Ibiza, one of the most famous destinations of the Balearic Islands, is well known for its huge parties gathering the cream of electronic music and worldwide Jetset. But Ibiza is also a gem island, appreciated for the hundreds of creeks, bays and pristine beaches that you can discover cruising its 210km coastline.
Just south of the cherished Ibiza lies Formentera, its closest ally. Less than two miles off the coast of Ibiza, it’s the smallest island of the Balearics but not short of wonders to discover. Its crystal clear water, long sandy beaches and coastal pine forests are an ideal playground for boaters.
Together they form the Pytiusas, named after all the pine forests you can find on the archipelago. With more than 120 anchorages, enriched by thousands of reviews and pictures, they are a well documented region on Navily.
With the community’s help and Pedro, a seasoned catamaran cruiser in the region, we built up this list of what we believe to be the best anchorages in Ibiza and Formentera.
The best anchorages in Ibiza and Formentera
3 good reasons to visit Ibiza and Formentera according to Pedro
The islands of Ibiza and Formentera are called “Pitiusas”, they are less windy than Menorca or the north of Mallorca where the tramontana can blow with force.
The water is also warmer than that of the other Balearic Islands. And finally, Ibiza and Formentera are relatively small and circling the island to protect yourself from the wind is easy as the distances are short.
Samboat rentals in the region
starting from 400 €
starting from 270 €
starting from 300 €
Cala de Portinatx
Located on the north coast of Ibiza, it is one of the most popular anchorages on Navily, and this is primarily due to its very good wind protection. The natural cala of Pertinatx acts as a natural shelter from winds blowing from west to east by the south.
Buoys are available at the anchorage but you can also anchor on the sandbanks between the Posidonia colonies. Be careful not to throw your anchor out of the sand, west of the bay, or it might not hook and you might damage the Posidonia.
Appreciated for its calm out of season, it is much more popular in summer but remains a pleasant place beloved by boaters visiting the region.
Turquoise waters, easy and well protected anchorage giving access to several amenities, as well as a very good network connection, this is a stopover of choice on Navily. In addition, 3 shuttles per day will take you in one hour to Ibiza for those who wish to visit the mythical city that gave its name to the island!
The landscape is superb and typical of the island. The rocky coast is home to a few small beaches that border green mountains. An idyllic setting for an aperitif on the deck while enjoying the sunset.
Cala Comte
If you are looking for an anchorage with exceptional sunsets, look no further, go down the west coast and stop at Cala Comte. Nestled between the west coast of Ibiza and the island of Bosc, the anchorage benefits from a decent protection from easterlies and south-easterlies but remains very exposed to the rest (it can quickly become rolly by north or south wind. The sand, which makes up most of the bay’s seabed, offers comfortable holding (at a depth of about 7 meters).
It is a magical landscape that awaits you. To the south, a view of the fine sandy beach of Platja de Comte and its few highly rated restaurants and bars. Bathed in crystal clear waters, the coast is easily accessible by dinghy and promises a relaxing and unforgettable stopover on land.
To the west, a few submerged islets complete the idyllic mooring scene. At nightfall, the islets are illuminated by extraordinary sunsets and give life to exceptional natural views. We could write a lot about these magical moments appreciated from the deck of your boat, but we prefer to leave the photos of the boaters who have visited the place take care of it.
Es Bol Nou
Continuing south, we suggest you make a stopover at Es Bol Nou anchorage. A very popular anchorage in the region and on Navily, perfect for a few days.
Benefiting from very good protection from westerlies and easterlies by the north, it offers very good holding in the sand. However, be careful with the few patches of Posidonia which are protected (risk of a fine but in any case never anchor in Posidonia).
Facing the red cliffs typical of the south of the island of Ibiza, you will feel like in a wild paradise yet only 5 km from the airport. In dinghy, you will have easy access to the coast, letting you benefit from the white sand beaches, many small shops and a super nice organic market.
Obviously such a place is crowded in high season but becomes peaceful again in the evening, to appreciate the colors of the sunset on the red rocks of the cliffs. A little corner of paradise unanimously recommended on Navily and a perfect stopover before joining Formentera.
Platja de ses Illettes
A fine sand beach bathed in crystal clear waters, the ultimate goal of a sailor’s fantasy, Platja de ses Illetes is renowned as one of the most beautiful anchorages in Formentera and a first stop of choice on the way down from Ibiza. Located on the arm of land extending to the north of the island, south of Punta Alta, it enjoys good protection from winds and swells from the south to the northeast by the east. Anchor is easily cast in sandbanks at a depth of 3 meters.
It is one of the most popular places for anchoring: white sand, turquoise water, very famous restaurants where you can meet famous people, in sport or otherwise.
During the day the comings and goings of passenger boats between Ibiza and Formentera create an unpleasant wave at anchor in high season. But in the evening, From 10 p.m. the traffic dies and the setting regains its splendor. In May, June and September it is a true paradise of calm and serenity at all times, you will have to wait until the evening in high season to make the most of this exceptional place.
Cala Saona
Going down further on the west coast of Formentera you have to stop in this magnificent Cala. Well protected from south-westerly to north-easterly winds by the south it offers great shelter. It should however be avoided in the event of Libeccio.
Appreciated as much for its setting as its good holding on spacious sandbanks, it is a favorite stopover for the Navily community. Even in high season, we anchor comfortably to enjoy this exceptional setting. Beware as certain areas of the anchorage shelter colonies of Posidonia. To be avoided under penalty of the guardia civil.
Heavenly blue waters border a rocky coastline characterized by a sort of small cliff only a few meters high. Between the steep rocks, a small sandy beach will welcome you for a relaxing nap. It will also give you easy access to several restaurants, a small market and a few shops to get supplies in the village of Saona.
MAL PAS (SUD EST DE FORMENTERA)
Formentera is a quieter island than its neighbor Ibiza, but a real playground for boaters, especially in summer. It is therefore quite rare to find yourself alone on an anchorage, but as long as you know a little more about the region, it is possible!
For that, choose Mal Pas anchorage, a little corner of paradise appreciated by boaters for its calm even in high season! Located in the south-east of the island in a wide open bay, it is well protected from winds and swells from westerlies to easterlies by the north. Any other direction will make anchoring impractical and unpleasant.
But if the weather allows it, you can anchor carefree in the sandy bottoms of its crystal clear waters. The coast is typical of the island. Rocky and green, it offers an exceptional setting to spend a few days.
A good last stopover to complete a peaceful tour of these islands, even in the middle of August, and enjoy its crystal-clear waters at 30 degrees … A dream conclusion for an unforgettable cruise.
This is the end of our tour of these popular Balearic Islands, we hope this itinerary will inspire you for your next cruise. You may also be delighted by other anchorages that have been highly rated by the community, and we invite you to consult them on Navily to widen your options!
Also find the best anchorages in Mallorca and Minorca, to take a complete tour of its essential Mediterranean islands!
Find the perfect rental boat for cruising in the Balearic Islands with our partner Samboat by clicking here!
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