Top 5 Formentera Car Tours: See the Island Your Way
Formentera, that little island south of Ibiza, it’s very much like a chilled-out paradise. You know, it’s got this reputation for having beaches that rival the Caribbean, turquoise waters, and a vibe that just screams relaxation. But to properly experience it, you kinda need your own set of wheels. Sure, there are buses and scooters, but nothing beats the freedom of a car, very true? That way, you’re free to discover its hidden gems, and little secret beaches, and you’re in complete control of your island experience, kind of a big deal! This guide goes through the five best car tours you might like to consider. That’s because, a bit like selecting the right wine, picking the best tour can very much enhance your visit.
The North Coast Discovery
This trip focuses a bit on Formentera’s northern shoreline, where a bunch of the most beautiful beaches are. Let’s say you start off in La Savina, which you know is where the ferries drop you off. First up, you might like to head straight for Ses Illetes, a place frequently regarded as one of the globe’s best beaches. Apparently, you have to pay for parking but, honestly, it’s more than worth it. It’s all white sand, clear water, and the odd celebrity lounging about. You’ll probably be snapping pictures all day. In fact, the drive there’s pretty scenic. It winds its way through the Ses Salines Natural Park, which is really interesting; it’s all salt flats, lagoons, and some migrating birds.
When you fancy something different, you can always go toward the coastline to the west, is that correct? And right there, like hidden from casual beach-goers, you’ll find the beach of Cala Saona. It faces west, so the views are just very good at sunset. Loads of space there, as well! After a bit of time chilling there, go back towards the main road. You’re after Es Pujols! It’s where a fair few visitors stay, is that correct? It’s popular due to a nice beach which faces out east, meaning some great views in the daytime. A short distance away there are small, natural coves of rock, very quaint indeed. They almost have small ladders attached, and, as there is no beach as such, many tourists tend not to venture to these areas. What they are missing!
Have you checked out these other pages on Formentera recently?: The Best Eats on Formentera Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Full Restaurant List) Very good, you might feel.
The Southern Lighthouse Expedition
The lighthouse is on Formentera’s most southerly point, and it just sort of sticks out on a rocky headland, which is nice, and really very remote. This trip, it’s all about experiencing that feeling, almost being at the end of the planet! So you will travel toward Sant Francesc Xavier, the capital. Very pretty, and many little shops you could look around for things. I guess after an hour, or even less, you might move on, heading south towards Cap de Barbaria. What is rather interesting, it is likely that this area got its name from Barbary pirates that frequented it over the centuries.
The way to the lighthouse has something special. First up, after a kilometre or so, is a popular spot. Many pictures get taken of the narrow road, which you drive down, which appears to fall right off the face of the world. Many cyclists and moped users appear here, it tends to be pretty busy. There is a small cafe and services, like your very basic needs! Onwards to the lighthouse; for a good period of the day during the busier parts of the summer months, cars are stopped from using the last kilometre or two, meaning a walk of that distance. Still, it’s not too bad and worth the views, especially once you walk right down to the very edge.
It might surprise you to know that, on the way back to civilization, or almost civilization, is a path down to a secret cave. You may need assistance, a guide from the local tourist people or something. You can walk through this to another area which provides exceptional views out to sea, and back to the lighthouse! Keep that to yourself, obviously. I would suggest, once back at Sant Francesc Xavier, that you keep on to Cala Saona. A completely different feel from the lighthouse; that, as I said earlier, it faces west. If you like, that is! Read our full review: Cala Saona Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (See our write up) It makes a very nice option, it really does.
The Migjorn Coast Scenic Drive
Migjorn is really a long stretch of coastline, running along the south. If you love driving, and coastal views, this is great. It’s where things are somewhat less developed, and the beaches tend to be quieter. You’ll want to cruise down the PM-820, stopping at several little spots. You will find one! Let’s say you come from La Savina again. Make sure you’ve got some fuel, some water, and that your air conditioning is functional. As the drive progresses, it does feel further from people.
One of the better regarded spots along the way is probably near Es Calo. When there, go eastward. This is the higher, rockier part. There are many cool beach bars here, and various hotels. Some really exclusive, you would believe! So there is a different feel to this spot. Continuing, there are some very quaint places that suddenly turn up; right on the edge of a beach, in a perfect spot, is that they appear so suddenly. It would not shock anyone if famous fashion shoots occurred very much right here! Some people reading this might remember the “Blue Bar”. In past years, it got mentioned almost like a secret of the island. Almost every day the owners used to set off smoke flares for all to see and witness. I’m guessing there were noise complaints and maybe objections to it! Either way, in more recent years, there have been zero smoke flares! It used to be blue!
Many other options, such as various beach clubs, along this stretch, but be warned – sometimes some areas have some restrictions for parking. Don’t chance it; police and parking officials do seem to patrol these areas regularly, seemingly very true. It will ruin your stay, is that, obviously. Looking to learn a bit more?: Find Hotels around Es Calo Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Where to sleep?) You’d benefit from that, wouldn’t you?
The Interior Villages Exploration
It may appear the most popular thing in Formentera is its coastlines and seas. While that, indeed, may very well be right, what about the parts slightly set back from that. The main road through Formentera, going roughly East to West, passes through all the main ‘towns’, villages and places. This will, for sure, give the best option for learning more about the actual daily life and things to do on this fascinating location. Very cool, honestly!
The first one, from the west, that you may wish to check out, might very easily be Sant Francesc Xavier. Already I mentioned that before; a few quaint shops, the capital of the island. Not bad for the ‘biggest’ city. There is, too, the main church which faces out into the square. Lots of things to eat there. Obviously, some rather good hotels and apartments dotted about there too. Next along the way is Sant Ferran de ses Roques. What is a nice bit of local information, this location got founded around the church (of the same name), very much in 1729! What tends to be the ‘hub’ these days, in reality, is the main road. Lots of shops, supermarkets, places to get vehicles etc. And so many cafes and restaurants too. Very busy there, actually! A cool spot that many have visited is Fonda Pepe. Many hippies visited, back in the day, at that particular restaurant, almost a claim to fame that restaurant has. I’d really hope you find somewhere.
Last but not least on the way is Es Pujols; also a place I mentioned before. I only mentioned the coastline bit, however. Once you visit just off the main road here, you find more restaurants. Again you can get a lot to eat there. Lots of accommodation. There really is so much in one spot there. You may find the ‘vibe’ slightly different in that location to those of Sant Francesc Xavier or Sant Ferran de ses Roques, seemingly fairly true. Find Accommodation Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ( Best Place to Stay?) Don’t say that you didn’t know!
The Hidden Beaches and Coves Tour
Formentera has so many secret places, it can be a mission to uncover the majority. Some aren’t necessarily particularly well signposted! With some study in advance, before your vacation, you are very likely to find more ‘private’ spots! What would typically happen with a number of them, for sure, is this; the end part of any destination, may mean you need to drive down roads that aren’t finished properly. That being said, however, this will probably deter others from going all the way, very fair. Thus meaning more remote destinations. A real good option! One tip for tourists wanting a quieter place might very much be this. Any beaches or areas with longer walks; very often that might mean smaller numbers of other folks there. Let’s explore what those might be. It really has value!
If you’re near Es Calo, you might enjoy seeing Cala en Baster. That requires heading north, toward the sea. On that side of the coast you may like S’Alga; it has crystal clear seas. You see many boat trippers here, dropping anchor just for this place. It provides views toward Espalmador; lots of folks like to swim to that tiny island from here! What you will want, more or less, if you go, is beach/swim footwear. Reason being, that like other parts around here, it is fairly rocky underfoot, which is important. If you are around Sant Ferran de ses Roques you may like going slightly southward toward Cala des Mort. Lots of jagged areas on route; what some regard as natural jumps! In certain parts, clothes might very easily become optional! I just heard it mentioned somewhere.
It seems that the roads or tracks leading toward these types of gems will be uneven in comparison. The main reasons visitors hire cars will most probably be just that; getting off the beaten track is nice. In general they might like getting away from others; not so keen on sharing parts with countless tourists. And so there you have it: top spots around this delightful Spanish island! If you want some hotel destinations, review: More Hotel Information Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Find The Lowest Prices)
