Formentera has beaches along almost its entire coastline, and the island's official tourism website lists sixteen beaches, coves and swimming spots. The best known are Ses Illetes and Llevant, on the northern peninsula; the longest is Migjorn, about five kilometres along the south coast; and there are small coves such as Cala Saona, Caló des Mort and Cala en Baster. When choosing, distance matters less than you'd think (you can cross the island in just over half an hour). What really counts is the wind that day, how many people you're happy to share the sand with, and whether you have kids with you.
Here they all are, grouped by area, with what you need to know about each one and where we go ourselves from our house in La Mola.
Before you choose: wind and timing
In Formentera the same beach can be calm as a pool one day and wavy the next. The practical rule is simple: with a north wind (the tramontana), head for the south coast, Migjorn, which is also usually sheltered from the prevailing summer winds.
When there's wind or waves at Migjorn, we go to Llevant or Ses Platgetes. And on the way down from La Mola we have a habit: we stop at El Mirador, halfway down, because from there you can see both coasts and tell which one is calmer.
The other variable is timing: in July and August you need to be at Ses Illetes by 10am at the latest, and at the small coves even earlier.
The south coast: Migjorn and its coves
Migjorn
The longest beach on the island, about five kilometres of sand and rock along the whole south coast. It isn't one continuous beach but a series of stretches, each with its own name: from west to east, Mal Pas, Es Ca Marí, Es Racó Fondo, Es Còdol Foradat, Es Valencians, Es Arenals and Es Copinar. You reach it via the many turn-offs heading south from the main road, past Sant Ferran towards La Mola, and there are beach bars and restaurants all along it.
With shallow sandy bottoms in several stretches, it's the most reliable choice for families.
It's our go-to beach. We usually get in at km 14.5 (the Hotel La Mola entrance), at km 11 (where the old Pirata Bus used to be, our favourite stretch) or at km 7.9. And we love the Es Copinar area. For lunch or dinner right on the beach we have two regulars, always booked ahead: Vogamarí, around km 9.5, with amazing paella and fish, and Blue Bar, at km 7.9, our favourite spot for a drink (it can get busy in July and August).
Es Arenals
One of the stretches of Migjorn closest to La Mola and the easiest with children: fine sand, shallow water for many metres, facilities and easy access from the road. The downside is that in July and August it's one of the busiest. If you want some calm, go early or late in the day, or walk a little along the shore.
Caló des Mort
A small cove at the eastern end of Migjorn, with very little sand, turquoise water and old boat huts. It's stunning, and from the Es Copinar area it's a walk of about 400 to 500 metres. The problem is space: there's almost never room, so it's only worth it if you get there really early, at 7 or 8 in the morning.
The best plan is to leave the car near Es Copinar restaurant and walk from there. Also, in the 2026 season parking next to the cove wasn't allowed between 15 May and 15 October (you could only stop to drop people off).
The north coast: Es Caló and Ses Platgetes
Es Caló de Sant Agustí
More a tiny natural fishing harbour than a beach, with boats pulled up on wooden slipways. Calm water when there's no tramontana, and fish restaurants right next to it.
Ses Platgetes
Three small sandy beaches separated by rocks, just west of Es Caló. It's one of our favourites and a good alternative when Migjorn isn't cooperating. Leave the car in the Es Caló car park and walk along the wooden boardwalk. There are no beach bars, but the restaurants in Es Caló are a couple of minutes away. The catch: with a strong tramontana the sea gets rough.
Cala en Baster
A rocky cove with no sand or facilities, near Sant Ferran, with boat huts carved into the rock by fishermen. Very clear water for snorkelling, but the way down is over rocks: wear sturdy shoes and bring water and shade. Not a good choice with an easterly wind.
The north: Ses Illetes, Llevant and the natural park
This whole area lies within the Ses Salines Natural Park of Ibiza and Formentera, and it's the image of Formentera you see in every photo.
Ses Illetes
The most famous and, for many, the most beautiful: white sand, shallow, calm turquoise water and a few islets just offshore. It's more than 450 metres long, with restaurants nearby. It's also the busiest, so with kids we recommend going first thing; we usually park near El Pirata restaurant. And to end the day, El Tiburón, at the entrance to Illetes, has good music, cocktails and the sunset; you can have dinner too, with a reservation.
Entering by car or motorbike costs money in high season. In 2026, between 10 May and 15 October, parking for non-residents cost between 5 and 7 euros by car and between 3 and 5 euros by motorbike, depending on the fortnight (the most expensive period was 16 July to 31 August). On foot, by bike or in an electric vehicle, entry is free. Prices are updated every season, so it's worth checking before you go.
Platja de Llevant
On the east side of the same peninsula, facing Ses Illetes (at some points they're only about fifty metres apart). Almost one and a half kilometres of white sand, dunes with boardwalks and fewer people than Illetes. It's our choice when there's wind or waves at Migjorn. This is where you'll find Tanga restaurant, one of our favourites on the island: the paella, fish and seafood are first-rate. Booking is a must.
Es Trucadors
The strip of sand that continues north from Ses Illetes towards s'Espalmador, with water on both sides. Lovely for a walk, but with strong currents, and the official tourism website points out that crossing on foot is forbidden. If you fancy s'Espalmador, go by boat: we cover it in our post on boat trips and boat rental in Formentera.
Cavall d'en Borràs
The first beach as you enter the natural park, facing northwest, with fine sand, shallow water and juniper trees behind. Less crowded than Ses Illetes and a good place to watch the sunset with Es Vedrà in the distance, off the coast of Ibiza.
Around Es Pujols
Es Pujols
The beach of the island's most touristy village: about 700 metres of white sand with rocky patches and boat huts, with the promenade, restaurants and little shops right behind. Even so, the beach itself is usually relaxed, and we go there a lot with our daughters (the waffles on the promenade are a must). It's also a place with history for us: it's the beach Javi's parents used to take him to as a child.
Sa Roqueta and Ses Canyes
Two small beaches a few minutes from Es Pujols, and much quieter. Sa Roqueta, with fine sand and shallow water, has few facilities and limited parking. Ses Canyes mixes sand, rock and posidonia seagrass, with calm water that's good for snorkelling and for small children; bring water, shade and shoes for the rocks.
The west: Cala Saona and the La Savina area
Cala Saona
The only sandy beach among the cliffs of the southwest: about 140 metres long, with turquoise water and a sandy bottom. It's one of the most popular on the island and one of the best places to watch the sunset. There's a large car park at the end of the road, a few steps from the sand; we usually park behind the beach bar, which is quieter.
Estany des Peix
A lagoon next to La Savina with shallow little coves (it's no deeper than three metres) and water warmer than the sea, nice for an afternoon with small children.
The natural pools of the old quarries
Old sandstone (marès) quarries next to La Savina, filled with clear water: lovely for snorkelling, but with rocky access, so not ideal for small children.
Which beach to choose, depending on what you want
- With kids: Es Arenals, Es Pujols, Ses Illetes first thing in the morning, Estany des Peix and Ses Canyes. You'll find more ideas in Formentera with kids.
- For peace and quiet: Ses Platgetes, Sa Roqueta, Ses Canyes and the lesser-known stretches of Migjorn.
- If there's a tramontana: Migjorn.
- If there's wind or waves at Migjorn: Llevant or Ses Platgetes.
- For sunset: Cala Saona, Cavall d'en Borràs and El Tiburón, in Illetes.
- For snorkelling: Ses Platgetes, Cala en Baster, Ses Canyes and the old quarries.
From La Mola: the practical side
From our house, Es Caló and Migjorn are about 10 minutes away by car, while Ses Illetes and Cala Saona are at the other end of the island. To get between beaches you'll realistically need a car or a scooter; we explain why in do you need a car in Formentera if you're staying in La Mola?. If you're only after the nearest, quietest beaches, the details are in quiet beaches near El Pilar de la Mola. And for the rest of the island, have a look at our guide to Formentera island.
At our house we leave bikes and beach gear for our guests, so there's no need to pack it all in your suitcase, and the outdoor shower comes in handy for rinsing off the salt when you get back. If you'd like to explore these beaches from here, you can check availability.
FAQ
What is the most beautiful beach in Formentera?
Ses Illetes is the most famous: white sand, turquoise water and, according to the official tourism website, more than once ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world. It's also the busiest, so it's best to arrive early, by 10am at the latest.
Do you have to pay to go to Ses Illetes?
Only if you drive in by car or motorbike during the season (in 2026, from 10 May to 15 October), unless you're a resident. That year it was 5 to 7 euros by car and 3 to 5 euros by motorbike. On foot, by bike or in an electric vehicle it's free.
Which beach should I choose if it's windy?
With a tramontana (north wind), Migjorn, on the south coast. If there's wind or waves at Migjorn, Llevant or Ses Platgetes.
What is the best beach in Formentera for kids?
Es Arenals, in Migjorn, for its fine sand, shallow water and facilities. We also go to Es Pujols a lot with our daughters, and to Ses Illetes first thing in the morning.
