The Ultimate Guide to Migjorn Beach in Formentera: Best Tips for 2024

Welcome to our Ultimate Guide to Migjorn Beach in Formentera: Best Travel Tips for 2024. If you’re seeking a peaceful retreat from the busy shores of Ses Illetes, Migjorn Beach is your ideal destination. Stretching over 6 kilometers along Formentera’s southern coast, Migjorn Beach is not only the longest beach on the island but also considered its most unspoiled and wild area. In this ultimate guide for 2024, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your visit—from the best spots along the beach to local tips on where to eat, how to get there, where to stay, and how to enjoy this slice of Formentera’s paradise like a local.

Exploring Migjorn coast: Sandy Beaches and Hidden Coves

The word ‘Migjorn‘ means ‘midday’ in Catalan, referring to the beach southern orientation on the island. It is the longest beach in Formentera, made up of various sandy stretches and rocky coves, each with its own name. This vast coastline is regarded as the wildest and most unspoiled part of Formentera, and is a favorite among locals who prefer to avoid the busier areas like Ses Illetes in the north. There are different ways people divide and name the sections of Migjorn Beach ( or Playa de Migjorn). Let’s explore these sections of beach together, starting from west to east:

Es Mal Pas – This is the westernmost part of Migjorn Beach, near Cap de Barbaria. It is often described as more rugged and less developed, with fewer tourist facilities.

Ca Marí – Moving eastward from Es Mal Pas, you come to Ca Marí. Ca Marí is located close to the village of Sant Ferran.

Migjorn (Central Area) – As you continue eastward, you reach the central area of Playa de Migjorn. This part is often just referred to as Migjorn itself and is the heart of the beach. It has plenty of access points, restaurants, and bars.

Es Arenals – Further to the east, you get to Es Arenals, one of the most popular and touristy sections of Playa de Migjorn. This area has a broader, sandier beach with a good amount of infrastructure like bars and restaurants. It’s one of the livelier sections and is known for its deep, sandy shores.

Es Copinar – This is at the eastern end of Migjorn Beach, leading toward Caló des Mort, a small, beautiful cove. Es Copinar is generally quieter and less crowded, making it a bit of a hidden gem.

Caló des Mort – Though not technically part of Migjorn, this is a small cove at the far eastern end, which is stunning but tiny compared to the larger beach sections of Migjorn.

Let’s dive deeper into each section of the beach to help you choose your ideal spot, with everything you need to know—from how to get there and where to eat, to insider tips and must-see spots.

Top Spots Along Migjorn Beach

Es Mal Pas

Es Mal Pas is in the westernmost area of the coast of Migjorn and it stands out for its raw, natural beauty and tranquility. Es Mal Pas remains largely untouched, offering a more rugged and back-to-nature beach experience. This section is formed by a mix of rocky and sandy areas, providing natural coves and small bays that are perfect for those seeking solitude.

The waters are pristine and perfect for swimming, although the rocky sections mean that it might not be as accessible for families with young children compared to areas such as Ca Marí. However, for couples or solo travelers seeking a peaceful retreat, or those who enjoy naturism, Es Mal Pas offers a unique, unspoiled setting that captures the wild essence of Formentera.

How to get to Es Mal Pas

  • Es Mal Pas Beach it’s not so easy to access as it’s not signposted. From Sant Francesc Xavier: Head towards Cap de Barbaria on the road known as d’Es Mal Pas. You’ll follow this road until you reach a narrow forest track that leads to Es Mal Pas beach.
  • You can also reach Es Mal Pas via the old road from La Mola, though the route from Sant Francesc is more direct.

Best Transport Options

  • Due to the narrow and somewhat challenging access, it’s recommended to use a motorcycle or bicycle, as the bus does not reach this area. If you’re driving a car, be cautious—there’s only space for one or two vehicles in the small parking lot, and it’s easy to find yourself stuck. Maneuvering on the sand can also lead to your car getting stranded, so it’s best to avoid bringing a car if possible.

Es Mal Pas Insider Tips

Es Mal Pas is a more secluded and less developed area of Migjorn Beach, so dining options directly in this area are quite limited. For a visit to Es Mal Pas, it is a good idea to pack your food, especially if you’re looking to enjoy a quiet day without having to leave the area for a meal. However, if you’re willing to venture a bit further, the nearby area of Ca Marí offers some great dining options.

In summary, if you’re seeking an intimate beach experience, Es Mal Pas is the place to go.

Ca Marí

Moving eastward from Es Mal Pas, you’ll reach Ca Marí, which is located close to the village of Sant Ferran. Ca Marí is a charming stretch of Migjorn Beach, offering easier access compared to Es Mal Pas while maintaining a wild and unspoiled atmosphere.

In fact, Ca Marí is considered one of the most pristine areas of Formentera. Its untouched landscape and tranquil atmosphere make it a distinctive and special part of Formentera‘s southern coast. Despite its unspoiled nature, Ca Marí beach strikes a perfect balance between relaxation and activity, with nearby beach bars and restaurants.

How to get to Ca Mari’

From La Savina, you need to take the main road (PM-820) and drive south, skirting the town of Sant Francesc without entering it, and continue driving towards Sant Ferran.

After leaving the town of Sant Ferran, approximately 1 kilometer later, you will find a right turn indicating the direction of Ca Marí. 

Best Places to Eat at Ca Marí: 2024 Recommendations

Ca Marí beach is largely untouched, dotted with occasional wooden fences and boat shelters. Don’t worry, though, despite its seclusion, you can still find great options for food and drinks:

  • Can Marti Restaurant: A family-owned restaurant with a strong reputation on the island, active since the 1970s. It is considered one of best restaurants in Formentera. It offers a wide selection of authentic and refined local dishes, including fresh fish of the day. Located in a charming open-air setting facing the sea with ample parking.
  • Sa Platgeta Restaurant: Nestled under pine trees and overlooking the sea, this colourful and informal beachside restaurant attracts for its beautiful location and for its authentic and delicious fish dishes. Located in a particularly beautiful stretch of the beach, it’s the perfect spot to savour the island’s flavours. Be sure to try the paella and fried baby squid, chipirones rebozados, as you enjoy the aromatic blend of maritime pines and sea salt in the air
Sa Platgeta Restaurant
  • Chiringuito Karai: Newly opened in 2024, Karai brings a fresh Baja California-inspired vibe to Ca Marí beach. Located on the site of the former Kiosko 62, this vibrant beach bar offers food, drinks, and music in a fun, casual setting. The wooden-slatted structure and colorful vintage-style signs create a laid-back atmosphere. With solar-powered energy and a mix of shaded and open terraces, it’s an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the beach while savoring the flavors of Mexico.

Migjorn (Central Area)

As you continue eastward, you reach the central part of Playa de Migjorn, often simply referred to as Migjorn itself. This area represents the heart of the beach, offering a long, sandy stretch with clear, shallow waters ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

How to get to Migjorn (Central Area)

Continuing along the main road (PM-820) past the Ca Marí access point, you’ll come across several dirt paths that branch off to the right, each leading to different sections of Migjorn beach.

These paths are often marked by kilometer posts and the names of nearby restaurants and chiringuitos—the beachside bars that dot the coastline. Let’s explore the different areas of Migjorn, each closely tied to its neighboring restaurant or chiringuito.

Exploring beaches and chiringuitos in Migjorn Central Area

Searching for the restaurants and chiringuitos can be a fun way to discover the beaches of Migjorn. More than just spots for food and drinks, chiringuitos are the heart and soul of Formentera’s beach culture, each with its own unique vibe and history that has shaped the island’s relaxed atmosphere. These spots serve as landmarks, helping you navigate the various sections of the beach

After Ca Marí, the first turnoff you’ll find is marked by signs for Chiringuito Amagatai and the iconic Blue Bar.

Chiringuito Amagatai opened on July 21, 2024 and replaced the beloved Kiosko Lucky. It is a hidden gem nestled in one of the quieter, more serene sections of the shoreline. This beach area is perfect for those seeking tranquility and just before reaching Amagatai, you’ll find a stretch frequented by nudists, drawn to the peaceful atmosphere. You’ll notice that this sense of calm is embodied by the chiringuito itself. The gentle sound of the waves and soft, relaxing music at a low volume create a space where people naturally adjust to the tranquility.

This part of Migjorn beach is unique not only for its serenity but also for its natural beauty. The fine white sand leads seamlessly into a wide, flat rock formation at the water’s edge. As you walk toward the sea, one foot sinks into the soft sand, while the next touches the smooth, rock surface covered in a gentle layer of seaweed, creating a soft platform that feels like a mattress underfoot. This flat rock serves as your entry point into the crystal-clear turquoise waters, thanks to the bright, sandy bottom below.

The rock is interrupted by natural pools, which form deeper baths where you can sink into the water or lay back on the flat rock as if on a natural bed, lulled by the gentle sounds of the sea and the soothing background music from Amagatai, letting both the water and the calm energy of the place wash over you.

The Blue Bar is one of the island’s iconic bars, known for its blue-painted walls and vibrant atmosphere. It is both a restaurant and a discotheque, where you can enjoy cocktails and dance until 2:30 a.m. The Blue Bar also hosts the entertaining ‘Alien Show’ every Tuesday and Sunday during aperitif time. This show feature a giant alien puppet dancing to music selected by a DJ, set against the beautiful backdrop of Migjorn Beach.

View of the beach from the Blue Bar
The Blue Bar in Migjorn Beach
The ‘Alien Show’ at the Blue Bar in Migjorn Beach.

As you continue east, at kilometer 8.9, you will find Es Codol Foradat beach which takes the name from the restaurant right in front.

Es Codol Foradat beach stands out for its rock formations that break the monotony of the white sand, creating natural coves perfect for those seeking a bit of privacy. These dark rocks contrast beautifully with the incredibly turquoise, crystalline waters, giving the beach a raw and tranquil charm.

Interesting fact:

The beach gets its name from a large rock with holes at its base. In rare years, when storms shift the sand, you can walk through the gap. Most of the time, though, the hollow is buried under layers of sand, reflecting the beach’s ever-changing beauty.

Es Codol Foradat Restaurant is just steps from the beach and offers traditional dishes with stunning sea views. Renowned chef Nandu Jubany and his son, Eudald Jubany, have crafted a menu rich in flavors and high-quality ingredients, adding a touch of sophistication to this seaside dining experience

If you continue walking east along the beach, in a few minutes you’ll arrive at Es Vogamarí Beach. This stretch of coastline is defined by its dunes, which create a relatively narrow shoreline in certain sections. A wooden walkway runs parallel to the turquoise sea, offering several access points and allowing you to choose your preferred spot on the beach.

This beach takes its name from Vogamarí Restaurant, the only restaurant located here. This restaurant has an iconic status, considered one the best restaurant of Formentera. Make sure to have a meal at this restaurant to enjoy traditional and delicious Formentera cooking such as fresh seafood and genuine home-made dishes. The delicious food it’s not the only element that makes this restaurant so loved by locals and visitors: it also has a breathtaking view overlooking the sea in a peaceful natural setting.

Es Arenals

Further to the east, you’ll arrive to Es Arenals, one of the most popular sections of Migjorn Beach. This area has a broader, sandier beach that makes it one of the most spacious areas on Formentera. It’s one of the livelier sections and is known for its dunes, fine white sand, and easy accessibility.

Es Arenals charms visitors with its balance of untouched beauty and modern comfort. The area in fact is home to a number of beach bars, restaurants, and chiringuitos, allowing visitors to enjoy a leisurely meal or refreshing drink without straying far from the shore.

Es Arenals Tips

Despite being one of the busier beaches on Formentera, Es Arenals still retains a relaxed and peaceful vibe, thanks to its large shore and stunning surroundings. The calm, shallow waters with its sandy bottom make it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling and a great choice for families with children. You can also find plenty of places to rent sunbeds and umbrellas, making it easy to spend an entire day sunbathing in comfort.

How to get to Es Arenals

  • From La Savina, follow the main road (PM-820), passing through the two roundabouts at the entrance to Sant Francesc. Continue straight through the town of Sant Ferran, staying on the main road for about 5 kilometers. Look for a marked right-hand turn with a sign indicating Es Arenals Beach. From here, follow the paved road, which will lead you directly to the beach’s main parking area.
  • If you’re heading from the main road to La Mola, you’ll find the turnoff for Es Arenals around kilometer 11. The detour is well signposted, and once you take the turn, it’s a straightforward route that brings you to the main parking lot near the beach.
  • For those using public transportation, bus line 2 offers a convenient option. The bus runs from La Savina and Sant Francesc to Es Caló de Sant Agustí and makes a stop near the turnoff for Es Arenals. From the bus stop, it’s a roughly 1.5-kilometer walk to reach the beach.

Best Places to Eat at Es Arenals: 2024 Recommendations

Beach Club 10.7
Formerly known as Patrizia Pepe, Beach Club 10.7 standouts for the stunning terrace, ideal for enjoying an aperitif while taking in panoramic sea views. The menu blends Mediterranean and Asian flavours, and its sushi is considered among the best on the island.

La Fragata Restaurant
La Fragata, a well-established restaurant since 1979, is a timeless favorite in Es Arenals. Known for its old-school charm, it offers both a beautiful free beach and an area with sunbeds and umbrellas. The restaurant’s history and beachfront location make it a beloved spot for traditional Mediterranean dining.

Chiringuito KM 11

Formerly the iconic Piratabus, Chiringuito KM 11 still carries the free-spirited, bohemian vibe that made its predecessor famous during Formentera’s hippie era. It has a livelier atmosphere compared to the calmer spots we’ve encountered, with 60s-70s rock music, delicious food, and stunning views overlooking Es Arenals Beach. It’s a favorite for sunset gatherings, where the energy of the place truly comes alive.

Be sure to try the bocadonas—anchovies with lemon, olive oil, and bread—that perfectly capture the simple, carefree spirit of the chiringuito. You’ll feel the nostalgic freedom of childhood, like stepping into Peter Pan’s Neverland.

 Chiringuito Gitana

Chiringuito Gitana is the latest addition to Es Arenals, offering a vibrant and colorful atmosphere that sets it apart. Opened in 2024, it’s quickly become a favorite for its lively decor and beachfront vibes. Perfect for grabbing a drink or a bite, it’s a great spot to soak up the relaxed energy of the island.

Es Copinar – Migjorn Beach

As you head east, the reddish rocks that rise behind the wide sandy stretch of Es Arenals beach become increasingly prominent. The green dunes gradually disappear, giving way to a wild, arid landscape reminiscent of desert canyons, with towering cliffs that lend a dramatic and striking character to the coastline.

Es Cupinar Beach in Migjorn, Formentera

This is Es Copinar, where the vast horizon and open sea, seen from the cliff’s edge, take center stage, evoking a powerful sense of expansion and infinity. The stunning shades of the sea, from light turquoise to deep blue, create a breathtaking contrast against the rugged landscape.

Es Copinar Beach is actually made up of three distinct beaches, separated by rock reefs. These natural divisions create unique bathing areas. The first section on the ‘right’ has more sandy stretches and it covers the front of two of the largest hotel complexes on the island and it feels less secluded compared to the left side. As you walk left, the sand gradually gives way a more rocky and dramatic landscape heading towards the hidden cove of Calo’ Des Mort.

How to get to Es Copinar Beach

To reach Es Copinar Beach, take the main road heading towards La Mola. When the road starts to incline slightly, turn right at the sign indicating the two nearby hotel complexes: RIU and Maryland. From there, the route is straightforward, and you can’t miss it.

Best Places to Eat at Es Cupinar: 2024 Recommendations

  • Es Cupina’ Restaurant: It’s an idyllic spot to relax and unwind. Nestled along the stunning coastline of Es Copinar Beach, this restaurant offers Mediterranean-inspired local dishes such as Paellas, Gazpacho, fresh local seafood dishes and more. With its beautiful location, you can enjoy your meal while taking in the breathtaking views of the beach and sea.
  • Don’t miss the ‘Sunset Club Experience‘ where live DJs play chill-out ambient music, creating the perfect atmosphere to witness one of the best sunsets in Formentera with a cocktail and the perfect background music.
Es Cupina’ restaurant at Migjorn Beach, Formentera
  • Chiringuito Bartolo: as you walk eastward towards Caló des Mort, the landscape becomes increasingly rocky and secluded. Eventually, you’ll encounter this wooden chiringuito perched on a rock, overlooking the spectacular sea view. Chiringuito Bartolo feels like a hidden oasis in the middle of nowhere, with its wooden structure harmoniously blending into the natural environment. At Chiringuito Bartolo, you can enjoy a fantastic selection of food and drinks accompanied by great music, enhancing your beach experience. It’s a spot you simply can’t miss!
Chiringuito Bartolo at Migjorn Beach, Formentera

Caló Des Mort 

Caló Des Mort  is in the eastern most part of Migjorn beach and one the most loved beaches of Formentera. It’s a tiny beach just 20 meters long by 5 meters wide, located a few meters below the sandstone cliffs typical of this area of Migjorn. This spectacular cove is very small and somewhat hidden, but that does not discourage people from visiting it.

Caló Des Mort is rumoured to have once been a haven for pirates and their treasures and this legend adds more magic to this beautiful cove making it a must-visit of Formentera.

Caló des Mort arial view

Caló des Mort Tips: Packing the Perfect Beach Picnic

Calo des Mort is a hidden cove that doesn’t have any beach services. The closest kiosk and restaurant can be found in the preceding stretch of beach known as Es Copinar.

If you’re planning a day at Calo des Mort, come prepared with everything you’ll need, as there are no facilities available. Forgetting something could mean a long trek to find what you’re missing.

Where to stay at Migjorn Beach

Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of waves and with stunning waterfront views greeting you each morning …

Astbury Formentera selection of holiday apartments at Migjorn Beach offers unparalleled comfort, ensuring a memorable stay for every guest. Whether you prefer a cozy bungalow or a spacious villa, we will ensure your stay is nothing short of pure bliss.

Let’s explore some options for you:

Casa Stefi and Casa Sa Playa

Location: Es Arenals beach

Experience beachfront living at its finest with our three bedrooms villa and panoramic views of the waterfront. Perfect for families or groups of friends, this fully-equipped retreat offers great quality and comfort.

Voga Mari Bungalows

Location: Es Vogamarí beach

Voga Mari enjoy a truly privileged position on the island of Formentera.
Located towards the central stretch of Migjorn beach, our charming bungalows offer an impossible sense of calm and tranquillity with Migjorn beach just a 2 minute walk away. Voga Mari consist of 13 adjoining, one bedroom sea view bungalows and 2 first floor penthouse apartments with panoramic sea views.

Experience this serene and breathtakingly beautiful part of Formentera enjoying views of the dunes and the sea from your terrace. The excellent Voga Mari restaurant is situated just 100 meters away next to the beach.

Can Miguel Marti apartments

Location: Ca Marí beach

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