The 9 Best Formentera Beaches

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A stone's throw from its big sister, Ibiza, on the edge of the Balearic Islands is Formentera. This beautiful little island has a reputation for being one of the most laid back spots in the Mediterranean and this goes back to the swinging Sixties when it was something of a hippy hotspot. They were drawn here by the sunshine, natural beauty and perhaps most of all the stunning beaches.

The same unspoilt allure remains, but the guest list has changed a little over the years. These days the island is as much the haunt of the well-heeled and there are plenty of sheltered bays to park your yacht.

The beaches themselves are quite gorgeous; sparkling white sand and crystal clear azure waters to rival the Caribbean are the norm on Formentera. And there is variety – from tiny coves where local fishermen still launch their boats to wide stretches of sand where you can chill out at the beach bar and relax on a lounger.

  • 1. Cala Saona

    Cala Saona
    Great for:
    • Swimming

    Small but perfectly formed Formentera is known for its superb beaches and being a relaxing getaway from its noisy neighbour Ibiza.

    The beach of Cala Saona sits within a small bay surrounded by red rocks where the soft white sands are gently lapped by the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. It is very much a haven for peace and relaxation, although there are a few beachside restaurants.

    read more »
  • 2. Playa de Ses Illetes

    Playa de Ses Illetes
    © Tono Balaguer / 123RF
    Great for:
    • Swimming

    Located just a stones throw away from the party island of Ibiza is the small island of Formentera. Despite its proximity Formentera can only be reached by boat and feels like a different world. There are several beautiful beaches around this unspoilt island but the Playa de Ses Illetes is the best of the bunch with its fine white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters.

    The beaches name comes from… read more »

  • 3. Playa de Llevant

    Playa de Llevant
    diluvi.com Anna i Adria
    Great for:
    • Kitesurfing

    Towards the north of Formentera the land narrows into the Trucador peninsula. On the eastern coast, before you reach Ses Illetes, is the wide sandy Playa de Llevant.

    This beautiful stretch of white sand and clear blue sea has something of a wild feel. Sections of the beach are divided up into little "mini bays" by rocky outcrops which give a little bit of privacy. It is probably for… read more »

  • 4. Caló des Mort

    Caló des Mort
    © jimmy di lorenzo
    Great for:
    • Snorkeling
    • Swimming

    The tiny yet idyllic cove of Caló des Mort is situated at the eastern end of Playa de Migjorn. A picture perfect semi-circular cove backed by steep rocky cliffs this is one of Formentera's worst-kept secrets.

    Besides its diminutive size and rocky backdrop, what gives Caló des Mort its special feel is the colour of the water. It is almost as if somebody has turned the saturation up with every… read more »

  • 5. Platja d'es Pujols

    Platja d'es Pujols
    Ireireire
    Great for:
    • Snorkeling
    • Swimming

    Es Pujols is home to Formentera's only resort and is probably the most developed part of the island. That said, despite there being no shortage of activities and facilities here it still retains much of its charm.

    There is a certain degree of laid-back elegance to Es Pujols and it has there are still a few reminders that this was once a small fishing village. Walk along the beach and… read more »

  • 6. Platja de Migjorn

    Platja de Migjorn
    © lunamarina
    Great for:
    • Swimming

    Platja de Migjorn is the longest beach on Formentera, stretching along much of the island's south coast. Strictly speaking this isn't really one beach but a string of sandy coves, most of which are only separated by a few rocks. Each of these has its own character and charms, with some being more popular than others.

    Migjorn stretches for nearly 6 km between Cap de Barbaria and Far de la Mola.… read more »

  • 7. Playa de Espalmador

    Playa de Espalmador
    Vicenç Riullop
    Great for:
    • Snorkeling

    The little island of Espalmador sits off the northern end of Formentera, just across from Ses Illetes and Llevant beaches. To some extent it is like a mirror of these beaches with the same crystal-clear shallow turquoise water and expanse of fine white sand.

    Espalmador is one of the most pristine beaches in all the Balearic Islands. The whole island, along with the northern tip of Formentera, is a… read more »

  • 8. Cala en Baster

    Cala en Baster
    © lunamarina
    Great for:
    • Snorkeling
    • Swimming

    Cala en Baster isn't your archetypal Balearic holiday beach. You won't find sun loungers, beach bars or even expanses of golden sand. But what this little cove may lack in this department it makes up for by being an interesting and picturesque spot to spend some time.

    Set in a horseshoe-shaped bay the rugged ochre cliffs contrast with the clear turquoise waters. This is a place to explore and among the… read more »

  • 9. Ses Platgetes

    Ses Platgetes
    Vicenç Riullop
    Great for:
    • Snorkeling
    • Swimming
    read more »