The Beaches of Formentera, Spain

Formentera is the aquamarine jewel in the heart of the Balearic Sea. A short sail across from the hedonistic island of Ibiza, it’s the White Isle’s more chilled, boho little sister. It’s where partygoers come to relax among the beautiful beaches during the day. As well as a whole host of glamorous seafood restaurants and trendy bars, the beaches of Formentera are simply stunning. The waters range from azure to aquamarine, and there’s plenty of white sand to sunbathe on. It’s a little slice of paradise in the Balearic Islands. From long stretches of sand to secluded coves, here’s my guide to the best beaches of Formentera.

Playa de Ses Illetes

One of the most famous and accessible beaches of Formentera, Playa de ses Illetes often tops European lists as one of the best beaches in the world. It’s just a short stretch from the port of La Savina, and you can easily cycle to Playa de Ses Illetes. There are chic beach bars and restaurants to cool off inside, as well as sunbeds and parasols to hire. Walk along the long stretch of sand to reach the quieter part of the beach, perfect for a relaxing place to sunbathe. It’s also a nudist beach towards this quieter end. Located along a narrow peninsula, you can swim the stunning clear waters along the beach and it’s excellent for snorkelling too. Illetes literally translates to ‘islets’, which you’ll see along the water. Reach the end and see if you can spot the neighbouring island of S’Espalmador.

Playa de Levante

Another of the best beaches of Formentera, Playa de Levante is the eastern and quieter side of the peninsula. It’s no less beautiful, however – with another long stretch of white sand beach. What you’ll find instead on Playa de Levante is quiet coves and rocky areas for a little more peace and privacy. This makes it a popular spot for nudist sunbathing with a little more discretion added by the neighbouring sand dunes. Another reason that Playa de Levante is a little quieter is because it can be windier – but it does mean you can watch the waves against the shore. It’s a great spot for some peaceful sunbathing near the ocean. You might even be able to spot the neighbouring island of Ibiza from the shore.

Playa Migjorn

The longest of the beaches of Formentera, Playa Migjorn is on the island’s southern coast. It’s another spectacular white sandy beach that stretches for over 5km. On this beach, you’ll find hidden coves, rocky patches, and gorgeous golden areas of beach. It’s a slightly busier beach on Formentera, but it does have some excellent chiringuitos. At these beach bars, you can pick up cold beers while relaxing in the sun. There are also some great restaurants that line Playa Migjorn, as well as chic beach clubs from Pelayo Chiringuito to Gecko Beach Club. Do note that Playa Migjorn has a boho, free vibe and it’s also clothing optional. Thanks to its beautiful clear waters, it’s also a great spot for snorkelling so don’t forget your equipment!

Caló des Mort

The beautiful cove of Caló des Mort is the final beach before the south side of Formentera simply becomes too rocky for sunbathing. Another of the best beaches of Formentera, it’s a small, scenic bay that isn’t overlooked. In fact, it’s steeped by sandy cliffs to allow for a private feel. Do bear in mind that there isn’t a great deal of sand, but instead you can stretch out on the flat rocks to sunbathe. The water is brilliantly transparent, and if you head out a little into the sea, you’ll discover gorgeous views that stretch across the Formentera coast. Caló des Mort does get busy in the summer, so try to get there early or later to dodge the crowds. As it’s secluded, there aren’t any restaurants or bars so bring your own drinks. It’s a perfect place for some snorkelling to watch colourful fish, before watching the sunset.

Es Pujols

Es Pujols is more of a party beach of Formentera. Head to this beach if you want to be near restaurants and bars, and to mingle with other people. It’s close to the residential district of Es Pujols, and so it’s perfect if you’re staying in one of the hotels nearby. As with most of the beaches of Formentera, the water is crystal clear and beautiful. This is caused by the sea depositing pink coral that blends with the white sand and beautiful aquamarine water. Es Pujols does get busy in the summer, but there’s plenty to do, with watersports and shopping within the area.

Cala Saona

A small beach at just over a hundred metres long, Cala Saona is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful beaches of Formentera. Although there are some other coves across the island, they are all much smaller in comparison to Cala Saona. The beach itself is particularly calm, making it perfect for families, with shallow sea and beautiful waters that’s great for snorkelling. For refreshments, there’s a nearby hotel, restaurants, and a chiringuito for food and drinks. The surrounding area of Cala Saona is beautiful and lined with pine trees. A key area to explore is the cliffs of Punta Rasa nearby an adorable stretch of wooden boat shacks. From the cliffs, you can enjoy incredible views across the area and catch the iconic Formentera sunsets.

Playa De S’Alga

At Formentera’s northern tip, you’ll find the tiny yet beautiful island of S’Espalmador. Although it is privately owned, it is currently still open to the public for a visit. If you fancy getting away from the crowds, Playa de S’Alga on the island is the place to come. You can catch a small boat across to S’Espalmador from Formentera, although do note that there are no services on the island. It’s all about the beaches here, and they’re mostly untouched. The sea is wonderfully calm, and you can spend your time spotting luxury yachts. Relax on the unspoilt beaches, and indulge in a little luxury on this incredible island near Formentera.

That’s my guide to the best beaches of Formentera. Which are your favourite beaches in the beautiful Balearic Islands?