Cala en Baster is a small rocky cove on the north coast of Formentera, the Tramuntana coast, 3.1 km from Sant Ferran de ses Roques and 7.4 km from the marina at La Savina. It faces north, has no sand and no facilities, and is one of the quietest places to swim on the island.
The cove
Rock platforms and sandstone walls instead of a beach, with rugged cliffs on which almost nothing grows. The water is turquoise and emerald, deep and clear, good for a peaceful swim and for snorkelling. The feature that sets it apart is the caves that fishermen carved by hand into the sandstone to shelter their boats, with wooden ramps running down to the sea. The shore is 150 m long and 20 m wide. Occupancy is low, even in high season, and the waves are moderate.
Getting there
By car or scooter from Sant Ferran de ses Roques, 3.1 km: follow the signs towards Es Pujols and at the crossroads take the Cala en Baster road until it ends at the cove. By bicycle the same road works, and the cove can also be reached by boat. No bus line serves the cove; the nearest stops are in Sant Ferran de ses Roques (L1, L2, L5, L7). The last stretch is a short path around the cove and a rocky descent to the water that is difficult on foot, so wear shoes with soles.
Parking and access rules
Parking at the end of the road. The cove is outside the Ses Salines natural park and no vehicle fee applies.
Services
None. There is no beach bar, no sunbeds, no showers and no shade, only a litter bin. Bring water and something to shelter under. Naturist bathing is practised.
When to go
On calm days and when the wind is in the west or south. The cove is not recommended in an easterly wind, and as a north-facing inlet it is also exposed to the Tramuntana, the north wind. Summer afternoons are quiet here when the sandy beaches are full.
Nearby
Platja de Tramuntana, also called Es Carnatge, continues east along the same rocky coast towards Es Caló de Sant Agustí. Sant Ferran de ses Roques is 1.7 km from its church, and Platja de Migjorn on the south coast is 2.3 km away across the island. Es Pujols and Platja des Pujols are the next places west along the shore.
