A three kilometre island of dunes and a single sandy bay, S'Alga, between the northern tip of Formentera and the salt flats of Ibiza. Privately owned, protected as a natural park and reachable only by boat.
The short answer
Espalmador lies in the Es Freus channel between Formentera and Ibiza, just north of Ses Illetes, and is part of the Ses Salines natural park. It is privately owned and uninhabited: no bars, no shade, no services. Boats anchor in S'Alga bay on the west side, on sand, and swim ashore. Day boats from Ibiza reach it in about 45 minutes and small boats from La Savina in 15.
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Practical facts
Each row names its source. Checked 2026-09
| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Where it is | Es Freus channel, between the northern tip of Formentera and Ibiza, inside Ses Salines natural park | Wikipedia |
| How to get there | Boat only. About 45 minutes from Ibiza port, 15 from La Savina. Summer taxi boats from La Savina and Ses Illetes | Local team |
| Best time | June and September for calm sea and space in the bay. August fills S'Alga with yachts | Local team |
| Time to allow | A morning or an afternoon at anchor. Combine with Ses Illetes for the full day | Local team |
| Indicative price | from EUR 135 per person, 9 catalogue experiences | Viator catalogue |
| Parking or port | No port, no landing stage. Sandy anchorage in S'Alga bay, anchoring on seagrass is banned | Town council |
| Services | None. No bar, no toilets, no shade. Bring water and everything else | Local team |
| Rental that fits | Day boat from Ibiza or Formentera, with skipper if you do not know the channel | Local team |
The island is a strip of dunes and low scrub with a watchtower, Torre de sa Guardiola, on its high point and one bay, S'Alga, that opens west and shelters boats from the east wind. The famous mud pool in the middle is off limits now, and walking is restricted to protect the dunes. What is left is the water, which is as clear as anything in the Balearics.
This is the second stop of every Formentera boat day and the first for the ones that leave early from Ibiza. Anchor on the sand, not on the posidonia, and expect a full bay in August.
What to do here
Experiences from the Viator catalogue whose route names this place, ordered by verified reviews. Prices are starting prices and move with the season.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Espalmador?
Yes, by boat. The island is private and protected, so you stay on the beach and in the water and keep off the dunes.
How do I get to Espalmador without my own boat?
Summer taxi boats run from La Savina and Ses Illetes, and most day trips from Ibiza stop here.
Can I walk from Ses Illetes to Espalmador?
The Es Pas channel is shallow but the current is strong and the authorities advise against it. Go by boat.
Is there anything on Espalmador?
No services at all. A watchtower, dunes and the S'Alga bay. Bring water, food and shade.
Can I anchor overnight at Espalmador?
Yes, on the sandy bottom of S'Alga in settled weather. Check the anchoring rules of the natural park before you do.
Why is the mud pool closed?
The lagoon in the centre is part of the protected area and access was closed to stop the damage the mud baths were causing.
Written and kept up to date by the Ibiza Formentera Rent desk. We are an independent concierge, not an official agency. Prices are indicative and set by each provider. Spotted something out of date? Tell us on WhatsApp and we will fix it.