SES ILLETES BEACH

Aerial view of Ses Illetes beach

Ses Illetes beach is much more than just a stretch of sand: it is the very essence of Formentera, a natural paradise that rivals the beauty of the Caribbean. Located on the northern tip of the island within the Es Trucadors peninsula, this strip of land is one of the most precious natural areas in the Mediterranean. Nestled in the heart of the Ses Salines Natural Park, it captivates visitors with its unique color palette: the dazzling white sand, the pink hues of the shoreline, and the endless shades of water so clear it seems unreal.

The name Platja de Ses Illetes literally means “beach of the small islands” in Catalan, a tribute to the numerous islets dotting the horizon, such as Illa des Ponent, Illa de Tramuntana, and the famous Espalmador. The main section of the beach is about 450-500 meters long, but if you follow the entire sandbar north to the tip of Es Trucadors, the path extends for over a kilometer, turning into a narrow line of land embraced by the sea on both sides.

One of its most admired features is the pink beach phenomenon. If you look closely at the shore, you’ll notice the sand taking on unique rosy tints. This effect is caused by tiny fragments of seashells and coral dust which, eroded by the sea and mixed with the white sand, create a spectacular chromatic contrast, especially where the water gently laps the shoreline.

How to get to Ses Illetes beach from the port

For those visiting the island on a day trip, the first question is always the same: how do you reach this paradise? Once you step off the ferry to Formentera, you have several options to reach the beach in just a few minutes, depending on your needs:

• Scooter: this is undoubtedly the most practical way to move around with total freedom. Renting a scooter at Formentera port guarantees maximum agility, allowing you to reach your destination in minutes. While there is ample parking (over 1,100 spots), it is essential to arrive by mid-morning during peak season. Once the capacity limit is reached, staff at the entrance will block further access.
• Bus (Line L3): the ideal solution for those who prefer not to drive. This line connects La Savina port directly to Ses Illetes in just 10 minutes, costing 10€ for a round-trip ticket. Services are frequent, and the bus stop is located about 300 meters from the beach.
• Taxi: a quick option if you don’t want to rent a vehicle. A taxi ride from La Savina to Ses Illetes costs approximately between 10€ and 15€. The price may vary slightly depending on the exact drop-off point or any surcharges.
• Car: perfect for groups or families carrying umbrellas and cooler bags. There are only 380 parking spaces available within the park. Since demand far exceeds supply, it is vital to arrive very early in the morning (usually before 10:00 AM). Once all spots are filled, access is closed until spaces become available again.

Park access: entry fees

Entering the Ses Salines Natural Park requires the payment of a fee dedicated to funding the conservation of this delicate ecosystem. Entry fees for Ses Illetes beach vary depending on the season: generally, you will pay between 2€ and 4€ for motorcycles and between 4€ and 6€ for cars. Please note that quad bikes are strictly prohibited throughout the protected area of the park.

However, there is a way to enjoy Ses Illetes beach in total harmony with nature and at no cost: entry on foot or by bicycle is completely free. Many visitors choose to rent a bike to ride along the flat trails bordering the ancient salt pans—a unique scenic route that leads directly to the beaches. If you prefer maximum comfort, car hire in Formentera remains the best choice for exploring the island.

Which area to choose? The importance of the winds

The northern tip of Formentera is formed by the Es Trucadors peninsula, a long tongue of land that separates two sides: the western coast, home to the famous Ses Illetes beach, and the eastern coast, where Platja de Llevant stretches out—a wilder and less crowded beach.

The magnificent beach of Ses Illetes

Thanks to this unique geographical layout, the area almost always offers a side sheltered from the waves. To find that postcard-perfect, flat, and transparent water, it is essential to pay attention to the wind direction:

• Levante Wind (East): this is the perfect weather condition for enjoying Ses Illetes. On these days, the sea transforms into a natural swimming pool, calm and crystal clear, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
• Ponente Wind (West): the Ses Illetes side will be more exposed and the sea choppier. In this case, simply move over to the Platja de Llevant side to find a calmer and more sheltered stretch of water.

Tip: a short walk of just a few minutes is all it takes to switch from one side to the other and choose the calmest sea of the day.

Beachfront restaurants: where to eat in Ses Illetes

Along the shore, you will find some of Formentera’s most renowned restaurants. Due to the high number of visitors, it is strongly recommended to book well in advance.

Here are the top places to eat, listed from the park entrance towards the tip of the peninsula:

• Tiburón: located just past the park entrance, this is a trendy and vibrant chiringuito, perfect for those seeking excellent cocktails and an international atmosphere.
• Es Molí de Sal: housed in an ancient salt mill, it stands out for its magnificent sea-view terrace. Unlike other venues located directly on the sand, it offers an elevated position and is the only restaurant in the area open for dinner. It is also the perfect spot for a refined sunset aperitif.
• El Pirata: a historic institution in Ses Illetes. It is the ideal place to enjoy excellent fresh fish or a traditional paella with your feet directly in the sand.
• Juan y Andrea: world-famous and easily recognizable by its tall palm trees, the restaurant’s signature symbol. With its white tables on the beach, it is the favorite destination for those arriving at Illetes by boat looking for an exclusive experience.
• Es Ministre: situated at the narrowest point of the peninsula, it offers traditional local cuisine and serves as the last refreshment point before venturing toward the wilder end of the island.

Towards the tip of Es Trucadors: between freedom and nature

Ses Illetes is a beach that invites a sense of freedom. Naturism is a historic, deeply rooted, and respected practice here, becoming more common as you move away from the crowded spots and head north along the sandbar.

The sand tongue Es Trucadors

A crucial point concerns the island of  Espalmdor, which is clearly visible from the end of the beach. Although it looks close, crossing the strait on foot or by swimming is strictly prohibited today. The currents in the “Es Pas” channel are extremely strong and unpredictable, making the crossing dangerous even for the most experienced swimmers. The only safe way to visit this pristine paradise is via organized catamaran tours.

Whether you choose to spend your entire holiday staying in one of our apartments in Formentera or you are just visiting for the day, Ses Illetes will leave you with an unforgettable memory. While this area is the most iconic, the island hides many other natural treasures: we recommend discovering all the beaches of Formentera to find the coastline that best suits your taste.