Migjorn is Formentera's longest beach, around five kilometres along the south coast, and you don't experience it as one beach but as a string of stretches, each with its own name. The best known for swimming are Es Arenals and Es Copinar, at the eastern end, closest to La Mola, and Es Ca Marí, further west. The practical way to choose is to think in kilometres along the main road: each turn-off to the south leads to a different stretch, and changing your entrance means changing beach.
It's our go-to beach, and this is how we use it.
What Migjorn is like
Migjorn is a succession of coves, with sandy stretches and rocky stretches. From west to east: Mal Pas, Es Ca Marí, Es Racó Fondo, Es Còdol Foradat, Es Valencians, Es Arenals and Es Copinar. For easy swimming, the best are the ones where the sandy bottom runs into the sea, like Es Ca Marí, Es Arenals and Es Copinar; other stretches are rockier.
Three things make it special:
- It's usually sheltered from the prevailing summer winds, which is why it's the most reliable option when the tramontana (north wind) is blowing.
- Shallow water over sand along much of the beach, which makes it great for families.
- It changes from year to year. Winter currents move the sand, and some patches of beach appear or disappear depending on the season.
And one more: here you watch the sun set over the sea all along the beach. Whatever stretch you choose, stay until late afternoon.
How to get there: by kilometre
You get in via the many turn-offs heading south from the main road, past Sant Ferran towards La Mola. From our house in El Pilar de la Mola, Migjorn is about ten minutes' drive, down from the plateau.
We usually use three entrances:
Km 14.5: the Es Copinar area
This is the entrance next to the Riu La Mola hotel (now Riu Palace La Mola), at the eastern end of the beach and the closest to La Mola. From here you're in the Es Copinar area, which we love: sand, clear water and an easy bottom for swimming.
Km 11: our favourite stretch
Where the Pirata Bus stood for years. It's the stretch we come back to most: sand, clear water and plenty of space to be at peace even in summer, if you walk a little from the access path.
Km 7.9: the Blue Bar area
From here we have two plans. One is to stay at the Blue Bar itself for a good meal or even live music (more often in winter). The other is to walk west, towards what used to be the Lucky kiosk (now called [A]mar).
When we go with our girls, we usually head to Es Arenals. Here's why.
Es Arenals: the easiest with kids
Es Arenals is the stretch of Migjorn with the most facilities and one of the closest to La Mola. Fine, pale sand, dunes all around and turquoise water so shallow you can stand a long way from the shore. It has lifeguards, sunbeds and kayaks for hire, restaurants, easy access from the La Mola road and free parking.
For small children it's probably the easiest beach in the area. The downside: it's also one of the busiest stretches, especially in July and August. If you want calm, go first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon, or walk along the shore: on Migjorn people spread out quickly.
Caló des Mort, at the very end
At the eastern end of Migjorn, some 400 to 500 metres on foot from the Es Copinar area, is Caló des Mort: a tiny cove with turquoise water, boat huts and walls of marès (the island's sandstone). It's stunning, but there's almost never any room. It's only worth it if you arrive very early, at 7 or 8 in the morning. The best thing is to leave the car near Es Copinar restaurant and walk from there; in the 2026 season, parking next to the cove was also banned between 15 May and 15 October.
A word of warning: be careful near the edge of the cliffs. They're fragile and can crumble.
Where to eat and drink on Migjorn
All along the beach there are restaurants and kiosks for every taste. These are ours (for the restaurants, always book):
- Vogamarí, around km 9.5: right on the beach, for lunch and dinner. The paella and fish are amazing.
- La Fragata: good paellas and seafood, with a view of the sea that's just as amazing.
- Blue Bar, at km 7.9: our favourite spot for a drink at the end of the day. You can book for dinner, and in July and August it can be full.
- Bartolito's kiosk: one of our favourites. The burger is a must.
What to see nearby
If you fancy something more than beach, there are two visits very close to Migjorn that fit nicely into a morning:
- Torre des Pi des Català, next to the beach: a watchtower built between 1762 and 1763 to warn of pirate attacks. It's the only tower on the island you can visit inside; check opening times at the tourist office before you go.
- Can Blai, the Roman fort, less than two kilometres away.
And if one day Migjorn has waves, Ses Platgetes and Es Caló are a few minutes away on the north coast. We cover them in quiet beaches near El Pilar de la Mola, and you'll find the rest of the island in all Formentera beaches.
Host tips
- On the way down from La Mola, stop at El Mirador. From there you can see both coasts and tell which one has fewer waves that day.
- Get up early in July and August, especially for Es Arenals and Caló des Mort.
- Stay for the sunset, whichever stretch you're on.
- Look after the posidonia (seagrass) and leave nothing on the sand.
From La Mola, in practice you need a car or a scooter for Migjorn: cycling down is easy, but cycling back up to the plateau in the heat is hard. We explain it in do you need a car in Formentera if you stay in La Mola?
At our house we leave bikes and beach gear for our guests, and after Migjorn the outdoor shower is perfect for rinsing off the salt before the pool. If you'd like this beach ten minutes away, you can check availability. And for everything else, have a look at our guide to Formentera island.
FAQ
How long is Migjorn beach?
Around five kilometres along the south coast. It's Formentera's longest beach and is made up of several named stretches, from Mal Pas to Es Copinar.
Which stretch of Migjorn is best for kids?
Es Arenals: fine sand, shallow water for many metres, lifeguards, facilities and free parking. On the other hand, it's busy in July and August; better first thing in the morning.
Is Migjorn a good option when it's windy?
With the tramontana (north wind), yes: it's the most sheltered coast. If the wind comes from the south and there are waves, Ses Platgetes or Llevant are better.
Where to watch the sunset on Migjorn?
From any stretch of the beach. The sun sets over the sea and you can see it all along Migjorn.
