Ses Illetes Beach
Ses Illetes is the beach that launched a thousand Instagram posts and still manages to exceed every expectation in person. A narrow strip of powdery white sand edged by water so transparently turquoise it looks digitally enhanced — except it isn't.
Why it tops every list
Ses Illetes stretches along the northern tip of the La Mola peninsula's opposite end — actually the Trucadors peninsula — and the sea on both sides is shallow enough to wade across to the sandbar joining Formentera to the islet of S'Espalmador. The colour gradient from white sand to jade to deep sapphire happens within just a few metres of shore.
Arrive before 10 am in July and August to claim a spot before the day-tripper boats arrive from Ibiza. The beach has no loud beach clubs, just a couple of low-key chiringuitos serving cold beer and grilled fish, which keeps the atmosphere blissfully calm.
Getting there and what to bring
The easiest approach is by bicycle from La Savina port — a flat 6 km ride along a dedicated cycle path through salt flats dotted with flamingos. Alternatively, water taxis run directly from Ibiza's port to Ses Illetes in around 25 minutes.
Pack snorkelling gear: the Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows just offshore are a UNESCO-protected habitat and home to octopus, sea bream and the occasional seahorse. The water clarity here regularly exceeds 30 metres visibility.
Ses Illetes Beach on video
More of Formentera
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Formentera →
