Es Arenals, Formentera: what to see, where to eat and why to go

Es Arenals is one of Formentera’s most popular beaches. We tell you where it is, how to get there, what to do, where to eat and when to go.

Where is es Arenals?

Es Arenals is on Formentera’s south coast, on the eastern stretch of Migjorn beach, the longest on the island (around 5 km). From west to east, Migjorn is divided into areas with their own names: Mal Pas, es Ca Marí, es Racó Fondo, es Còdol Foradat, es Valencians, es Arenals and es Copinar. Es Arenals is one of the three most visited, along with es Ca Marí and es Copinar.

Es Arenals. Photo: Diego Astrada, CC BY-SA 3.0

What the beach is like

It is a sandy beach with a sandy seabed that stretches a long way out and shallow water. As Migjorn is usually sheltered from the prevailing summer winds, the water tends to be calm, which makes it very easy-going for families with children.

It is also one of Formentera’s beaches with a lifeguard service: in 2026 it ran from 1 May to 31 October, initially from 11 am to 5 pm.

What to do at es Arenals

• Swim and relax: the water is so clear that you can see the bottom several metres from the shore.
• Walk along the shoreline: you can stroll towards the other parts of Migjorn.
• Snorkelling: the seabed at es Arenals is sandy; for more marine life, look for the rocky areas of Migjorn. If you want to try scuba diving, Formentera Divers, in la Savina, is the island’s go-to dive centre.
• Watch the evening light: the beach faces south, but the late-afternoon light is beautiful, and Migjorn’s beach bars are a good place to enjoy it.
• Caló des Mort: just over a kilometre to the east lies this tiny cove beneath the cliffs, with boat slipways. Some access paths have been closed because of the risk of rockfalls, so follow the signs.

Where to eat in and around es Arenals

• Es Cupina: a fish and seafood restaurant, with paella and fideuà.
• Dunas de Formentera: the restaurant at this beachfront hotel works with seasonal produce and charcoal grilling, with advice from chef Gorka Txapartegi.
• Elsewhere in Migjorn: Sa Platgeta, serving traditional cooking since 1978, and Es Còdol Foradat, chef Nandu Jubany’s beach bar.

When to go

In July and August the beach can get very busy. If you can, go in June or September: the weather is still excellent and the atmosphere is calmer.

In the morning you will find more space and softer light; by mid-afternoon the atmosphere is livelier.

How to get there

It is easy to reach by car, motorbike or bike: take one of the turn-offs heading south from the main road, past Sant Ferran, towards la Mola. There is parking nearby, although it fills up quickly in summer. You can also walk there from other parts of the south coast.

Another highly recommended option is to arrive by sea. With boat hire in Formentera you can set off from la Savina and enjoy the beach from the water. Respect the buoyed-off swimming area, only anchor on sand (anchoring on posidonia is prohibited in the Balearics) and remember that the navigation licence only allows daytime sailing.

Is es Arenals worth visiting?

Yes, without a doubt. It is not a hidden cove or a wild beach, but it strikes a good balance between facilities and natural surroundings. It is comfortable, beautiful and versatile.

Ideal for spending the whole day without moving or as part of a route along the island’s south coast.