Platja de s’Alga

What makes Platja de s’Alga special

Platja de s’Alga lies on the west side of s’Espalmador, an uninhabited islet just north of Formentera. The island belongs to the municipality of Formentera and lies within Ses Salines Natural Park (Parc Natural de ses Salines d’Eivissa i Formentera). The island itself is privately owned.

The bay, also known as Racó de s’Alga, is about a kilometre long. The sand is very fine and white, and behind the beach are dunes with juniper bushes. There are hardly any buildings: just an 18th-century watchtower and a farmhouse.

Around Formentera and s’Espalmador, vast meadows of seagrass (Posidonia oceanica) cover the seabed. These seagrass meadows have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1999. They keep the water clear and protect the beaches from erosion by the waves.

Getting there

You can only reach s’Espalmador by sea: by your own or a hired boat, by water taxi or on an organised boat trip from the port of La Savina. Sailing times and what’s on offer vary by season, so check before you go.

There’s a regulated mooring buoy field for boats at s’Alga. Anchoring on seagrass is forbidden in the natural park; you may only anchor on sand and in the designated zones. To go ashore, use only the marked entry and exit channels.

You can also get there by kayak, but only when the sea is calm and if you’re experienced at paddling on open water.

Rules on the island

Because s’Espalmador lies within a natural park and is private land, clear rules apply:

• You may only walk on the beach, the coastal strip and the signposted path to the lagoon.
• Bathing in the lagoon’s mud or smearing yourself with it is forbidden.
• Don’t walk across the dunes off the paths.
• Don’t pick plants or take away any animals.
• Camping and jet skis are banned throughout the natural park.
• Scuba diving requires a permit from the park.

Rules of Ses Salines Natural Park (Government of the Balearic Islands, in Catalan)

Facilities

There are no facilities: no beach bar, no toilets, no showers and no lifeguard. There’s hardly any shade. Bring plenty of water, food and sun protection, and take all your rubbish back to Formentera with you.

Tips for your visit

• If the boat can’t come right up to the beach, you’ll have to wade the last stretch. A waterproof bag comes in handy then.
• Sturdy shoes are useful for the path to the lagoon.
• Bring a snorkel set for the clear water.
• Check the weather forecast before you go. In strong winds or high waves, small boats may not sail.