Island walking and cycling on Ibiza and Formentera
Ibiza and Formentera, two stunning islands in the Balearic archipelago, offer a unique blend of beachside relaxation, vibrant nightlife, and breathtaking natural beauty.
With our guidebook to walking on Ibiza and Formentera you can discover some fantastic walking and cycling routes.
Below we have described a selection of walks in our book.
Talamanca – Puig d’En Manya – Talamanca: Walk 2
You can enjoy this coastal walk at any time of year; although it’s quite short, allow a full day.
The walk used to run all the way to Cala Llonga, but a landslide has destroyed the beautiful path in the Torres Baixes area, where a villa on the 142m-high hill prevents you going round the damaged area.
Eventually the path will probably be repaired – although it will be a big job!
Cala Jondal to Sa Canal: Walk 5
Make a day of this super walk. There are several lovely picnic spots: on Puig des Jondal, at Sa Caleta or Es Codolar, in the salt pans or in the woods below Puig Falcó.
There are also five restaurants! Two at the start, two in the middle and one at the end
Sant Josep – Sa Talaiassa – Cala Tarida: Walk 7
This walk takes you to the highest point on the island and then down to the west coast. On a clear day you’ll have wonderful views over the whole of Ibiza from the TV transmitter shortly before the summit of Sa Talaiassa.
From here forests and market gardens lead you down to Cala Tarida, where you can end this long but lovely walk with a swim
Torre des Molar from Port de Sant Miquel: Walk 10
This short walk takes you to magnificent viewpoints over the north coast. Your goal is an old watchtower with a viewing platform.
There are three chances to swim: at Cala des Multons, on the south side of the Illa des Bosc peninsula, and at Cala de Sant Miquel.
Sant Antoni – Sant Rafel – Sant Antoni: Cycle tour 2
You’ll see for yourself just how small Ibiza is, when you do this cycle tour across the island.
Starting out from the west coast, you’ll be in the capital in about two hours.
Bays west of Sant Antoni: Walk 11
Ibiza’s picturesque west coast is explored on this walk, where you discover steep cliffs and pretty sandy bays.
The best part of the walk is the stretch to Cala Conta, so the Short or Alternative walk is highly recommended.
Santa Agnes – Penya Esbarrada – Santa Agnes: Walk 13
This walk in the lonely northwest corner of the island takes you to a remarkable coastal landscape and then over Penya Esbarrada – where you’ll enjoy that invigorating feeling of being in high mountains.
This is probably one of the finest walks on Ibiza, but very exposed in places.
Es Pujols – Es Calo, El Pilar – Far de la Mola – Es Pujols: Cycle tour 2
On this delightful tour you travel almost the entire length of Formentera. Your goal is the lighthouse on the east coast.
No picnic places are especially recommended, but there are restaurants at Es Caló and El Pilar.
Some cyclists will find the 3km-long climb beyond Es Caló a bit trying – it’s far easier with a mountain bike.
Es Pujols – Platja de Migjorn – Es Pujols: Cycle tour 2
This cycle tour takes you to one of the most beautiful beaches on Formentera and is especially recommended during the months when swimming is possible.
Take a little rucksack with you, so that you can walk unencumbered as far as you like along the beach. Picnic 4 is en route.
Es Pujols: Circular walk and cycle tour 6
The route is Es Pujols – Sant Ferran – Es Calo – Cami de sa Pujada – El Pilar – Sa Talaiassa – Es Calo – Es Pujols.
This is a combination of a cycle tour and a walk, and keen walkers will agree that the hike is the best part of the excursion.
Besides the walk described, I have shown other possible routes on the map. For instance, from El Pilar you could walk south to S’Estufador and either return the same way or go west to the Caló d’es Ram and return on the Camí d’es Ram.
It helps to have a good sense of direction when following any paths – and it’s a good idea to have our GPS track or a good map.
The best time of year for walking on Ibiza and Formentera
The ideal time to walk in Ibiza and Formentera is during the shoulder seasons, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October).
The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
However, summer (June-August) can also be a great time to visit, especially for those who enjoy swimming and sunbathing.
Just be prepared for higher temperatures and larger crowds.
Getting between the islands and around them
Regular ferry services ply the route between Ibiza and Formentera making it easy to explore both destinations.
Both islands have a well-developed bus network, making it simple to get around without a car.
However, renting a car can be a convenient way to explore the islands at your own pace, especially if you want to reach more remote areas.
Be aware that parking can be limited in popular areas.
Ibiza and Formentera offer a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vibrant nightlife.
By using our guidebook to walking on Ibiza and Formentera, you can confidently explore these islands on foot or bicycle and discover many hidden gems.