Cala Saona is the only sandy cove on the cliff-lined south-west coast of Formentera, 5 km from Sant Francesc Xavier, the nearest town, and 8.7 km from the marina at La Savina. It faces west, is barely 140 metres long and sits in a small bay between Punta Rasa to the south and Caló d'en Trull to the north.
The beach
White sand, a sandy seabed and turquoise water, with reddish cliffs and pine on either side. The cove is short but wide, 120 metres, the jewel of the west coast because every other stretch of this shore is cliff. Sheltered between the headlands, the water is usually calm, which makes it a good choice for children. Occupancy is high: it is one of the most popular beaches on the island.
Old boathouses for the traditional llaüts line the back of the cove, because it was one of the few sheltered spots to haul a boat out on this coast, and a hotel stands above the sand. The whole cove is part of the Cap Alt natural area of special interest.
Getting there
By road from Sant Francesc Xavier in the direction of Cap de Barbaria; a signposted turn-off halfway along leads west to the cove, where the tarmac ends at the car park. By bicycle, take the paths that lead south from La Savina through the most rural part of the island, among pines and dry stone walls. By bus, line L5 from Port La Savina and Sant Francesc Xavier runs to Cala Saona. By boat, there is access from the sea. On foot the access from the car park is easy.
Parking and access rules
A large free car park at the end of the tarmac road. The cove is outside the Ses Salines natural park and no vehicle fee applies.
Services
A restaurant and a beach bar, sunbed and umbrella rental, and water craft rental: paddle surf, kayaks and motorised pedaloes. Row to the cliffs of Punta Rasa to see the underwater caves; the cove is among the best on the island for snorkelling. Do not count on showers, toilets or a lifeguard.
When to go
Evening. The cove faces west with nothing in front of it, and it is the best sunset on the island, with people gathering on the sand to watch. For swimming, the headlands shelter the water on most days; a west wind blows straight in. Mornings are the quietest time in high season.
Nearby
Sant Francesc Xavier, the capital, is 5 km inland with the Cala Saona viewpoint 151 m from the beach. La Savina and the port are 8.7 km away. The Migjorn coast with Es Ca Marí begins to the south-east. The Torre de la Gavina is 2.8 km away and the windmills Molí d'en Jeroni and Molí d'en Mateu 3.1 km away towards Sant Francesc.
