Pirata Bus Formentera: what it was and what’s there now
For decades the Pirata Bus was one of Formentera’s best-known beach bars. It stood on Migjorn beach, at the western end of es Arenals, and was famous for its laid-back vibe, its music and its sunsets. If you’re looking for it, you should know that the Pirata Bus no longer exists: since August 2024 another beach bar, the KM11, has taken its place.
What was the Pirata Bus?
The Pirata Bus was one of the oldest beach bars in Formentera. It opened in the seventies, at the height of the hippie era, in a vehicle converted into a bar, which is where its name comes from. Over the years it became a Migjorn beach classic and a meeting point for watching the sun go down to music.
Why did the Pirata Bus close?
In 2024 Formentera’s beach kiosks were put out to tender, and almost none of the previous operators managed to renew their concessions. Several of the island’s historic beach bars, the Pirata Bus among them, disappeared with that change.
What’s on the Pirata Bus site now?
The KM11 beach bar now operates on the same spot. It’s a small wooden hut, inspired by the fishermen’s huts along Formentera’s coast, perched on a small rocky mound at the western end of es Arenals. It’s still a good place for a drink by the sea after a day on the beach. Opening times vary with the season, so check them before you go.
How to get to Migjorn beach
Migjorn is Formentera’s longest beach, with around 5 kilometres of south coast. It’s a string of sandy and rocky coves, such as es Ca Marí, es Arenals and es Copinar, with shallow water that is usually sheltered from the prevailing summer winds. To get there, take one of the turn-offs heading south from the main road, past Sant Ferran, in the direction of la Mola. By bike, green route 23 links es Carnatge with es Arenals.
Another option is to see it from the sea. With boat hire in Formentera you can cruise along the south coast and swim off its coves. Remember that from 1 October 2026 you need a boating qualification to skipper a hire boat (at the very least, the licencia de navegación, which only allows daytime sailing); if you don’t have one, you can go out with a skipper. And always anchor on sand: in the Balearic Islands it is forbidden to anchor on Posidonia.
