The perfect one-day trip to Formentera from Ibiza

The only way to reach the most unspoiled areas in the world is often by sea. Some of the best trips are to undiscovered islands, virgin beaches and natural landscapes that few people have visited. Travelling from Ibiza to Formentera is a wonderful example of this sort of trip because, since the latter doesn’t have an airport, the only way to get to this island is by boat an fewer tourists reach its shores.

How to get from Ibiza to Formentera

Fortunately, while a little off the beaten track, Formentera is far from impossible to reach. Several companies offer a variety of types of boats so you can get from Ibiza to Formentera in less than half an hour or you can spend a few on the sea enjoying the experience, the perfect day trip to Formentera.

Most people depart from the port of Ibiza since this is where fast boats depart and reach Formentera in 25-30 minutes for about €40 and €50. If Playa d'en Bossa or Santa Eulalia is closer to your hotel you may also take a day trip with these slower boats. These also tend to be cheaper tickets, with fares from €18 to €30. In the Summer (May - October), ferries leave twice every hour until midnight from Ibiza to Formentera, but outside of these months, you’ll simply need to check the schedules and leave the island a little earlier.

What to expect in Formentera

Approximately 19 km to the south of Ibiza you’ll find this Mediterranean island, which covers only 84 square kilometres, making it the smallest of the Balearic Islands. Formentera was in fact inhabited by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Visigoths arrived. Romans gave the island’s its name: Frumentaria because the island yielded large harvests of wheat.

However, it was in the 11th century when this population enjoyed a notable period of socioeconomic growth. The Arab conquest of Spain touched Formentera also, resulting in wells, residential buildings, tanks, and the beginning of another Balearic economy. With only 2000 inhabitants until the 70s, Formentera was a traditional economy for many years relying on fishing, cattle and the land. Today, tourism fuels Formentera’s wealth.

A day trip to Formentera is the perfect plan for the outdoorsy type. Water sports, hiking and active tourism are among the activities you can do in nature, though nowadays many visitors come simply for the island’s beaches. These stretches of sand are known for being tranquil albeit a little less during high season, but the major difference between Ibiza and Formentera is that the latter is less influenced by the party scene.

What to do in Formentera

Wondering what to visit in one day in Formentera? First of all, you’ll want to fill up on fuel! Formentera has a variety of eateries, restaurants and also bars that open all year round. To feed your mind, take in a little culture afterwards. Learn a little about the history of Formentera by visiting the megalithic site of Ca Na Costa, dating back to 1900 BC, well before the Phoenicians settled in Ibiza.

Once you’re ready to throw yourself headfirst into the activities available in this location. Enjoy Formentera’s landscapes such as Espalmador and Cala Saona by motorboat ride, on quads, rented motorcycles, or by boat. You can hire these services all over the island and they’ll allow you to discover the paradisiacal aspects of the Balearic Islands in just one day. If you have the time, enjoy leisurely walks and really take in the scenery. Formentera is almost completely devoid of hills, except for two headlands: Cap de Barbaria where it meets the Puig Guillem mountain and Mola, Sa Talaiassa so wonderful for walking.

Picturesque white sand beaches and completely clear waters explain the island’s attraction. Several small beaches and idyllic coves especially along the northern coast are best for escaping the busier parts of the Caribbean in summer. A catamaran trip to Illetas from Ibiza to Formentera or along Ibiza’s southeast coast, is the best option to skip the crows and visit the Illetas beach, considered one of the best beaches the Mediterranean has to offer.

After you’ve explored the whole island, along the southern coast, you’ll find some of the most stunning and public beaches in Formentera: among them the beach of S'Alga. You can quickly access this beautiful strip by private boat or regular ferries that leave from the port of La Savina and the beach of Es Ministre. The water looks very shallow but walking across is not advised, as the currents running between the two islands are strong enough to sweep an adult off their feet.

Whatever you decide to do on Formentera, don’t miss out on this beautiful corner of the Balearic islands.