FormenteraBalearic Islands · Spain

All About Formentera

As the smallest and most southern of the Balearic Islands, Formentera lies in the Mediterranean Sea between Almeria and Barcelona. While close to mainland Spain, its historic isolation means the islanders have a culture and heritage all of their own and speak a dialect of the Catalan language, as well as Spanish and high levels of English.

Occupied since prehistoric times, Formentera has seen several empires come and go, from the Carthaginians and ancient Romans. Even the Norwegians have raided the island in centuries past. Each has left its own mark on the island, although most visitors to Formentera come to enjoy the simple pleasures of the great food, fine climate, and excellent beaches.

If that’s got you considering ferry tickets to Formentera, Ferryscanner is your simple solution. The Ferryscanner website helps travellers purchase cheap ferry tickets to Formentera (and beyond) with ease. Using your computer or mobile device, you have the opportunity to scroll between the various departures available before choosing the right one for you.
 

Routes and Ferries to Formentera

Formentera is accessible from both mainland Spain and the other islands of the Balearic chain. When it comes to mainland Spain, the main departure point to Formentera is the port city of Denia, which lies on the cape facing Formentera to the west. The sea journey is scheduled to last just two hours, with two sailings per day four times a week, averaging out at eight sailings to and from Formentera weekly. Operated by the ferry company named after the islands, Balearia, an adult passenger on foot can find ferry tickets to Formentera and vice versa that cost between €53 and €96. It’s also possible to bring onboard everything from a pedal bicycle to a caravan, at an additional cost.

Although you won’t be onboard Balearia’s ferries for very long, passengers are still treated to a good range of facilities. In addition to the option of admiring the views, the company’s ferries include places to eat and drink, shop, entertain the children and make use of the onboard internet.

If you’re already on the Balearic Islands, you don’t have to return to mainland Spain to reach Formentera. Instead, you can reach it from the neighboring island of Ibiza in only 30 minutes. These crossings are also operated by Balearia, which has crossings between the two islands approximately every half an hour throughout the day, every day of the week. An adult foot passenger is able to stroll on board one of these ferries with a ticket that costs between €18 and 25.50.
 

Ports of Formentera

The main port of Formentera is located on the island’s north coast on the fingers of land which wrap around the lake-like Estany Pudent. Situated among the houses of La Savina village, ferries generally dock on the outer side of the small harbor. The ferry terminal is just a couple of hundred meters from the nearest restaurants and hotels, while supermarkets, vehicle rental agencies, and a range of beaches are also all close by.

While it is small, the port is an essential transport link both for people and goods looking to reach Formentera and sees around one million people pass through it each year. In addition to the modern passenger terminal, there are also various smaller berths for private craft looking to explore everything the island has to offer.
 

Best Beaches

A significant part of the pleasure that comes in visiting laid-back Formentera is the island’s multitude of beaches. The summer months see a climate that means a trip to the beach is always a possibility, while these long expanses of white sand are suitable for everyone from adrenaline junkies seeking out their next adventure to couples looking for a romantic escape.

Platja de Ses Illetes

Voted the best beach in Europe by TripAdvisor users just a few years ago, we had to begin this list with Platja de Ses Illetes. Situated midway between the thin ribbon of land stretching due north, the shallows are ideal for a splash, while the water’s edge can have a pink tinge due to offshore corals.

Playa de Migjorn

On the opposite side of the island, you’ll find Playa de Migjorn located on Formentera’s south coast. At seven kilometers long, there’s always somewhere to lay your towel even on the busiest of summer days. What’s more, it hasn’t faced over-development, with just the right number of low-key bars to be advantageous rather than distracting.

De Llevant Beach

Reached via an attractive boardwalk, De Llevant Beach takes the form of a series of arching coves semi-separated by rocks. On the quietest days, this means you have your own private swimming pool. At other times, both sun loungers and towels spread out across the pristine sands.

Platja es Arenals

This beach remains a favorite with families because its sheltered position makes it great for a spot of swimming. Platja es Arenals is also a great place for water sports, with windsurfing and paddle boarding two of those which are on offer here.
 

Places to Visit

Formentera has been known as a beach escape since it was discovered by the hippy circuit in the 1960s. However, the island also has a few attractions worth visiting should you fancy shaking the sand from your sandals for a couple of hours.

Cana Costa Megalithic Site

To discover the earliest history of the island, there’s nowhere better to head in Formentera than Cana Costa Megalithic Site. Dated by experts to around 2000 BC, it’s possible to make out a burial chamber, as well as the form of structures thought to have been protective forts.

La Mola Moli Vel

One of the few remaining authentic windmills on the island, La Mola Moli Vel was first constructed in 1778. Visitors to this attraction not only get to imagine what life must have been like for islanders at this time but also see the windmill continue in its primary purpose – grinding grain to flour.

Sant Francesc Xavier Church

Glance at this grand box-like structure from the corner of your eye and it’s possible you’ll mistake it for a fortress rather than a church. There’s a good reason for this since it was built precisely for that reason. The only indication of its religious use on its exterior is the small bell that sits above the seriously thick walls.
 

Transportation Around Formentera

It’s hard to find a road on the island that isn’t paved, which makes moving from one place to another as simple as traveling in any city in Europe. Should you prefer your own mode of transportation, cars can be hired at the port. Mopeds and bicycles are a popular alternative, given the small size of the island, its relatively flat profile, and the presence of a number of cycle paths.

There are also two bus routes on the island, L1 and L2. Both depart from the port and head to all the main beaches. A single fare costs around €2, or you can get a day ticket for around €10. In addition, the island also has a dedicated tourist bus that runs on three different routes. Tickets cost €8-15 and can be purchased from inside the ferry terminal building on arrival on the island.