La Savina: Harbour, lagoons and salt routes

La Savina is a harbour town from which several routes lead through different landscapes of Formentera. Alongside the harbour, the area is shaped by its salt-making history, access to Can Marroig and the lagoons of Estany des Peix and Estany Pudent. When planning, it helps to distinguish between the route options and the different conditions at the bodies of water.

Arriving in La Savina and getting around

Baleària offers direct fast ferries from the port of Ibiza to the port of La Savina on Formentera; the journey takes 30 minutes. Check the timetable before travelling, as schedules, operators and crossing times may change. The renovated ferry terminal allows you to book tickets. Private boats can moor in the adjacent marina; boats can also be rented for a day on the waters around Formentera.

A road from La Savina leads to Ses Illetes, Es Pujols and Punta Prima in the Ses Salines Natural Park. The route from La Savina to Can Marroig follows an unpaved path along Estany des Peix to the car park at the recreation area. At Can Marroig, you may only get around on foot or by bicycle. Can Marroig offers visitor information and educational activities about the protected natural area.

Estany des Peix and Estany Pudent

West of the harbour lies Estany des Peix, a small lagoon with a narrow opening to the sea through which small boats can enter and anchor. Its gentle waves and shallow waters make it possible to practise and learn windsurfing, kayaking and sailing in boats with a shallow draught. The lagoon is no more than 3 metres deep. Its very shallow coves and warmer water than the sea make it suitable for a day at the beach with children.

Estany Pudent lies between La Savina and Es Pujols. It is suitable for walking and cycling, as well as observing numerous birds. Swimming is prohibited there.

Explore salt history on the trails

The Ruta entre salinas starts at the port of La Savina and follows a 4.5-kilometre route around the saltwater lagoon of Estany Pudent. It tells the story of salt production on Formentera: before tourism took off, salt production was one of the island’s most important economic activities. Salt produced in the salt works was transported by rail to the port of La Savina and shipped from there.

The La Savina–Ses Illetes route starts in the harbour town and follows the Sa Guia path through juniper groves and dune vegetation, as well as a landscape with turquoise water. It passes the Molí de Sal, where the salt produced was loaded.

The La Savina–Cala Saona route offers a different landscape: it passes through a rural setting with fields, dry-stone walls and traditional houses. To compare the two routes, consider their landscape: the way to Ses Illetes is characterised by juniper and dune vegetation, while the route to Cala Saona is defined by fields and dry-stone walls.

Coastline and former quarries

Sa Pedrera is a rocky coastline between the port of La Savina and Cala Saona and was formerly used as a quarry. Its shallow water, proximity to the shore and seagrass-covered seabed are reasons why the coast is recommended for snorkelling; sea conditions may vary. Nearby, at Punta de Sa Pedrera, former marès quarries have become natural pools with clear, shallow turquoise water. The pools are suitable for snorkelling; Ibiza’s silhouette can be seen from there.

Discover more destinations: San Ferrán De Ses Roques, San Francisco Javier, Formentera, Es Caló, Pilar De La Mola, Es Pujols, Platja De Migjorn

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