Getting around Formentera: a complete guide for visitors

Formentera is one of the Mediterranean’s natural gems, known for its beaches and landscapes. It’s small and almost flat, so getting around is easy, but it helps to know your options and the rules on vehicle access in summer. This guide tells you everything you need to know.

Car and scooter hire in Formentera

Hiring a car or a scooter gives you the freedom to see lots of places in a short time. As soon as you step off the ferry in la Savina, you’ll find several vehicle hire companies. Prices vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle, so compare offers and book ahead in summer.

If you want to bring your own vehicle from Ibiza or mainland Spain between 1 June and 30 September, you need prior authorisation from the Consell de Formentera, which you can apply for at formentera.eco. Outside those dates it isn’t required.

There are also two important restrictions to bear in mind:

• Ses Salines Natural Park (ses Illetes): in season, cars and scooters pay to enter and the number of spaces is limited. Access is free on foot, by bike, by electric vehicle or by bus.
• Cap de Barbaria lighthouse: from 15 May to 15 October, cars and scooters must stay in the car park before the barrier. You cover the rest of the way on foot or by bike.

Boat hire: the island from the sea

Boat hire in Formentera is a unique experience that lets you discover coves and beaches from a different perspective and reach places you can’t get to by land, such as the islet of s’Espalmador.

From 1 October 2026 you need a boating qualification to hire a boat, however small. With the Licencia de Navegación (Spain’s basic boating licence), which you obtain through a short theory and practical course with no exam, you can skipper boats up to 6 metres, in daylight and no more than 2 miles from the coast. If you don’t have a qualification, the alternative is to go out with a skipper. And remember that in the Balearic Islands it is forbidden to anchor on posidonia seagrass.

Public transport: buses and taxis

Formentera has a bus network that runs all year round, with extra services in summer. The main lines leave from the port of la Savina:

• L1: Port – Es Pujols.
• L2: Port – El Pilar de la Mola.
• L3: tourist circuit to ses Illetes beach.
• L5: bus to Cala Saona.
• L7: Es Pujols – ses Illetes.

Check current timetables and fares on the operator’s website, busformentera.com, as they change with the season.

Taxis are a pricier but convenient option, especially if you have luggage or are travelling in a group. There are taxi ranks at the port of la Savina and in all the villages, and you can also call Radio Taxi Formentera (971 32 23 42). In high season it’s best to book in advance to avoid waiting.

Bike and scooter hire

Getting around by bike or scooter is very popular in Formentera: the island is small and almost flat, and distances are easy to cover on two wheels. There are hire shops in la Savina and the main villages, including electric bikes for anyone who prefers a more relaxed ride.

For peaceful cycling, make the most of the green routes: signposted paths with almost no traffic that link the villages, beaches and lighthouses.

Walking and hiking in Formentera

Formentera is a paradise for walkers. The island has 32 signposted green routes covering the whole island, from coastal walks to inland trails through fields and pine woods. Some of the highlights:

• La Savina – ses Illetes (3.3 km): to the most famous beach on the island.
• Sant Francesc – ses Bardetes – Far de Barbaria (9.6 km): to the Cap de Barbaria lighthouse.
• Sant Ferran – Cala en Baster – Migjorn (4.2 km): from the north coast to Migjorn beach.
• Camí de sa Pujada (no. 25, 4 km): the old path climbing from es Caló to El Pilar de la Mola, with spectacular views.

Hiking in Formentera offers not only stunning sea views but also hidden, less touristy corners. And walking is a great way to keep fit while you enjoy your surroundings.