You can only reach Formentera by boat: the island has no airport. The usual route is to fly to Ibiza, go to Ibiza port and take a ferry to La Savina, Formentera's port, a crossing of about 30 minutes with frequent departures all year round. From La Savina to El Pilar de la Mola it's about 25 minutes by car, crossing the island from end to end. In season there are also direct boats from mainland Spain.
This is the explanation we give every guest coming to our house for the first time. Here it is step by step, with what's worth knowing so your travel day goes smoothly.
Step 1: getting to Ibiza
Most people fly into Ibiza airport and from there head to the port, which is in Ibiza town. For that leg there are several options:
- Bus. It works very well. Aena states that the AERO3 line (Ibiza-Airport Express) links the airport with Ibiza town; timetables are on the Alsa Ibiza website.
- Taxi. The most comfortable option if you're travelling with children or lots of luggage.
- Hire car from Ibiza. Only makes sense if you want to take the car over to Formentera on the ferry (more on that below).
A practical tip: don't cut the connection between flight and boat too fine. Ferries leave often, so it's better not to buy a ticket for a tight departure and just catch the next one calmly.
Step 2: the ferry from Ibiza to La Savina
The boat leaves Ibiza port and arrives at La Savina, Formentera's port. According to the island's official tourism website, the crossing takes about 30 minutes and there are frequent departures all year round. Baleària, one of the ferry companies on the route, mentions departures every 30 to 60 minutes depending on the time of year, and almost 30 daily departures in summer.
There are two types of boat:
- Fast passenger ferries, for travelling without a vehicle. This is the simplest option.
- Vehicle ferries, if you want to bring a car, scooter or bikes from Ibiza.
If you're travelling without a car, you can buy your ticket at the port before boarding, although buying online in advance can get you better deals. If you're bringing a car in high season, book ahead to secure your place. Timetables change with the season, so check them on the ferry company's website before you travel.
By boat from mainland Spain, with your own car
Many people come straight by boat from the mainland, boarding with their car in Dénia or Barcelona. It's a very good option: you arrive with your own car to get around the island and you can bring everything you want, from the children's things to a good ham and a few bottles of wine.
Formentera's official tourism website states that in high season there is a direct connection with the mainland, and Baleària has routes to Formentera from Dénia and from Barcelona. Check dates and timetables with the ferry company, as they don't run the same way all year. With a car, especially in summer, book your place well ahead, and don't forget the vehicle authorisation if you're coming between June and September (we explain it below).
From Mallorca
You can also come by boat from Mallorca. The ferry usually stops in Ibiza, so the whole trip takes about 4 hours, but it's a very comfortable journey, especially if you're bringing your car.
Step 3: from La Savina to El Pilar de la Mola
Once you're off the boat, the nicest part of the journey begins. La Mola is at the eastern end of the island, on top of a plateau, so from La Savina you cross the whole of Formentera along the main road and climb up to La Mola at the end. By car it's about 25 minutes, according to Google Maps.
Car, scooter or bus?
We'll be straight with you: if you're staying in La Mola, in practice you need a car or a scooter. The nearest beaches, at Es Caló and Migjorn, are about 10 minutes away by car, and for shopping, dinners out or seeing other parts of the island you'll want to get around at your own pace.
- Hire on Formentera. The most convenient option is usually to hire a car or scooter on the island itself and pick it up in La Savina when you arrive. In summer it's best to book before your trip.
- Bring your own car. From the mainland (Dénia or Barcelona) or from Ibiza, on the ferries that take vehicles. Bear in mind the vehicle regulations (explained just below). Baleària also states that if your vehicle isn't registered in Formentera or Ibiza, you must book a return trip.
- Bus. The island has public buses, and the official tourism website recommends them for longer journeys such as the climb up to La Mola. It's useful for getting here or for the odd day, but for a week in La Mola it falls short.
- Bike. Formentera is almost flat and great for cycling, with one exception: the climb up to La Mola. For everyday use, a bike is perfect for getting around the plateau; for going down to the beach and back, an engine is better.
We usually recommend Proauto to our guests, although any of the hire companies in La Savina works well.
If you're bringing your car in summer
From 1 June to 30 September, Formentera limits the number of vehicles on the island. Cars and motorbikes from outside need prior authorisation, which you apply for on the Consell de Formentera's official portal, https://formentera.eco, and there's a daily cap on visitors' vehicles. If you plan to bring yours, apply for the authorisation in good time, before buying your ferry ticket. Conditions and fees change from year to year, so check them on the official portal.
What we do to make your arrival easy
When you arrive at the house, we're there waiting for you. We hand you the keys, show you around the house and the outdoor areas, and tell you what you need to start your holiday without a worry.
Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is at 11:00, so ideally plan your boats around those times and take a ferry with some margin so you're not in a rush.
Our house, Can Javi de Palma, is about 800 metres from the village of El Pilar de la Mola: 2 minutes by car to the village and 5 to the lighthouse. If you'd like to find it on the map before booking, our location page has more detail.
One last tip: your first sunset
If you arrive in the late afternoon, don't unpack straight away. La Mola lighthouse is five minutes from the house and it's the best place to understand where you've landed: cliffs, open sea and, here, time moving more slowly. We tell you about it in our post about La Mola lighthouse. And if you're still choosing an area, our post on where to stay in Formentera for peace and quiet may help.
If you already have dates in mind, you can check availability here.
And to start thinking about what to do once you're here, our page about Formentera island shares the corners we love most.
FAQ
Is there an airport in Formentera?
No. Formentera has no airport: you fly to Ibiza and from Ibiza port take a ferry to La Savina, a crossing of about 30 minutes.
How long is the ferry from Ibiza to Formentera?
About 30 minutes, from Ibiza port to La Savina. There are frequent departures all year round, more in summer. Without a car, you can buy your ticket at the port; with a car in high season, it's best to book ahead.
Can you get to Formentera by boat from mainland Spain or from Mallorca?
Yes. Many people come by boat with their car from Dénia or Barcelona; Baleària has routes from both ports. There are also boats from Mallorca, usually stopping in Ibiza (about 4 hours). Check dates with the ferry company and, in summer, apply for the car authorisation at https://formentera.eco.
How long does it take from La Savina to La Mola?
About 25 minutes by car, according to Google Maps. La Mola is at the other end of the island.
Do you need a car if you stay in La Mola?
In practice yes, or a scooter. The easiest option is to hire one on the island. If you bring your own vehicle between 1 June and 30 September, you need prior authorisation at https://formentera.eco.
