Formentera's beaches owe their clear water to the meadows of Posidonia, the protected seagrass that filters and oxygenates the sea. Almost the whole coast is free of large buildings.
The north: Ses Illetes and Llevant
- Ses Illetes: the most famous beach, on a narrow sandy spit stretching towards Ibiza in Ses Salines natural park, with shallow turquoise water and islets. Access by car and motorbike is charged to help protect the park.
- Llevant: on the other side of the same peninsula, wider and wilder, exposed to easterly winds.
- From the tip at Es Trucadors you can see the islet of Espalmador, reached by boat.
The south: Migjorn
Migjorn beach runs along almost the whole south coast for several kilometres between Es Ca Marí and Es Arenals: pale sand, dunes, beach bars and quiet stretches facing the open sea.
Other beaches
- Cala Saona, on the west coast, a sandy bay between red cliffs, famous for sunsets.
- Es Pujols, the beach of the main resort, with facilities.
- Es Caló de Sant Agustí, a small fishing harbour with wooden boat ramps and natural pools.
- Caló des Mort, a tiny cove at the eastern end of Migjorn.
- Cala en Baster, near Sant Ferran, among rocks and caves.
- Racó de sa Pujada, hidden below the cliffs of La Mola.
Tips
Many beaches are naturist or have naturist sections. Bring shade and water: facilities are few. Boats must anchor only on sand or use the eco-moorings, as anchoring on Posidonia is banned. Respect the dunes and marked paths. At midday in August Ses Illetes is very crowded: go early in the morning or late in the afternoon.