Seeing Formentera by bike is the best way to get to know the island: it is small, mostly flat and criss-crossed by signposted green routes that keep you off the main road. In a single day you can ride from La Savina to Ses Illetes, Sant Francesc and Es Pujols at an easy pace; if you want to reach La Mola, an e-bike or scooter makes life much easier. A fast ferry and bike package from Ibiza starts at €63 per person.
Bike, e-bike and ferry options compared
| Activity | Price from | Duration | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast ferry + bike package | €63 | 1 day | 4.6 (40 reviews) |
| Fast ferry + e-bike package | €75 | 1 day | 4.5 (127 reviews) |
| Boat to Formentera, bike adventure and sunset party | €120 | 10 h | 4.2 (24 reviews) |
| Return ferry ticket from Ibiza | €55 | 1 day | 4.7 (334 reviews) |
| Return transfer from Playa d’en Bossa | €45 | 45 min | 4.6 (1,373 reviews) |
| Self-guided e-bike hire in Ibiza | €65 | 1 day | 4.9 (22 reviews) |
All prices are “from”, per person, based on the current catalogue.
Bike, e-bike or scooter?
Formentera is roughly 20 kilometres from end to end and almost all of it is flat. The one proper climb is up to La Mola at the eastern tip: a long, steady drag that feels a lot steeper in the midday heat.
Standard bike
Ideal if you are sticking to the west of the island: La Savina, Ses Illetes, Sant Francesc, Es Pujols and the salt flats. Each hop takes 15 to 30 minutes. The fast ferry + bike package is the cheapest way to do it all independently.
E-bike
The best all-rounder. It gets you up to La Mola lighthouse without arriving exhausted and lets you fit more beaches into the day. The e-bike package is the most booked option in this category, with 127 reviews.
Scooter
Handy if you want to cover the whole island, Cap de Barbaria included, in a few hours. You will need a valid driving licence and a helmet. Bear in mind that in high season motor vehicle access to some protected areas is charged or restricted, whereas bikes and pedestrians get in free.
A one-day cycling route from La Savina
Ferries dock at La Savina, and the hire shops are a short walk from the quay. Here is a realistic plan for the day.
Morning: Ses Illetes and the salt flats
Head north on the track that skirts the Estany Pudent lagoon and the salt pans. In about 20 minutes you will reach Ses Illetes, inside Ses Salines Natural Park. Aim to be there before 11am for a good spot and calm water. If you fancy a stroll, walk north along the sand spit towards the tip facing Espalmador.
Lunch: Sant Francesc
Ride back south and up to Sant Francesc Xavier, the tiny capital. Its fortified church and pedestrian lanes offer shade, and lunch here tends to be better value than at the beach clubs.
Afternoon: Es Pujols or Cala Saona
Two options depending on your legs. Es Pujols is close by, with a promenade, bars and a beach. Cala Saona, to the south-west, is a little further but one of the prettiest coves on the island, and a lovely sunset spot if you are on a late ferry home.
On an e-bike: La Mola
From Sant Francesc follow the road east past Es Caló, then tackle the climb to El Pilar de la Mola. The lighthouse at the far end of the plateau has dramatic clifftop views. Allow at least three extra hours for the round trip and stops.
Practical tips for cycling in Formentera
- Take an early ferry: the earlier you arrive, the cooler the ride and the quieter the beaches.
- Use the green routes: these signposted country lanes are safer and far prettier than the main PM-820 road.
- Water and sun cream: there is very little shade between villages. Carry at least 1.5 litres each and a hat.
- Check the bike at pick-up: brakes, tyres, lock and, on an e-bike, battery level. Take a photo of any existing damage.
- Always lock up: there are bike racks near the Ses Illetes access points; do not leave your bike loose on the sand.
- Mind the wind: a headwind on the straight back to La Savina really slows you down. Leave plenty of time before the last ferry.
- Common mistake: trying to do both La Mola and Cap de Barbaria on a standard bike in one day. Pick one.
You can book securely through GetYourGuide, an Ibiza 360 partner. If you are torn between going independently or on an organised trip, read our Formentera day trip guide or browse everything in the activities catalogue.
Independent or organised?
Going it alone with a return ferry ticket and hiring on arrival gives you complete freedom. If you are staying in the south of Ibiza, the transfer from Playa d’en Bossa saves you the trip to the port. And if you want a bit of atmosphere, the boat trip with a bike adventure and sunset party rolls everything into one day, return included.
FAQ
Can you cycle around Formentera in a day?
Yes. The western half, with Ses Illetes, Sant Francesc and Es Pujols, is easily done in a day on a standard bike. To add La Mola, an e-bike is the smarter choice.
How much is a ferry and bike package to Formentera?
In our catalogue the bike package starts at €63 per person and the e-bike package at €75, both including a return ferry from Ibiza.
Do I need a licence to hire a scooter in Formentera?
Yes, you need a driving licence valid for the engine size, and helmets are compulsory. No licence is needed for an e-bike.
Do you have to pay to enter Ses Illetes by bike?
The natural park access charge applies to cars and motorbikes in season. On a bike or on foot entry is free, which is one more reason to go pedal-powered.
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Experiences you can book now
Bookings handled by GetYourGuide, an Ibiza 360 partner. You pay the same price and we may earn a commission. Prices are indicative: the final price is confirmed when you book.
