From the airport to the city centre Formentera
Formentera has no airport. Unless you have your own boat, there's only one way to reach the island: a 30-minute ferry trip. Several companies offering equivalent services operate the Ibiza-Formentera route, with a boat leaving every 30 minutes or so. The quickest and easiest way to get to Formentera is to fly to Ibiza and then make your way to the ferry terminal in downtown Eivissa. There are several options for getting from Ibiza airport to the pier (8 km):
By cab. Expect to pay around €20 (and a few euros more for night fares).
By bus. Much cheaper than cabs (€3.60 per journey). Line 10 runs summer and winter to the pier for the capital, Formentera (www.ibizabus.com). The journey takes around 25 minutes. Buses run every 20 minutes in summer (15 minutes in July and August) from 6 a.m. to midnight, and every 30 minutes in winter from 7 a.m. to midnight. In the city center, the bus will drop you off at the port.
Arrival by boat Formentera
Formentera can only be reached by sea. Take your first steps on the island at La Savina, where the ferries arrive. On site, you'll find all the services you need: cabs, as well as car, scooter and bike rentals.
Public transport Formentera
Several bus routes, all managed by Paya Autocares. Information and timetables at www.busformentera.com.
Line 1 follows a circular route, linking the port of La Savina, Ses Salines, Sa Roqueta, Es Pujols, San Ferran and San Francesc.
Line 2 runs from La Savina to El Pilar de La Mola, at the eastern end of the island, via San Ferran and San Francesc. It also stops at strategic points along the strip of land between San Ferran and Es Calo.
Line 7 follows much the same route as line 2, except that at San Ferran it heads north, taking you to Illetes via Es Pujols.
Line 5 serves the west of the island, linking La Savina to Cala Saona, via Can Xicu Sort, the industrial park, Sant Francesc and Crüilla-Cala Saona.
Bike, scooters & co Formentera
Yes, cycling in Formentera is a good idea! Formentera is a relatively small island, with numerous cycle paths (the famous "greenways"). It's a means of transport strongly encouraged by the Formentera Island Council. However, don't underestimate the climb to La Mola and the summer sun, which could well knock you out.
With a driver Formentera
Cab fares are lower than in France, but beware of the various surcharges that can quickly add up. Here are some indicative fares:
La Savina - Es Pujols: approx. €15
La Savina - Es Caló: approx. €20
La Savina - La Mola: approx. €30
La Savina - Ses Illetes: €15-20
By car Formentera
Driving. Your French driving license is sufficient. If you come with your own vehicle between June 1 and September 30, you'll need to apply for specific authorization to drive on the island, and pay a tax of €6 per day, with a minimum of €30 (€3 for scooters, minimum €15). All the necessary formalities can be carried out at www.formentera.eco, where you'll find all the practical information you need, which may change from year to year. When you rent a car, the rental company takes care of everything. Be sure to check your insurance. You can also rent electric cars (a map of charging stations is available at www.formentera.es).
Parking. No parking on sidewalks or at bus stops. Police are particularly strict in some places. There are blue zones (pay zones) in all cities, but also zones reserved for residents (green zones). Under no circumstances should you park in these green spaces, as you risk having your vehicle impounded. The white ones are free or unmarked (check that there are no timetables to be respected).
Roads. Roads are generally in good condition, although they can be slippery when wet at night. Some roads have become too narrow for the number of cars on them, especially in the interior of the island, making them dangerous. So be careful!
There are a few things you should know: the permitted blood alcohol level is 0.5 g per liter. This corresponds to two beers or two glasses of wine. It's also forbidden to drive under the effects of drugs, narcotics or other substances, and even after taking medication that may impair the physical or mental ability required to drive motor vehicles. So it's just like being at home, except that here the police aren't always very understanding with tourists.
Service stations. There are only two service stations on the island: one on the main road between La Savina and Sant Francesc, the other between Sant Francesc and Sant Ferran. So be careful how much you fill up, and don't hesitate to get to the pump early..
