LA SAVINA

The town of La Savina is the only access point to the island of Formentera. Here is the port, used in the past by the islanders mainly for their trade relations with the nearby larger islands such as Mallorca and Ibiza and, over time, evolved as a landing point for the numerous tourist ferries that carry vacationers, but also residents, from Ibiza to Formentera.
This area, much re-evaluated in terms of landscape especially in recent years, is full of services such as shops and numerous rental offices for cars, motorcycles and bicycles.

The port of La Savina can be reached in about 30 minutes by ferry from that of Ibiza. From here it is easy to reach all the other locations on the island. The tourist and lively Es Pujols, ideal as a place to rent a house in Formentera, is about 5 km away. Furthermore, outside the port area you will find an area dedicated to taxis and a bus shelter.

La Savina is mainly a place of passage although, in recent years, it has seen the birth of new restaurants and bars that attract more and more people every evening.

The port of La Savina

La Savina is a very popular area as it is the arrival and departure point for all travelers disembarking on the island. The modern and functional maritime station welcomes tourists with a spacious ticket office on the ground floor. Here, you can find the counters of the main shipping companies, including Trasmapi, Formentera Lines, and Balearia.

In addition to the ticket office, the maritime station also offers other useful services for travelers. A cozy bar is available for a coffee break or a snack, while the restrooms ensure comfort and cleanliness.
On the upper floor, the La Bocana restaurant offers a delightful culinary experience with a view of the port, while its large terrace provides breathtaking views of the coming and going of ships and the lively atmosphere of the port.

The port of La Savina

La Savina is much more than just a transit point: it’s a real town, full of services and amenities. Shops of all kinds, trendy bars and restaurants for all tastes enliven this small town, while a picturesque craft market, held during the summer season from 11 am until midnight, offers visitors the opportunity to discover the island’s typical products and buy original souvenirs.

For those who wish to explore Formentera in complete freedom, La Savina offers several transport options. In addition to taxis, you will also find several car rental locations if you want to rent a car or scooter, while the bus allows you to easily reach the main towns of the island, such as Es Pujols, Sant Ferran and Sant Francesc, thanks to the L1 line.

Sea lovers will find in La Savina a real point of reference for organizing unforgettable boat trips. Several agencies offer personalized tours to meet every need, from a visit to the island of Espalmador to catamaran rentals for exclusive lunches on board, to romantic sunset drinks.

La Savina is also an ideal starting point to immerse yourself in the unspoiled nature of Formentera. From here begins one of the many green routes that cross the island, offering the opportunity to discover breathtaking landscapes and hidden corners, both on foot and by bicycle.
One of these, for example, connects La Savina to the beautiful beach of Ses Illetes, crossing the evocative salt flats and offering unique views of the lagoon and the crystal clear sea.

Finally, for those who wish to leave their luggage in a safe place during their visit to La Savina, a convenient luggage storage service is available, Formentera Lockers.

Estany des Peix

Sunset over Estany des Peix

Estany des Peix is a small lagoon located in Formentera, a short distance from the port of La Savina, in the western part of the island. It is one of the two lagoons found in Formentera, along with the larger Estany Pudent.

A coastal barrier, 3.4 km long, separates this inlet from the Mediterranean Sea. It is open to the sea only through a very small entrance, called Sa Boca (canal-shaped, only 20 meters wide and 1 meter deep).
Its coastline hosts various very small coves mainly used for mooring small boats.

The calm and shallow waters of Estany des Peix, with a warmer temperature than the open sea, make it an ideal place for families with children. Here, the little ones can play and splash safely, while parents relax on the shore.

Water sports enthusiasts will find a true paradise. The perfect conditions for windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing attract athletes of all levels, who can enjoy a light breeze and a breathtaking natural environment.

Estany des Peix is an oasis of peace and relaxation, away from the crowds and bustle of the more crowded beaches. Its sheltered position offers a spectacular view of the crystal-clear sea and the evocative island of Es Vedrà, creating a magical and unforgettable atmosphere.

Worth visiting throughout the day, each moment stands out for various peculiarities. The morning, for example, is the ideal time to enjoy the tranquility of this place. The calm and crystal-clear waters invite you to try your hand at water sports or simply take some memorable photos. The sunset, on the other hand, transforms the sky into a painting of warm and enveloping colors, offering a romantic and evocative spectacle.

Useful tips

• How to get there: Estany des Peix is easily reachable on foot from the port of La Savina, or by bicycle or car.
• When to visit: Estany des Peix is open all year round, but the summer months are ideal for making the most of its waters and outdoor activities.
• What to do: in addition to water sports, you can take walks along the shores, birdwatching, and picnics.
• Where to eat: near the lagoon there are some restaurants and bars where you can enjoy excellent dishes, such as Salitre, Cafe del Lago and Quimera.

The salt flats

Located northeast of La Savina, approximately 2 km away, are the ancient salt flats of Formentera, a protected area of great scenic and naturalistic interest. Declared a nature reserve in 1995 under the name Ses Salines, these salt flats are home to a variety of birds, including the Black-winged Stilt, the Balearic Shearwater, and the Kentish Plover, making them a true paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts.

The salt flats of Formentera have a millenary history, deeply linked to the development and culture of the island. The first evidence of their use dates back to the 13th century, but it is likely that they were already active in ancient times, perhaps even in Phoenician or Carthaginian times.

Over the centuries, the salt flats have been a fundamental economic resource for Formentera, providing high-quality salt for local consumption and export. Formentera salt was particularly appreciated for its purity and flavor, thanks to the unique climatic and geological conditions of the area.

The salt pans of Formentera

In the 19th century, the salt pans of Formentera experienced a period of great industrial development, with the construction of new structures and the introduction of more modern production techniques.
However, during the 20th century, the economic importance of the salt pans gradually decreased. Nevertheless, the salt pans remained a fundamental element of Formentera’s landscape and culture, bearing witness to the island’s history and traditions.

Starting in the 1990s, the salt pans of Formentera underwent a major redevelopment and enhancement project, with the aim of preserving this unique natural and cultural heritage. Thanks to this intervention, the salt pans have returned to being a lively and dynamic place, capable of attracting visitors from all over the world and contributing to the sustainable development of the island.

Today, the salt pans of Formentera are a place of great naturalistic and tourist interest. Here, it is possible to observe up close the flora and fauna typical of brackish environments, among which the pink flamingos stand out, an iconic symbol of the salt pans. The salt pans also host an interpretation center, where it is possible to learn about the history and traditions related to salt production.

Restaurants in La Savina

La Savina is renowned not only for its natural beauty but also for its vibrant culinary scene. In recent years, thanks to a series of architectural interventions, it has experienced a true renaissance, becoming a landmark for food lovers.

Among the numerous restaurants in La Savina, Can Carlitos undoubtedly stands out, a true temple of Spanish and Mediterranean gastronomy. The Michelin-starred chef Nandu Jubany, with his creativity and mastery, reinterprets the classics of local cuisine, offering a unique and unforgettable culinary experience. The menu is a triumph of authentic flavors, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The tapas, perfect for sharing at sunset, are a must-try. The restaurant’s privileged position offers a breathtaking view of the sea, creating a magical and relaxing atmosphere. Given its popularity, especially in high season, it is advisable to book in advance.

For those wishing to savor the flavors of the sea, the Aigua restaurant is the ideal choice. This refined establishment offers an excellent seafood menu, accompanied by a wine list that celebrates the best Spanish and international labels, with a focus on local wines. The elegant and meticulously detailed setting makes it perfect for a romantic dinner or drinks with friends.

Panperfocaccia’s terrace

If you’re craving an excellent pizza, the Panperfocaccia restaurant is the best option. Its very name evokes the aromas of freshly baked bread and the typical flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant’s ambiance is welcoming and bright, with light wood furnishings and warm colors that create a convivial atmosphere. Italian tradition is the undisputed protagonist: crispy pizzas and focaccias, prepared with high-quality flours, are the restaurant’s flagship dishes.
The menu offers a wide selection of delicacies, including delicious spaghetti carbonara. The carefully selected raw materials come directly from Italy, guaranteeing an authentic and unforgettable culinary experience.

Another excellence of Italian cuisine in La Savina is the Port Amagat restaurant. Here, the freshest raw materials and homemade pasta will make you rediscover the authentic flavors of Italy. The extensive and varied menu satisfies every palate, making Port Amagat the ideal choice for a family dinner, a romantic evening or a fun night out with friends.

For a dip into Romagna tradition, Café del Lago is a true landmark in La Savina. Overlooking the Estany des Peix lagoon, this historic restaurant offers typical regional dishes, such as homemade pasta, piadina, cured meats and cheeses, prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
There is also no shortage of seafood dishes, always fresh and masterfully cooked. The familiar and welcoming atmosphere, combined with a passion for good food and hospitality, make Café del Lago a special place, also worth visiting for a lakeside breakfast.

Finally, for a culinary experience focused on innovation, the Quimera restaurant is a true gem. Chef Ana Jiménez celebrates typical Mediterranean dishes with a touch of originality, enhancing local products and paying particular attention to the sustainability and seasonality of the ingredients.
The elegant and meticulously detailed furnishings, together with the outdoor terrace with breathtaking sea views, create a unique and unforgettable atmosphere, especially at sunset.

Curiosity

La Savina, where the port of Formentera is now located, has a fascinating history. Originally, it was a separate islet, connected to the main island only later with the construction of a bridge. This transformation gave rise to the current port, the only point of access by sea to Formentera. The name La Savina derives from the Juniperus sabina, an evergreen shrub typical of the Mediterranean scrub, once widespread in the area.

In La Savina there is one of the three lighthouses on the island. Built in 1978, the La Savina lighthouse is the most recent of the three lighthouses that illuminate the island of Formentera. Its construction was a necessary response to the increase in maritime traffic in the port, due to the growth of tourism and connections with Ibiza.
The La Savina lighthouse plays a fundamental role in ensuring the safety of navigation in the port, signaling the entrance and exit from the port and guiding ships in transit. The structure, made of reinforced concrete, stands with its 11-meter cylindrical tower, topped by a lantern. Its white color, chosen to ensure maximum visibility during the day, makes it an unmistakable landmark for sailors and tourists.

La Savina is a place that deserves to be discovered and visited, both for its history and its peculiarities, and for its natural beauty and its tourist vitality. Every year, on July 16, the port comes alive to celebrate the great feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, patron saint of sailors.