La Savina port, Formentera: what to see and how to get around from there
What to do when you arrive at la Savina port: how to get around Formentera, what to see in the village and where to start exploring the island by land or by sea.
La Savina, the gateway to Formentera
Formentera has no airport, so you always arrive by sea, and for almost every visitor la Savina is their first taste of the island. It is Formentera’s only gateway by sea: this is where the ferries that connect it with Ibiza all year round dock and, in season (from March), also the direct ferry from Dénia, on the Spanish mainland. Bear in mind that bad weather can disrupt some crossings, especially in winter.
Although many people see it simply as a place to pass through, la Savina has its own charm. Until the end of the 19th century, fishing boats took shelter in the Estany des Peix, and the ships that loaded salt from the salt pans anchored off the islet of la Savina. The oldest breakwater in the port dates from 1901, and today the port lives mainly from tourism.
The port of la Savina. Photo: Isla Azul Formentera
What to do in la Savina
- Stroll around the port: in summer there is a constant coming and going of people and boats, from yachts to hire boats.
- Have a drink by the sea: all along the port there are bars and restaurants where you can eat or have a drink while watching the boats come in.
- Visit the market: in season (in 2026, from 18 May to 30 September), la Savina street market is open every day.
- Watch the sunset: from the west side of the port, it is a perfect way to end the day or say goodbye to the island before you board. Next to the port you will also see the small la Savina lighthouse.
The port of la Savina. Photo: Isla Azul Formentera
How to get around Formentera from la Savina
As soon as you leave the port you will find several options to start your trip:
- Car, scooter and bike hire: there are several rental outlets just a few steps from where you disembark.
- Bike: the island is fairly flat and distances are short, so cycling is one of the best ways to get around. From la Savina, green route 1 takes you to ses Illetes through ses Salines Natural Park in 3.3 km.
- Bus: the L2 line links la Savina with Sant Francesc, Sant Ferran, es Pujols, es Caló and el Pilar de la Mola, and also runs in winter. In season there are additional lines to ses Illetes (L3) and Cala Saona (in 2025, the L5). Timetables change depending on the time of year, so check them beforehand.
- Boat: if you would rather explore from the sea, la Savina is the ideal starting point for boat hire in Formentera. With Isla Azul you can set off from here to the island’s coves or to s’Espalmador. You can book at reservas.islazulformentera.com.
If you are going to hire a boat, bear in mind that since 1 October 2026 you need at least the navigation licence to skipper it yourself (boats up to 6 metres, in daylight only and no more than 2 nautical miles from a port or sheltered spot). If you have no qualification, you can go out with a skipper.
Is it worth staying in la Savina?
Yes, if you want convenience and direct access to transport, rentals and water activities. It does not have a big beach, but it is very close to ses Salines Natural Park and ses Illetes, and right next to the Estany des Peix, a lagoon where the island’s boats have traditionally been moored.
What is more, if you are going to spend part of your holiday at sea, staying near the port saves you travelling back and forth.
A starting point with charm
Many people pass through la Savina without stopping. But if you take a moment to watch the comings and goings in the port, have a bite to eat by the water or wait for the sunset, you will discover that even the most practical place in Formentera has its quiet, lovely side.
