Formentera is undoubtedly one of the world's most beautiful holiday hotspots. A visit to the island by sea is packed full of interesting wonders and picturesque sights.
There's the majestic walled citadel, Dalt Vila from Ibiza Town, the shallows of Espalmador and even wild dolphins.
Here are some of the best things to look out for on a boat trip to Formentera.
If you are going to the island itself, you'll need to get around, so try Proauto for top quality car hire or if you fancy going on two wheels, go for Moto Rent Pujols - even electric bikes are available.
From Ibiza and around
Dalt Vila
In the port, Dalt Vila overlooks the entirety of Ibiza Town. It's a symbol of the island and when you pass it by boat, you can enjoy a different view of the old cathedral, the hilltop palacios and houses and the cliff face, where the waves crash against the weathered rocks that support its towering Renaissance walls.
The Botafoch lighthouse is another emblem of Ibiza. It sits at the end of the port, which makes it a distinct marking point for when you've left the harbour and reached the open water.
With a substantial stretch of sea ahead, you may be lucky enough to spot some of the Mediterranean's most fascinating wild treasures. It's not uncommon to have a pod of dolphins to hitcha ride in your wake whilst on route to Formentera, so don't forget to take a pair of binoculars.
On the way there
Torre de Sal Rossa and Playa d'en Bossa
Once you've increased the knots and left Ibiza Town, listen out for the sounds coming from clubbing hotspot Playa d'en Bossa. The long beach is famed for its variety. Here clubbers, families and couples enjoy the many seafront bars and restaurants.
This is a good opportunity to scout your next potential beach day. Es Cavallet and Las Salinas beaches are only a short trip away from Playa d'en Bossa. On passing, you can take a look at the golden sands and clear water for yourself, as well as some 16th-century watch towers which were used to keep a lookout for pirates.
You can even catch a glimpse of Es Vedra on the other side of the island. It is a bit of a detour - should you want to see it up close - but it's still an amazing sight from afar and definitely something you should keep an eye out for as you edge closer to Formentera.
Formentera
Playa Illetes and Espalmador
After a short journey full of the amazing sights Ibiza has to offer, it's now Formentera's turn to show off its paradisiacal delights.
First you'll reach the islet of Espalmador where, in low tide and calm conditions, it's actually possible to wade through the water and reach one of the first main beaches of the island, Playa Illetes on foot. This part of the Balearics is a super-yacht magnet. Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio and Formula 1 speedster Lewis Hamilton have been spotted here before, as well as many other famous faces.
Officially, Playa Illetes is where Formentera begins in the north, meaning it's the first beach you can reach coming from the south of Ibiza. This really is the gold standard of beaches. A warning though, its crystal water and snow-white sand will leave you in a severe state of bliss. Once you relax here, it can be hard to move.
Cap de Barbaria
A little further south along the coast, you will find the last of the popular yacht anchorages at Cala Saona, before you start to hit the towering cliffs of Cap de Barbaria. An inspiring moment is rounding the cape, the most southerly point of the Balearic archipelago, and waving to the assembled visitors at the famous lighthouse above.
Playa Migjorn
Next, the vast expanse of Playa Migjorn, one of the longest, unspoilt, beaches in the Balearics, opens out in front of you. Around 5 km in length, this beautiful stretch of golden sand and shallow water is populated by many small restaurants, beach chiringuitos and naturists looking for that all over tan.
Playa Es Caló
Depending on the wind direction of the day, it is prudent to head to the leeward side of the island. Behind Migjorn is a narrow peninsula with small beaches and coves to the north, which are very calm and sheltered when the wind is from the south or west. The beach of Playa Es Caló, with its grassy dunes, is arguably the prettiest in Ibiza and Formentera and the resort of Es Pujols is truly one of the jewels of the Mediterranean.
Es Pujols
A trip to Formentera is not too long and lots of fun. You wouldn't want to sleep on this commute! Even seeing Ibiza's vast coastline from a different perspective can be thrilling. All you need is a boat.
If you want to experience the Formentera journey for yourself, check out our boat charter options to do it in style or for a great value crossing over to visit the island, check out the terrific value Aquabus.
