In this guide we’ll compare all the possible ways to get around Formentera, pros and cons of each and which ones I wouldn’t recommend.
Can you go to Formentera with a rental car or motorbike from Ibiza?
Let’s start by putting down someone’s hopes right away. Many of you have probably thought, quite reasonably given the proximity, about renting a car or motorbike in Ibiza and visiting both islands by ferrying the same vehicle to avoid wasting time on multiple rentals. I thought of that too.
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Unfortunately, it’s not that easy, for 2 reasons. The first is that almost all rental agencies in Ibiza forbid (or in any case are not liable in case of issues) ferrying the car to Formentera. The second is that the island of Formentera has strict limits on the number of motor vehicles allowed, both cars and motorbikes, especially in the summer months.
And as if that weren’t enough, vehicles that are allowed in are subject to a fee which, in my opinion, is absolutely outrageous.
On the site Formentera.eco you’ll find all the details on the number of vehicles allowed to enter, the fee to be paid, and the application process—assuming you haven’t already lost interest.
Getting around Formentera by car
Given the above, rental agencies in Formentera are already smiling, since anyone wanting to get around by car is forced to rent one there.
But the real question is: does it really make sense to use a car to get around Formentera?
Consider that the island has a “radius” of about 10km, and even going the longest possible distance, from the port to the faro de la Mola, is 19km. Also, a car might be more of a hassle than a help, for several reasons:
- if you like exploring the island by visiting random little beaches here and there, many are accessible only via narrow and steep roads where it will be hard to park and in some cases even to drive through;
- by car you won’t be able to access some parts of paths and pedestrian-cycle roads which I find very beautiful;
- even to reach the most popular beaches in Formentera, if you have a car you’ll have to park a bit farther away compared to motorbikes and especially compared to bikes, which can get you almost anywhere;
- finally, getting around Formentera by car also means you’ll have to pay the entrance fee to the Ses Illetes area (that’s the northern tip of the island with the most beautiful beaches): the current price is €6 for cars, €3 for motorbikes, while it’s free for pedestrians, bikes, and electric bikes.
If you still want to rent a car in Formentera, almost all rental agencies are located in the La Savina area (that is, at the port) or in Es Pujols. You can find them easily on Google Maps. Take a look at the reviews and, when picking up the vehicle, check that it’s in good condition. Many companies offer all types of vehicles—cars, motorbikes, bikes or quads—so you won’t have much trouble.
Getting around Formentera by motorbike or scooter
A motorbike is the cheapest vehicle to get around Formentera, since it costs less than renting an electric bike (sometimes even half as much!) and you can ride it in pairs. It’s definitely as fast as a car (if not faster), and gives you more flexibility.
You won’t need a lot of power since the island is mostly flat and the hills are never too challenging.
The only downsides, besides having to pay the entrance fee to Ses Illetes as mentioned earlier, are parking a bit farther away at a few beaches and not being allowed on some of the quiet, green bike trails.
To rent a scooter in Formentera, just start again from Google Maps and the same advice as for cars applies.
Getting around Formentera with an electric bike
Getting around with an electric bike is also a great option for touring Formentera. You can get around fairly quickly, at least on most of the island, you’ll enjoy all the possible bike trails and green paths, you can reach every more or less famous beach, including those accessible via rough little roads, and you’ll have free access to Ses Illetes.
The downsides of an electric bike are the cost (since renting one costs almost twice as much as a scooter and you can’t ride it in pairs) and the need to plan in advance how far you want to go. If you travel in particularly hot periods, it might be less pleasant than other means.
I’ve always stayed at the far north and used an electric bike. I easily toured the whole area up north down to Playa Migjorn, while I started feeling the effort when I ventured to the southeastern tail of the island; if you plan to go all the way to the faro de La Mola, it will be more challenging.
Read also: Where to stay in Formentera
An electric bike is probably worth it if you’re traveling alone and if you’re not in a rush while moving around.
As usual, to find bike rental shops start with Google Maps, and get quotes from all the companies since there are slight price differences. When you pick up the bike, always check that it’s working, and also ensure that the front light is present—if you’re moving around in the evening, it’s crucial.
Some companies will even attach a classic fruit basket behind the saddle for you to place backpacks or water bottles, if you see one in the store, ask if they can install it for you. It’s convenient so you don’t have to carry heavy stuff on your back! 😉
The classic bike
It might be suitable if you decide to take it to explore a limited portion of the island, for example the northern area between the port and Es Pujols and to go to Ses Illetes without paying the entrance fee.
However, if you plan to explore all of Formentera, unless you’re a cyclist in good shape, I don’t recommend using a classic bike because of the heat, the distances, and the time it takes to cover them.
How to get around Formentera by bus
Formentera also has a bus transportation network, with availability and frequency depending on the season. These are the available bus lines on the island:
- Line L1: La Savina (port), Es Pujols, Sant Francesc – it circles the main centers in the north around the lagoon;
- Line L2: La Savina (port), Sant Francesc, San Ferran, Playa Migjorn, up to the southeast tip of the island
- Line L5: La Savina (port), Sant Francesc, Cala Saona;
- Line L7: Illetes, Es Pujols, Playa Migjorn, up to the southeast tip of the island.
The ticket prices for getting around Formentera by bus aren’t the most economical or clear.
Currently, the price is €2.25 for a short-distance ticket (or €15 for a 10-ride pass), and €3.20 for a long-distance ticket (or €20 for 10 rides). However, it is not clearly stated where they can be purchased (although you can probably do so at their designated sales points here) nor what qualifies as short distance and long distance. It’s likely that the routes covered by line L1 are considered short distance due to the short distances involved.
During the summer, an L3 Line is also set up, aimed at tourists, to connect the port and the main beaches in the north, with ticket prices higher than the standard ones. At the time of writing, it’s winter, and the page only states that the line is suspended. I will update the guide as soon as new information is published.
Driving a quad in Formentera?
The island might inspire this choice, but you could be disappointed. It’s not possible to enter Ses Illetes area with a quad, and there could be restrictions in other areas as well. Plus same parking inconveniences as a car.
What’s the best way to get around Formentera?
To summarize, the best options for getting around, in my opinion, are the electric bike when traveling alone (for those seeking relaxation and want to explore to the fullest) or a scooter, even just a 50cc (for those wanting speed, flexibility, and minimal costs).
Alternatively, for those traveling on a budget and planning to visit only 1-2 beaches a day in the northern part of the island, getting around by bus is also a good solution, as long as you’re patient when checking schedules and prices!
Now that you know everything about transportation options, also discover how to get to Formentera and what the best areas to stay in Formentera are for getting around easily and quickly, and which Formentera beaches to visit or skip!
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