On this new route we head towards Formentera, the smallest and more southerly island of the Pityusic Islands, and its wonderful Ses Illetes beach
Formentera has some of the best beaches in the world: crystal clear waters, with shades of blue and green that it is difficult for the eye to assimilate at first. This route is ideal if we leave from the port of Ibiza, since it will take less than 1 hour to reach the first stop, the well-known and recognizable beach of ses Illetes. First, we will cross the distance that separates the two islands and the pass of es Freus. The views are spectacular from the first moment: we leave behind Ibiza and the old city of Dalt Vila, with its walls that are erected on the cliffs, the ses Salines and es Cavallet beaches, and we go into the sea and spot the profile of Formentera and the intermediate islets. This is our star proposal for your 8-hour route.
Ses Illetes, Formentera
We will leave the port of Ibiza around 10 a.m. and, after a pleasant journey enjoying the views, we will arrive at our first stop, ses Illetes beach in Formentera, still not believing that the color of the water is real. Do you know why this famous beach is called that? As can be read in the Eivissa and Formentera Encyclopedia, the toponym gives its name to a group of islets and, by extension, to the coastline that lies immediately in front of it. These islets, from north to south, are called “illa de Tramuntana”, “illa d’en Forn”, “escull des Pou”, “illa Redona” and “escull d’en Palla”.
Ses Illetes beach is spectacular, so we will spend a few hours anchored nearby and we will be able to enjoy a swim in its crystal clear waters and water activities for more entertainment, since this area is one of the most complete in terms of leisure: water sports, restaurants, kiosks, sunbeds and beach umbrellas for rent. Everything you need to enjoy a full day at the beach.
“Platja de ses Illetes” by Roberto Faccenda is marked with CC BY-NC 2.0.
Anchoring in Ses Illetes
Anchoring is of special importance in Ibiza and Formentera, since some of the most important Posidonia meadows are found on the islands. The meadows of this marine plant were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for their importance in the conservation of the Mediterranean ecosystem. It provides numerous benefits and is the reason why our waters are so transparent. For this reason, anchoring on Posidonia is prohibited. Ses Illetes beach is one of the busiest beaches in Formentera, so special attention must be paid to protecting and respecting the ecosystem.
“Platja de ses Illetes” by Ismail Mia is marked with CC BY-NC 2.0.
Lunch time
After a while in the water, we will have worked up an appetite and it will be the perfect time for lunch. We remind you that you can hire a custom-made catering service with us. With this option you can drink and eat when you decide, and you will have a varied and quality menu. If you prefer to eat on the mainland, we can advise you so that you can choose the best restaurant option in ses Illetes, Formentera.
After lunch, we’ll head to s’Espalmador, where anchoring is regulated by buoys, limited to 23 boat lengths. During the short crossing, we can take the opportunity to rest from the morning activities and sunbathe on board.
S’Espalmador
S’Espalmador is a very special islet and its waters are as impressive as those of ses Illetes. Its beach is ideal for snorkeling, water sports and the tranquility that is breathed is ideal for sunbathing on board and relaxing. If you feel like it, you can go to the shore and lie down on the fine white sand of the beach.
This islet has traditionally been an extension of the island of Formentera, with which it has been physically linked, at certain times, with a sand tongue of very little or no depth, as stated in the Enciclopèdia d’Eivissa i Formentera (‘Encyclopedia of Ibiza and Formentera’), in the passage called of the “Trucadors”. The population of Formentera took advantage of its resources through fishing activities and the extraction of calcareous material, and it was also a strategic space for the trafficking of contraband products during the 20th century. The name s’Espalmador comes from the Catalan verb “espalmar”, which refers to the tasks of cleaning and maintaining the boats.
After a day of sun, sea and sand on two of the best beaches in the world, we will head to the port of Ibiza to finish our day of sailing at 6:00 p.m. But first, we can take advantage of the time to relax on board, sunbathe and observe the landscape. Can you imagine it? Happy crossing!
PS: Don’t miss other proposals, such as Ses Torretes-cala Aubarca route, la cala Vedella-cala d’Hort route or cala Bassa-cala Comte route.
