Ses Illetes Beach

The easiest approach from Ibiza is the 30-minute daily ferry to Formentera, arriving at La Savina port, just 4 kilometres away — from there you can cycle in about 15 minutes, take the bus, or drive in roughly 10 minutes. Once you arrive by car, paid parking is available near the beach (€4–€7 per day for cars, €2–€5 for motorcycles), with vehicle access controlled from 9 AM; spaces are limited to 384 car spots and 1,132 motorcycle spots, so arriving before 9 AM gets you in free and guarantees a space. If you come on foot or by bicycle, the entry fee is waived entirely — a five-minute walk from the parking area brings you to the sand. The fee supports conservation of the Ses Salines Natural Park, and hybrid vehicles pay 50% of the standard rate.

The beach itself is the main event, but a short boat trip of just 0.5 kilometres takes you to S'Espalmador, an uninhabited island with untouched beaches that feels a world away from the mainland. Back on Formentera, the Ses Salines Natural Park surrounds you — a UNESCO World Heritage site where Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows are the reason the water stays this colour. Nearby Platja de S'Alga, rated 4.9 out of 5, is only 2.4 kilometres away and worth the short detour for a quieter stretch of coastline.

Juan y Andrea, Es Molí de Sal, and Beso Beach are among the dining options associated with the Ses Illetes area, offering the kind of fresh, seaside eating that suits a long beach day. Es Ministre sits just 0.3 kilometres from the beach — close enough to walk to without losing your spot. Further afield, Sa Trinxa (rated 4.5/5) is about 9.7 kilometres away and Sa Platgeta (rated 4.4/5) is at 8.4 kilometres, both solid choices for an evening meal after the sun drops.

Most accommodation is based on Ibiza, a short ferry ride away — The Site Hotel Ibiza (rated 4.6/5 from over 6,000 reviews) is about 14 kilometres out and consistently well-regarded. The Grand Palladium Select Palace Ibiza All Inclusive (also 4.6/5, 5,099 reviews) sits at 13.4 kilometres and suits those who want everything handled. If you prefer a more straightforward stay, Hotel Vibra Algarb (4.3/5, 6,393 reviews) is 15 kilometres away and offers good value for the area.

The golden hour before 9 AM is your window — arrive early, beat the access controls, and shoot the white sand and turquoise water with S'Espalmador floating on the horizon behind you. The wooden dune walkways make a strong foreground element at any time of day, and the shallow lagoon-like water reflects the sky best in the late morning when the sun is high and the surface is still.

Quad bikes are strictly prohibited on and around Ses Illetes — don't attempt to ride one in. Vehicle capacity limits are actively enforced, and in peak season the car park fills well before mid-morning, so plan to arrive early or leave the car behind entirely. Swimming is safe and the shallow, calm water is suitable for most visitors, but stay aware of boat traffic near the channel towards S'Espalmador. July and August bring the heaviest visitor numbers — parking fills by mid-morning and the beach gets packed; June or September give you the same turquoise water with noticeably more breathing room.