Platgeta de sa Torreta

What makes Platgeta de sa Torreta special

The bay of sa Torreta lies on the west coast of s’Espalmador. Just offshore is the islet of sa Torreta, which closes off the bay on the seaward side. The little beach in this bay has traditionally been a refuge for fishermen. There’s no road down to it and there are no beach bars: all you’ll find is sand, rocks and sea.

The uninhabited island of s’Espalmador lies between Ibiza and Formentera and belongs to the municipality of Formentera. It’s almost 3 km long and at most about 800 m wide. The island is privately owned but open to the public. Once you’re ashore, though, the natural park rules apply.

On the rocky headland of sa Guardiola, between this bay and the bay of s’Alga, stands a watchtower from the mid-18th century. It was used to keep watch over shipping passing through es Freus, the strait between Ibiza and Formentera.

The whole area lies within Ses Salines Natural Park (Parc Natural de ses Salines d’Eivissa i Formentera), which has been protected by law since 2001. Around three quarters of the park is sea. Its posidonia seagrass meadows have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1999. That’s why strict rules apply here to boats and visitors alike.

Getting there

The only way here is by sea: in your own boat, a hired boat or on an organised boat trip from Ibiza or Formentera. If you’re joining a boat trip, ask beforehand whether it stops in the bay of sa Torreta. With no road access, parking doesn’t come into it.

Anywhere in the natural park, you must anchor on sand, never on seagrass. Off s’Espalmador, you’re also restricted to the designated anchoring zones, and you can only come ashore via the marked entry and exit channels.

Facilities

There are no facilities: no beach bar or restaurant, no sunloungers, no toilets and no lifeguard. You’ll also need to bring your own shade and drinking water. Take all your rubbish back on board with you.

• Plenty of drinking water and food
• Your own shade, sun cream and a hat
• A bag for your rubbish

Tips for your visit

• Check the wind and wave forecast before you go. The islet of sa Torreta shelters the bay, but how calm the water is depends on the wind direction.
• Once ashore, the park rules only let you walk along the shoreline and the beach, and on the signposted path to the lagoon.
• According to the natural park, the dunes and the small islets are off limits to visitors.
• Under the park rules, mud bathing in the lagoon on s’Espalmador is strictly prohibited.

Safety and nature

Without a boat, there’s no way off. So keep an eye on the weather forecast and leave in good time if the wind picks up. There’s no lifeguard, and the emergency services can’t get here by road.

Ses Salines Natural Park rules (Govern de les Illes Balears)