Best beaches in Formentera

Located on the western side of Formentera Island, Cala Saona is characterised by shallow shores and calm crystal waters – perfect for families with little ones. Framed by towering pine trees and dramatic red cliffs, and dotted with wooden boat houses, this quaint seaside spot is certainly not short on charm. With a hotel of the same name, and quite a few cafes and restaurants in the area, Cala Saona is a great choice for those seeking an easy and comfortable Formentera holiday.

Out of all the beaches in Formentera, Ses Illetes is easily the most famous and is frequently ranked amongst the finest beaches in Europe. This stunning beach boasts 1.5 kilometres of pure golden sand and crisp glassy waters. Situated on a long sandy finger, stretching off the north coast of the island, the beach sparkles with pretty pink coral that peppers the sand. There’s not much development to speak of – only one or two restaurants serving fresh seafood (at an eye-watering price) – so you might want to BYO your own drinks and snacks. Ses Illetes Beach is known as Formentera Island’s “fashion beach”, but ironically, many of its visitors’ don nothing more than their birthday suits. For a classic Formentera holiday, Ses Illetes is popular with both day trippers from Ibiza and local families, alike.

With no less than 5 kilometres of pristine white sand, Migjorn is the longest beach in Formentera Ibiza and is located on the beautiful south coast. Dotted with intricate coves and rugged rocky patches, Migjorn hosts a number of seafood restaurants and beach bars that surprisingly show off a stunning sunset, despite its southern orientation. Migjorn has several access points and houses over 30 hotels and apartments of different comfort levels.

With an unmistakable casual vibe, and way more isolated than its northern counterparts, Migjorn is popular with those who prefer more privacy. Bob Dylan was known to frequent Migjorn regularly and his favourite haunt, Blue Bar, continues to be one of Migjorn’s most popular watering holes today.

Set in a tiny idyllic cove and against a backdrop of steep jagged cliffs, of all the beaches in Formentera, Calo des Mort is by far the most dramatic. Accessible only via a steep staircase and characterised by a charming lack of development (a dilapidated old beach house serves as a makeshift changing room), this little hidden gem is one of Formenta Ibiza’s best worst-kept secrets. Considerably unspoilt, its waters are a mesmerising turquoise blue, making it a popular spot for diving enthusiasts. Besides its stunning natural beauty, there’s not much else to speak of – but that’s just part of its irresistible charm.

Hugging the picturesque Ses Salines Natural Park, Platja de Llevant is just 1,500 metres long, but considerably wide, and is well worth a stroll through to admire Mother Nature’s most masterful work. Rocky headlands and soft sandy dunes abound giving this beach its unforgettable vistas.

There are a handful of kiosks and eateries in the area, and it can get quite busy during peak summer months. Regardless, those who visit this part of Formentera Island enjoy the isolation and privacy, making it popular for nudists. If you’re looking for a beautiful and relaxing gay beach, Formenta Island’s Platja De Llevant will not disappoint.