There’s a moment, usually somewhere between the mainland of Ibiza fading into a turquoise blur and the first impossibly white silhouette of Formentera rising on the horizon, when the sea changes color. It’s not a gradual shift; it’s a sudden, heart-stopping revelation of blue. Not just one blue, but a dozen, shifting from deep sapphire to pale aquamarine to a translucent, milky teal so pure it looks like liquid marble. This is the moment you understand. You understand why the hippies never left, why the sailors anchor for months, and why, for a day at least, you are going to step off the map and into a dream.

I’ve been traveling between these two islands for over a decade, first as a wide-eyed backpacker clutching a frayed ferry schedule, later as a writer chasing stories, and now as someone who considers the salt-spray route between Ibiza and Formentera a kind of spiritual homecoming. The island of Formentera isn’t just a destination; it’s a state of mind. It’s a rejection of noise, a celebration of simplicity, and a masterclass in natural beauty. And the best way to experience it, the most authentic way, is as a day tripper from Ibiza, carrying nothing but a swimsuit, a sense of adventure, and the promise of a spectacular sunset ferry ride home.

This is your 2026 guide to the perfect day trip from Ibiza to Formentera. We’re going to cover the ferries, the hidden beaches, the scooter sagas, and the little details that transform a good day into an unforgettable one.

The Great Ferry Adventure: Getting There in 2026

Your journey begins at Ibiza’s bustling port, a chaotic symphony of car horns, excited chatter, and the low thrum of engines. Here, two main players dominate the scene: Balearia and TRASMA (Trasmediterránea). In 2026, the competition is fierce, which is great news for you. The old, slow boats are largely a memory, replaced by sleek, fast catamarans and hydrofoils that slice through the waves with impressive speed.

Let’s talk logistics, because missing the last ferry is a special kind of island nightmare you don’t want to experience.

The Journey

The crossing itself is a spectacle. Grab a seat on the upper, open deck if you can. The moment you clear the harbor, you’ll be hit with the full force of the Mediterranean breeze. It’s the kind of wind that scours the city from your soul. Keep an eye out for the “Illes Pitiüses” – the collective name for Ibiza and Formentera. As Ibiza shrinks behind you, the uninhabited islet of Espalmador appears, a sliver of sand separating the two main islands, looking like a sandbar dreamed up by a surrealist painter.

Ferry Companies & Schedule (2026 Snapshot)

Balearia: Often operating the faster, more modern catamarans. They are known for their punctuality and comfortable, air-conditioned interiors, but the real joy is their sprawling outer deck. It’s perfect for photos.

• Ibiza Address: Muelle de la Estación, 5, 07800 Ibiza, Illes Balears, Spain.
• Formentera Address: Muelle de la Savina, 07860 La Savina, Formentera, Illes Balears, Spain.
• Hours (Sample 2026 Summer Schedule): Departures from Ibiza are frequent, roughly every hour from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM. The last return from Formentera is typically around 9:00 PM, but always, always check the official timetable online a day before. The “last ferry” myth has stranded many a happy traveler.
• Price Comparison (2026): A one-way ticket for an adult will likely set you back between €25 and €35. The price difference between companies is usually negligible, but booking a round trip online in advance can save you a few euros and, more importantly, a spot on a potentially sold-out return journey. Expect to pay around €55-€70 for a round trip if you haven't pre-booked.

TRASMA: The classic ferry experience. Sometimes slightly slower, but often built like a fortress, handling choppier seas with more grace. They carry vehicles, so there’s a certain rugged, functional charm to the whole affair.

• Address: Same general port area in both Ibiza and Formentera. The specific dock can change, so check your ticket.
• Hours: Similar frequency to Balearia, with a robust schedule from early morning until late evening.
• Price Comparison: Very competitive with Balearia. In 2026, prices will be in the same €25-€35 range per person for a one-way trip. Sometimes they have special offers for families or groups.

The Verdict for 2026

For a pure day trip, speed is your friend. I’d lean towards Balearia’s faster catamarans to maximize your time on Formentera’s sands. But honestly, you can’t go wrong. The key is booking ahead. The phrase “cheap day trips from Ibiza to Formentera 2026” often points to early bird online deals. Don’t be the person queuing at the ticket window at 10 AM on a July Saturday, sweating and watching your dream day dwindle away.

First Touchdown: La Savina and the Scooter Saga

You’ll arrive in La Savina, Formentera’s main town and port. It’s a charming, low-slung place of whitewashed buildings, bustling cafes, and the ever-present scent of salt and diesel. Don’t linger too long, though the waterfront is a lovely spot for a quick coffee and a people-watch. Your mission is mobility.

Formentera has no airport. The island is small – you can drive from one end to the other in under an hour – but it’s best explored on two wheels. Renting a scooter is the quintessential Formentera experience. It grants you freedom, connects you with the landscape, and is just plain fun.

How to Rent a Scooter in Formentera from Ibiza (The Smart Way)

1. Pre-book online: This is non-negotiable for a 2026 day trip. The best rental agencies in La Savina get booked out weeks, sometimes months, in advance by sailors and villa renters. Search for reputable companies like MotoGrill, Rent a Bike Formentera, or Cooltra. You want a 125cc scooter if you’re not experienced with larger bikes. A 50cc moped is fine for short distances but will struggle with the hills and headwinds.

2. The Paperwork: You MUST have your passport or national ID card and a valid driver’s license from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended if your license isn’t from the EU. The rental companies are strict.

3. The Price: In peak 2026 season, expect to pay around €35-€50 per day for a 125cc scooter, including basic insurance. Always opt for the full insurance (CDI waiver). The extra €10-€15 is worth every cent. The island’s roads are narrow, and a tiny scratch can cost you a fortune if you’re not covered.

4. The Inspection: Before you ride away, do a full walk-around with the agent. Photograph every single scratch, dent, and scuff. Check the lights, the horn, the mirrors. Make sure the helmet visors aren’t cracked. It feels tedious, but it’s your armor against unfair damage charges.

5. The Ride: The main road from La Savina is flat and straight. The adventure begins when you turn off towards the beaches. Remember, Formentera has speed cameras everywhere, even on tiny roads. The speed limit is 60 km/h on most rural roads and 80 km/h on the main road. A speeding ticket will follow you home and ruin your holiday budget.

The scooter is your chariot. It allows you to weave through pine-scented lanes, feel the afternoon sun on your arms, and pull over at a moment’s notice for a view that will make your heart ache.

The Beaches: Your Day Tripper’s Holy Trinity

Formentera is famous for its beaches. Not just any beaches, but the kind that make you question every other beach you’ve ever seen. For a day trip, trying to see them all is a fool’s errand. You’ll spend your day in the car. Instead, I recommend a curated route. Here is the holy trinity, a journey from south to north that encapsulates everything glorious about Formentera.

1. Playa de Ses Illetes: The Postcard Come to Life

This is the beach that tops every “best beaches in Formentera for day trippers” list, and for once, the hype is real. It’s not a single beach but a long, slender spit of land that curves like a scythe, protecting a lagoon of impossibly shallow, warm water. The sand is blindingly white, composed of crushed seashells, and feels like powdered sugar underfoot. The water is the color of a Gatorade swimming pool, a flat, calm turquoise that stretches for hundreds of meters. You can wade out until you’re up to your waist and still see your toes.

• Address: Carretera de sa Roqueta, 07871 Formentera, Illes Balears, Spain. (Follow the signs from La Savina towards the lighthouse; you’ll see the signs for Ses Illetes).
• Hours: Public beach, open 24/7. But the magic is from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Vibe: It’s the most famous, so it will be busy in high summer. But the beach is so long you can always find a quiet patch. The northern end, closer to the lighthouse (Far de la Mola), is usually less crowded and has a wilder, wind-swept feel.
• What to do here: Swim, obviously. The water is so buoyant you feel like a cork. Walk the full length to the lighthouse for breathtaking views. If you’re feeling flush, have lunch at the legendary Juan y Andrea, a restaurant perched on the sand, accessible by a little ferry from the parking area. It’s the epitome of Formentera chic – and prices reflect that. For a more casual bite, the chiringuito at the southern end of the beach serves excellent grilled fish and cold rosé.
• Insider’s Tip: The wind can pick up in the afternoon. If you’re there on a windy day, Ses Illetes’ shallow waters are perfect because you don’t get pounded by big waves.

2. Playa de Llevant: The Wild Neighbor

A short walk or a two-minute scooter ride north of Ses Illetes, you’ll find its wilder, more rugged sister, Llevant. The beach is broader, the sand a bit coarser, and the vegetation is more untamed. It feels more isolated, more "lost." The water is just as stunning, but often has a bit more movement and a deeper blue. This is where you come to escape the crowds of Ses Illetes.

• Address: 07871 Formentera, Illes Balears, Spain. (It’s the next beach north after Ses Illetes, you literally can’t miss it).
• Hours: Open 24/7.
• Vibe: Natural, unpretentious, and peaceful. It’s a favorite for nudists and those seeking a quieter experience. You won’t find the same concentration of luxury yachts here.
• What to do here: This is the perfect spot for a long, lazy picnic. Find a spot in the dunes, lay down a towel, and watch the world go by. The snorkeling along the rocky outcrops at either end of the beach is fantastic.
• Insider’s Tip: This is one of the best sunset-watching spots on the island. If you manage to snag a scooter for the whole day and decide to stay for the evening, Llevant offers a more serene alternative to the bustling sunset spots in Es Pujols.

3. Platja de Migjorn: The Endless Expanse

After the delicate beauty of the northern beaches, Migjorn hits you with its sheer scale. This is a 4-kilometer-long stretch of golden sand and pebbles that runs along the island’s southern coast. It’s not one beach but a collection of coves and bays, each with its own personality. The water here is generally deeper, clearer, and the waves are more pronounced, making it a paradise for swimmers and bodyboarders.

• Address: Carretera de Migjorn, 07870 Formentera, Illes Balears, Spain. (The main road that runs parallel to the beach).
• Hours: Open 24/7.
• Vibe: Laid-back, bohemian, and sprawling. You can drive along the road that runs behind the beach and pick your spot. Some areas are developed with beach bars and small hotels; others feel completely wild.
• What to do here: This is the place to rent a paddleboard or a kayak and explore the coastline. The water clarity is often at its best here in the late afternoon. The beach is dotted with fantastic chiringuitos (beach bars). My personal favorite is Beso Beach, a bit further east. It’s famous for its paella, its cocktails, and its vibrant, see-and-be-seen atmosphere. For something more low-key, try Pirata Bus, a legendary spot with fantastic grilled squid and a sandy dance floor that gets lively as the sun begins to dip.
• Insider’s Tip: Don’t just stick to the main access points. Many of the most beautiful little coves on Migjorn are accessed by small paths leading down from the road. Explore a little!

Beyond the Sand: What to See on a Day Trip

If you can tear yourself away from the water, Formentera has more to offer.

• The Lighthouse of La Mola (Far de la Mola): Standing at the easternmost tip of the island, this lighthouse was built in 1861. The road to get there is a thrilling, rollercoaster ride of a cliff-edge track. The views from the top are apocalyptic in their beauty – the vast, empty sea, the sheer cliffs, and the unique light that has drawn artists for decades. It’s a 20-minute scooter ride from Ses Illetes, but worth it for the drama.
• Sant Ferran de ses Roques: The island’s capital feels more like a large village. It’s a beautiful maze of whitewashed houses, artisan shops, and sleepy cafes. It’s the perfect place to park your scooter and wander for an hour, buying some local crafts or a bottle of Formentera’s surprisingly good gin.
• The Salt Flats (Ses Salines): On your way back to La Savina, you’ll pass the ancient salt flats. These have been harvested since Phoenician times. In the summer, the water evaporates, leaving behind pink-tinged pools and crystalline salt mountains. It’s a stark, beautiful landscape and a haven for flamingos in the spring and autumn.

The 2026 Day Tripper’s Packing List

What you bring on a day trip can make or break the experience. You have to be self-sufficient, but you can’t be weighed down. This is your essential day trip packing list for Formentera from Ibiza.

• The Bag: A sturdy, waterproof beach bag or a backpack. Leave the designer tote at home; it will just get filled with sand.
• Sun Protection (The Holy Grail): High-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+), a wide-brimmed hat (the Formentera sun is deceptively strong, even on a breezy day), and good quality sunglasses. The wind can whip sunscreen off, so reapply often.
• Hydration: A large, reusable water bottle. You can refill at most cafes, but buying plastic bottles all day is expensive and bad for the island. You will get dehydrated faster than you think.
• Footwear: Flip-flops for the beach, but a pair of comfortable walking shoes or trainers if you plan on visiting the lighthouse or walking around Sant Ferran. The paths can be rocky and hot.
• Tech & Cash: Your phone (fully charged, with a portable power bank), and some cash. While most places take cards, some of the smaller, more rustic chiringuitos are cash-only. Don’t get caught out with a round of drinks and no way to pay.
• A Sarong or Light Cover-up: Perfect for throwing on when you leave the beach to grab lunch, saving you from dripping all over the cafe floors.
• A Good Read: There is no better place in the world to lose yourself in a book than on a Formentera beach.
• A Sense of Humor: The scooter might break down. The wind might blow your hat into the sea. The cafe you had your heart set on might be closed. It’s all part of the adventure. Roll with it.

Guided vs. Unguided: The Great Debate for 2026

This is a key decision for a day tripper. Do you go it alone or book a guided tour? Understanding the difference is crucial when deciding on guided vs unguided day trip Formentera 2026 options.

Unguided (The DIY Route)

This is the route I’ve detailed above. It’s for the independent spirit, the adventurer who wants to dictate their own schedule. You decide when you leave, how long you stay at each beach, and where you eat. It’s more work (booking ferries, scooters) and carries a slightly higher risk (navigating, potential delays), but the freedom is unparalleled. This is the best way to get a "feel" for the island.

Guided (The All-Inclusive Tour)

In 2026, guided tours are more sophisticated than ever. Many companies from Ibiza offer full-day packages. You’ll be picked up at your hotel, taken to the port, and put on a ferry. On the other side, a guide (often on a scooter or in a minivan) will lead you to the best spots. Some tours are boat-based, taking you from Ibiza to the beaches of Formentera by sea, often including snorkeling stops and a BBQ lunch on board.

The Verdict: For a first-timer or a family wanting a hassle-free day, a guided boat tour that sails around the island is a fantastic option. You get the sea experience and the island experience in one. For those who want to truly explore, feel the scooter beneath them, and discover their own secret cove, the DIY route is the only way to go.

Family-Friendly Day Trips: Making it Work with Kids

Formentera is wonderfully family-friendly, but a day trip requires extra planning. Here is how to organize the best family-friendly day trips Ibiza to Formentera.

• The Ferry: Book a morning departure that isn’t the absolute first one (too rushed) or the absolute peak one (too crowded). Aim for a 9:30 or 10:00 AM ferry.
• Transport: Forget the scooter if you have small children or lots of gear. Pre-book a rental car in La Savina. Companies like Europcar or Sixt have desks there. Again, book well in advance. A car provides shade, storage, and safety.
• The Beach Strategy: Head straight for Migjorn. The facilities are generally better here, with proper restaurants and cafes with toilets and changing areas. The waves are often gentle enough for kids to splash in safely. Ses Illetes can be a bit of a logistical challenge with strollers and toddlers, due to the distance from the parking and the soft sand.
• Pacing: Do NOT try to cram everything in. Pick one, maybe two, beach locations. Plan for a long, relaxed lunch. Have a sietta on the sand. The goal is a happy family, not a checklist of sights.
• The Return: Aim for a ferry back to Ibiza around 6:00 PM. This gives you plenty of time to return the car, grab an ice cream, and get to the dock without stress, and you’ll be back in Ibiza for a late dinner.

The Best Time to Visit Formentera from Ibiza in 2026

Timing is everything. The island has a personality that shifts with the season. Knowing the best time to visit Formentera from Ibiza 2026 can define your trip.

• May & Early June: This is the sweet spot for a day trip. The weather is warm (24-28°C), the sea is starting to warm up, but the crowds are thin. You’ll feel like you have the beaches to yourself. Prices for ferries and scooters are slightly lower. The wildflowers are still in bloom.
• July & August: Peak season. The island is in full swing. The water is perfect, the energy is electric, but the crowds are intense. Beaches like Ses Illetes will be packed. The heat can be fierce, often hitting 35°C+. For a day trip, you need to be an early bird. Get the first possible ferry and the first possible scooter to stay ahead of the masses. It’s glorious but intense.
• September & Early October: Another fantastic window. The summer heat breaks, the sea is at its warmest (it’s been heating up all summer), and the crowds start to thin dramatically after the first week of September. The light becomes softer, more golden. This is the time for romantic walks and long, lazy lunches. The sunset ferry ride back to Ibiza in September is something you will remember for the rest of your life.

A Final Word on the Return Journey

As the day begins to fade, make your way back to La Savina. Return your scooter or car, and then head to the ferry dock. Don’t rush. Buy a cold drink, find a spot by the water, and watch the Port of La Savina transform. The fishing boats chug in, the day-trippers queue, and a beautiful, chaotic calm descends.

The ferry ride back to Ibiza is a different beast entirely. You’ll be tired, sun-kissed, and smelling of salt and sunscreen. The sun will be low, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. As Formentera recedes, turning back into that pale silhouette, you’ll feel a pang of sadness. But it’s a good sadness, the kind that comes from a day perfectly spent. You’ll watch the lights of Ibiza grow brighter on the horizon, a sign that the real world is waiting. But you’ll carry the turquoise water and the white sand with you, a secret you can keep until your next trip back.