Day trip from Ibiza to Formentera

By Direct Ferries Team
19 March 2025
boats in the sea on Playa de Ses Illetes beach in Formentera

A trip to Ibiza isn’t complete without whizzing across the waters to Formentera. In just half an hour, you can trade the buzz of the party island for chilled laid-back vibes.

Famed for its incredible coastline with powdery white sands and enticing turquoise waters, it’s no wonder Formentera has become a tourist hotspot. But it’s not all about beaches. The towns here are also beautiful with local restaurants spilling out onto white-washed streets and pretty boutiques selling souvenirs.  

And with regular Ibiza Formentera ferries running everyday all year round, the island makes a great day trip destination.  

So, if you’re thinking about taking a day trip to Formentera from Ibiza, here’s everything you need to know:

dock in clear waters with boats in the distance

How to get to Formentera from Ibiza

The best way to get to Formentera from Ibiza is by ferry. The Ibiza Formentera ferry runs all year round so it doesn’t matter what time of year you visit.  

Ibiza to Formentera ferry operators include Balearia, Trasmapi, Aquabus & Formentera Lines.  

How long is the Ibiza to Formentera ferry?

The duration of the Ibiza Formentera ferry can vary slightly depending on the ferry company and the weather conditions on the day.  

However, the Ibiza to Formentera boat trip usually takes around 35 minutes on average. If that’s quick enough, then the Ibiza Formentera Baleria ferry is the fastest, taking less than half an hour. The short Ibiza to Formentera ferry time makes it perfect for a day trip.  

The distance from Ibiza to Formentera by boat is around 11 nautical miles.  

Ibiza to Formentera ferry timetable

The two islands are very well connected with Ibiza Formentera ferries available at all times of the year. The first ferry to Formentera usually departs at around 7am. The last Ibiza to Formentera ferry departs around midnight. With lots of sailings available throughout the day, there’s plenty of choice when it comes to planning your Ibiza to Formentera day trip.  

You can find out more about Ibiza to Formentera ferry times here.

How to get around Formentera  

Formentera is a small island so it’s easy to get around. To explore the island properly, you can either rent a scooter, a bike or a car. There are also taxis available if you need them.  

Top things to do in Formentera

Once you’ve got off the boat from Ibiza to Formentera, it’s time to start exploring! If you’re doing a boat trip from Ibiza to Formentera just for the day, you’ll be glad to know that due to the size of the island, it’s easy to explore in such a short space of time.  

Not sure what to do whilst you’re there? Here’s our round-up of the top things to do on a Formentera day trip from Ibiza.

strip of white sand with clear turquoise waters on either side

Check out the Formentera beaches

Every Ibiza to Formentera day trip should involve a trip to the island’s paradise beaches. They’re the postcard-worthy white sand kind that you’ll never want to leave. Some of the best Formentera beaches include Ses Illetes, Llevant and Migjorn.  

See Formentera’s lighthouses

A Formentera to Ibiza day trip isn’t just for beach lovers. With interesting landmarks on the island, it’s also great for sightseers!

La Mola Lighthouse, the most famous lighthouse on the island, is a must-visit. It’s at the eastern end of Formentera, located on the highest point on the island. Due to its location, it offers the most breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.  

If you’ve got time, don’t forget to check out Cap de Barbaria lighthouse too – it's especially magical at sunset! There’s also a cave nearby perfect for adventure-seekers.

white lighthouse on a cliff with blue cloudy skies

Visit the winery

Did you know that Formentera produces its own wine? And you can sample it for yourself on a visit to family-run Terramoll. It’s the perfect addition to your Ibiza Formentera day trip Sit back, relax and sip wine amidst the beautiful landscapes – bliss!

Go scuba diving

Divers can’t miss an Ibiza to Formentera day trip. The clear calm waters offer the perfect conditions for diving. The marine life here is also incredible! The best places to dive in Formentera include La Mariana, El Arco, Es Banc and Punta de sa Gavina.  

Explore the towns

As soon as you get off the Ibiza to Formentera ferry, you’ll find yourself in La Savina, a busy port-side spot with shops and restaurants. From here, you can conveniently access the rest of the island.  

Must-visit towns include Sant Francesc Xavier. It’s the capital of Formentera with charming white streets full of boutiques and restaurants. Es Pujols is also a popular spot with cafes, bars and market stalls.  

Try Formentera’s restaurants

You simply can’t leave the island without sampling the local flavours! There are so many amazing restaurants in Formentera and the best part is, most come with a picture-perfect view. Some of the best restaurants in Formentera include Es Caló, Can Carlitos and 10.7.

Experience the nightlife in Formentera

With the last ferry not until midnight, you’ve got time to experience Formentera’s exciting nightlife! Although it’s not quite as crazy as Ibiza’s nightlife, there’s still plenty going on. If you’re looking for a fun night, head to Es Pujols, one of the liveliest spots on the island. From beach bars to night clubs, there’s something for everyone in Formentera. 

hotel behind the port lined with palm trees

Our top tips for your Ibiza Formentera day trip

  • We recommend getting the Ibiza to Formentera ferry as early as possible to avoid the crowds. Formentera can get very busy, especially in peak season.  
  • If you’re taking the Ibiza to Formentera boat trip in summer, try and book any restaurants you’d like to visit in advance as they can get booked up.
  • We’d definitely recommend spending the whole day here as the sunset is beautiful!
  • If you do want to stay longer, there are also plenty of places to stay in Formentera too.

How to book the Ibiza to Formentera ferry

Looking to plan your Ibiza boat trip to Formentera? You can quickly and easily book an Ibiza Formentera ferry online at Direct Ferries.  

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