S’Espalmador: what to see, how to get there and the rules

S’Espalmador is an unspoilt islet north of Formentera, with white-sand beaches and turquoise water. Here’s what it is, how to get there, what to do and which rules you need to follow during your visit.

What is s’Espalmador and where is it?

S’Espalmador is an islet around 3 kilometres long, lying just north of Formentera, opposite the tip of es Trucadors. It’s part of the ses Salines Natural Park of Ibiza and Formentera. It’s privately owned, but its beaches are public.

Its best-known beach is s’Alga, with fine white sand and turquoise water. There are no beach bars, hotels or any other facilities, and that’s precisely what makes it special. On the punta de sa Guardiola stands the tower of the same name, built in 1749–1750 to keep watch over es Freus and defend the coast against pirates and corsairs.

How to get to s’Espalmador

S’Espalmador can only be reached by sea: there are no scheduled ferries. Although from es Trucadors it looks close enough to touch, crossing on foot is prohibited, because the currents in the channel are strong.

The easiest way to go is with boat hire in Formentera. At Isla Azul we set off from the port of la Savina, with or without a skipper, so you can plan the day at your own pace. Remember that, since 1 October 2026, to hire a boat without a skipper you need at least the Licencia de Navegación (Spain’s basic boating licence), which allows you to sail during daylight hours and no more than 2 miles from a port or sheltered spot. If you don’t have it, you can hire the boat with a skipper.

Where to moor at s’Espalmador

In s’Alga bay there is a regulated mooring buoy field: where buoys are available, you must tie up to them. Anchoring on posidonia seagrass is prohibited throughout the Balearic Islands, so if you drop anchor, always do so on sand. Before setting off, check the sea conditions and the wind.

What to do on s’Espalmador

The best thing about s’Espalmador is how peaceful it is: swimming at s’Alga beach, sunbathing, snorkelling and taking in an almost untouched landscape, with views of Formentera and Ibiza.

Mud bathing is prohibited

For years, mud bathing in s’Espalmador’s lagoon was famous, but it is expressly prohibited under the Natural Park regulations. The lagoon is a breeding and resting area for waterbirds, and bathers erode the shore and damage the habitat. What’s more, the supposed benefits of the mud for your skin have never been proven. Please stay out of the lagoon.

Rules and tips for visiting s’Espalmador

• Bring everything you need (water, food, sun protection and shade) and take your rubbish back with you.
• Don’t walk on the dunes or the vegetation, and respect the signposted areas and the private property in the islet’s interior.
• Don’t swim or walk in the lagoon.
• Moor to the designated buoys or anchor on sand, never on posidonia.
• Don’t try to cross on foot from es Trucadors.

When to visit s’Espalmador

The swimming season runs from late spring to early autumn. In July and August there are lots of boats in s’Alga bay, so if you can, go first thing in the morning or in June and September. You can book your boat with Isla Azul at reservas.islazulformentera.com.