is the Sa Sequi kiosk, located on the road that will take you to the port of Formentera. Simply furnished with stools and a few wooden tables, it enjoys a beautiful view of the port and the small beach of Es Cavall d’En Borras. Less frequented than the other beach bars of Formentera, it is one of those places that allows you to fully enjoy the spectacle of the sunset.

After you finish your drinks, it will be time to reach the port, return the scooter, and board the ferry to return to Ibiza. We hope we have been helpful with our itinerary and, above all, that we have made you fall in love with the island. And remember… Formentera is worth much more than just one day!

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