Best Formentera Anchorages by Wind Direction
A local captain's guide to where to anchor in any conditions. Wind direction changes everything in Formentera—here's what we know by heart.
Most first-time visitors to Formentera think all anchorages are the same. They're not. A spot that's perfect in south wind becomes a washing machine in north wind. After 15 years guiding charters, our captains know which beaches work in which conditions—and when to skip Formentera entirely.
This guide covers the five best anchorages, organized by wind direction, with GPS coordinates, depth ranges, and honest tips you won't find in guidebooks.
Quick guide by wind direction
North Wind (Tramuntana)
✅ Skip Ses Illetes. Head to Playa de Migjorn (south coast).
North wind creates chop in the channel and makes Ses Illetes uncomfortable. South coast is protected and calm.
Alternative: Consider Es Vedrà/Cala d'Hort on Ibiza's south coast instead.
South Wind (Migjorn)
✅ Perfect for Ses Illetes and north coast anchorages.
South wind makes Formentera crossing smooth and keeps north beaches calm. Avoid Playa de Migjorn (onshore waves).
Alternative: If south wind is strong, Cala Saona offers some protection.
East Wind (Llevant)
✅ Cala Saona and Playa de Migjorn work well.
East wind is usually moderate. West-facing bays like Cala Saona are protected.
Alternative: Check forecast—strong east wind can make channel crossing bumpy.
West Wind (Ponent)
✅ Ses Illetes, Platja de Llevant, and north coast are ideal.
West wind keeps east side calm. Avoid Cala Saona (swell enters the bay).
Alternative: Perfect conditions for full-day north coast exploration.
Detailed anchorage guide
Ses Illetes (North Beach)
38.7824° N, 1.4242° E
Captain's Tips:
- ▸Anchor 100–150m from beach to avoid swimmers
- ▸Arrive before 11am in July/August for space
- ▸Alternative: move south to Platja de Llevant if too crowded
Cala Saona
38.7156° N, 1.3889° E
Captain's Tips:
- ▸Protected cove, great for families
- ▸Sunset views toward Es Vedrà
- ▸Small beach gets busy—anchor on the edges
Playa de Migjorn (Es Arenals)
38.6989° N, 1.4456° E
Captain's Tips:
- ▸Long beach = plenty of space even in peak season
- ▸Multiple beach bars along the coast
- ▸Best for relaxed, uncrowded swimming
Cala Saona Bay (South Side)
38.7145° N, 1.3912° E
Captain's Tips:
- ▸Less crowded than main Cala Saona anchorage
- ▸Dinghy ride to beach (5 mins)
- ▸Great for snorkeling on rocky edges
Platja de Llevant (East of Ses Illetes)
38.7756° N, 1.4289° E
Captain's Tips:
- ▸Alternative to crowded Ses Illetes
- ▸Turquoise water, postcard views
- ▸Dinghy to Juan y Andrea (~10 min)
Pro tips from our captains
- 1.
Check wind 24 hours ahead. Formentera forecast changes fast. We use Windy.com and local knowledge to call it.
- 2.
If north wind is over 15 knots, skip Formentera. The crossing is bumpy and Ses Illetes gets choppy. South coast of Ibiza is better.
- 3.
Arrive early in peak season. Ses Illetes fills up by 11am in July/August. We aim for 10am departures.
- 4.
Bring extra anchor chain. Wind can shift during lunch. Proper scope (5:1 ratio) prevents dragging.
- 5.
Trust your captain. If we suggest Plan B, there's a reason. We want your day to be perfect, not just say yes.
Planning a Formentera charter?
Our captains monitor conditions daily and choose the best anchorages for your day. Tell us your dates and we'll handle the rest.