Ses Illetes
Ses Illetes is Formentera's best-known beach, running along the west side of the Es Trucadors spit in the Ses Salines Natural Park. Official tourism describes more than 450 metres of fine white sand split by a low rocky patch, with calm, shallow turquoise water that often looks like a natural pool. Small islets offshore (Illa de Tramuntana, Illa des Forn and others) gave the beach its name.
Boardwalks protect the dunes, and parking is limited to marked areas. Cars and motorbikes pay a seasonal park access fee; bikes and walkers go free. In high season the southern and central sections fill early, with restaurants, kiosks and sunbed hire along the shore. The northern tip, where the spit narrows toward Espalmador, is quieter and less developed because vehicles cannot continue.
Naturism is part of everyday beach life here, though not in a fenced enclosure. Near the main entrances textile swimwear is common, especially with families. Further north along the spit, and in quieter pockets, full naturism is widely practised. Read the people around you, keep a respectful distance, and stay off the dune vegetation.
From the tip you can see Espalmador across the channel. Crossing Es Pas on foot is forbidden because of strong currents. Southwards, rocky ground around Es Pujol d'en Palo leads toward Cavall d'en Borràs.
At a glance
- Name of beach: Ses Illetes (also Playa de Illetes)
- Municipality: Formentera
- Autonomous community: Illes Balears
- Length / width (Guía de Playas): 450 m / 6 m
- Beach type: Sand
- Setting: Semi-urban dunes and wetland, natural park
- Naturism: Practised (Guía de Playas: Nudismo Sí); more common toward the northern tip
- Access: Foot, bicycle, car/motorbike (seasonal park fee)
- Parking: Yes, regulated inside the park
- Protected area: Yes - Ses Salines Natural Park
- Coordinates (approx.): 38°45'16" N, 1°26'00" E