Why sail Formentera
Unspoiled nature and the promise of authentic tourism that blends into its environment have earned this small Balearic island its fame — unsurprisingly, it is dubbed the last Mediterranean paradise. There is no airport, berthing is limited, and the water is as clear as anywhere in Europe. Formentera rewards people who arrive slowly, and nobody arrives more slowly — or better placed — than a sailing crew.
Exploring Formentera means arranging your yacht charter from Ibiza. Our fleet departs Ibiza Town, and the crossing to the first anchorages is two to three hours under sail — short enough that Formentera works as a two-night detour, long enough that the world falls away on the passage over.
Anchorages we come back to
A Formentera passage from Ibiza
Leave Ibiza Town and make for Espalmador first — the mud baths are the ritual, and the anchorage between the islet and Formentera is as calm as a lagoon. From there it is a short hop to Es Trocadors and Illetes for the beaches, an afternoon in the water and a night at anchor. Work round to Sa Platgeta des Carregador or S’Estany des Peix for lunch or provisions, and if you want a day on land, anchor off La Sabina and rent a motorbike to see the cliffs and lighthouses. Most crews give Formentera two or three nights before turning back to Ibiza’s west coast for the sunset at Es Vedrà.
Under the water
The seabed close to Formentera is amazingly beautiful and easy to explore, because the water is crystal clear and spotlessly clean — much of it protected posidonia meadow, which is what gives the sea its colour. Bring your snorkelling or scuba equipment; Punta Rasa is probably the best spot for snorkelling on the island. On a crewed charter, ask the skipper for the morning slot before the day boats arrive.
Practical notes
- Season: April to October. July and August are peak, and yachts run Saturday to Saturday. June and September give the same water with far fewer boats.
- Base: Ibiza Town. There is no charter fleet on Formentera itself, and berthing at La Sabina is scarce — you will spend most nights at anchor, which is the whole appeal.
- Anchoring: Posidonia meadows are protected — anchor on sand (it is easy to see through the water) or use the buoy fields where provided.
- Bareboat: An ICC or equivalent licence and appropriate experience. No licence? Choose a Local Skipper or a fully crewed Hidden Secrets charter.
- Getting here: Fly to Ibiza; the marina is 15 minutes from the airport. Formentera has no airport — which is exactly why it is worth sailing to.
