Just before we finally embrace the first wave of tourists returning our islands, we felt a well-deserved, day out exploring Formentera was on the cards. As a challenge, we thought we'd try to travel in the most ecological way possible.
The Aquabus ferry service from Ibiza port might not be the quickest crossing but it is the cheapest and definitely the most fun. The Aquabus fleet is composed of classic boats that have been making the crossing for decades and a relaxed atmosphere onboard is the company's trademark. It is perfectly normal to find yourself chatting to other random passengers, as you catch some rays on the top deck. Down below, the interior was sparklingly clean and a cool alternative to escape from the hot sun.
On arrival in the port of La Savina, we headed straight to the Pujols Moto Rent kiosk, to pick up our €25 per day Askoll electric scooters and a Citroen E-Mehari dune buggy. Both were ideal forms of transport for a leisurely jaunt around this beautiful, tranquil island. Neither vehicle produces any emissions, and both are practically noise pollution free – in perfect harmony with the nature of Formentera. Indeed, from 2025, the only new vehicles allowed on the island will have to be electric.
We headed out, through the salt flats, to our first stop at the stunning beach of Es Pujols. The powdery white sand was practically deserted as we paddled along the shore. After a delightfully refreshing swim, it was already time for lunch. We saddled up and headed to the far end of the beach, to one of the best restaurants on the island.
With the money we had saved on our transport we could loosen the purse strings over lunch. Chezz Gerdi is an incredible, Italian inspired, chiringuito, where the food is fantastic and has views to match. It is hard to imagine a better location to sit back and enjoy fresh seafood beside the Mediterranean.
The menu is loaded with delicious, wholesome Italian favourites, such as octopus carpaccio, fried calamari, burrata salad and exquisite, freshly made, al dente seafood pasta, overflowing with clams and mussels - absolute perfection served with friendly and enthusiastic charm. We shared a bottle of the Chezz Gerdi house Chardonnay, from Northern Italy and the perfect meal was topped off elegantly with a tub of soft, aerated chocolate ice cream, with biscuit sprinkles and crushed pistachio nuts. (drooling mouth emoji).
We made a quick stop to top up the batteries at Es Caló, while we explored the charming old boathouses along the beach. There are quite a few charging points, in convenient locations, dotted around the island, so, if you're staying for long, there are plenty of opportunities to recharge throughout the day.
Our final stop was a cut through the pine forest, to the farthest end of Cala Migjorn, for a last refreshment and the final chance to swim before heading back to port. We parked up outside chiringuito Bartoló, the most quintessentially Formentera beach shack you can imagine. Every chair was taken, with happy customers enjoying a few beers after a long day at the beach. Meanwhile, the jolly bar owner lined up free chupito shots along the bar to welcome his guests.
Back in La Savina port, we had the chance to review our chosen modes of transport. Both were great fun to drive and the E-Mehari had that breezy, open-top feeling, perfectly suited to this sunny little island. Although the scooters felt a little underpowered for the final ride back up the main highway, some more powerful models are promised to arrive soon. Most importantly, all vehicles were still showing over half a battery charge at the end of the day, so we didn't have to pay a cent in fuel.
The final crossing back to Ibiza in the golden evening sunshine was calm and relaxing. An ice-cold beer, courtesy of the nice people at Aquabus, tasted even sweeter at the end of a long day of exploration.
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