Ses Illetes is the best-known beach in Formentera, and for many people the most beautiful. It lies in the north of the island, inside the Ses Salines natural park, close to the port of La Savina, which makes it the first choice for day-trippers from Ibiza. Its name means “the islets”, after the small islands just offshore.
What it’s like
The sand is white and fine and the water calm and transparent. The beach faces west, so it is at its best when the wind blows from the east and the sea is completely flat. On other days, Llevant, on the other side of the peninsula, is usually the better option.
There are lifeguards and public toilets, sunbeds and parasols for hire on a first-come basis (they cannot be booked), and four restaurants on the sand, all on the expensive side. There is no kiosk. At the northern end, a water sports school rents paddle boards and kayaks.
Getting there
By road, take the route along the Estany Pudent lagoon from La Savina or Es Pujols to the park entrance. Cars and motorbikes enter the natural park through a control barrier and pay a daily fee that changes through the season; when the car park is full, a sign goes up and cars queue until spaces free up. Electric vehicles enter and park for free, and so do walkers and cyclists. In summer, arrive early.
Tourist bus L3 runs from the port of La Savina to Ses Illetes in about 15 minutes, and line L7 serves visitors staying in Migjorn or Es Pujols: check the bus timetables. On foot or by bike from La Savina, follow the coast rather than the road.
Safety
Do not try to cross Es Pas des Trucadors, the sandbar towards Espalmador at the tip of the peninsula. The currents there are strong, the flag is permanently red, and people have drowned trying.
Good to know
Choose your day by the wind, come early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and bring your own food and drink to keep costs down.
