La Savina

La Savina will be your first port of call in Formentera as this is where the ferry from Ibiza docks and lets its passengers off. It is a busy and bustling town with characteristic whitewashed buildings and is home to the island’s official tourist office (open Monday to Friday 10:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 19:00; Saturday 10:00 to 14:00), several marinas in the harbour and a number of hotels, restaurants and bars.

Although La Savina is one of the liveliest towns on the island, you’ll be immediately struck by the laid back and relaxed atmosphere after coming from Ibiza. Cars are in the minority, with scooters and bicycles being much more common, while it isn’t uncommon to see goats and sheep wandering through the streets.

La Savina is a convenient base from which to explore the island as it is close to the popular beaches of Illetas, Llevant and Es Pujols while also being in a favourable position for people wanting to head south to Cala Sahona and Playa de Migjorn. It is not as tourist orientated as the island’s bigger beach resort of Es Pujols, while at the same time it offers all the facilities and conveniences you’ll need.

As La Savina is the first port of call for most visitors, it is easy to find bicycle and scooter hire in order to explore the rest of the island. The harbour front is the centre of activity and is lined with cafés and bars where you can sit and watch people come and go and admire the expensive yachts moored in the harbour. On the southern side of the town lie the two saltwater lakes of Estany Pudent and Estany des Peix. Here you can spend hours floating effortlessly and soaking up the sun in these remarkably salty waters. The lakes are also a popular bird watching area.