ferry Passio per Formentera Balearia
ferry Passio per Formentera
âš“ The Passió per Formentera is one of the best-known ferries on the link between mainland Spain and the Pityusic Islands. Operated by Baleària, she covers mainly the Dénia–Formentera route (via Ibiza) and the direct Ibiza–Formentera link, making her one of the most recognisable ships in the waters between the two islands. Her name is a statement of intent in itself: a genuine passion for Formentera, the smallest and most unspoilt island in the Balearic archipelago.
The Passió per Formentera was built at the Barreras shipyard in Vigo and has worked Baleària's routes since the early 2000s. She is a conventional vessel with diesel propulsion and room for both passengers and vehicles. Over the years she has been through a number of upgrades to improve comfort on board and meet the environmental requirements of the Balearic sea corridor.
She is especially popular in the summer months, when demand on the routes to Formentera soars and the ferry sails with high loads of both foot passengers and vehicles. Her mid-size hull makes her nimble over the short inter-island distances, covering the run between Ibiza and Formentera in around 1 hour and the journey from Dénia in about 4 hours.
A name with a character of its own
Baleària has a habit of naming its ships after the places they connect and the values the company stands for. Passió per Formentera is one of the most poetic names in the whole fleet: it captures the essence of the island — its light, its turquoise sea, its white sand beaches — and the operator's ambition to be the link between travellers and that Mediterranean paradise. Formentera, barely 83 km² in area, is the most exclusive destination in the Balearics and one of the great draws for Spanish and international visitors alike.
History and background of the ship
The Passió per Formentera was built as hull number 1,663 at the Hijos de J. Barreras shipyard in Vigo, as part of the "Baleària+" programme that brought together four ferries ordered from the same Galician yard — she is the smallest of the four. Launched on 7 March 2009 and fitted out at the Estaleiros Navais de Viana do Castelo yard, she was delivered on 11 September 2009 at a build cost of 42 million euros.
She entered service under the Maltese flag with her home port in Valletta. Since October 2014 she has sailed under the Spanish flag with her home port in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. She currently works the Algeciras–Ceuta route. Her name comes from the tourism slogan of the Balearic island of Formentera.
Full technical specifications
| Ship type | Conventional ro-pax ferry |
| Length overall | 116 m (approx.) |
| Beam | 19 m (approx.) |
| Service speed | ~18 knots |
| Passenger capacity | ~800 people |
| Vehicle capacity | ~150 cars (indicative) |
| Propulsion | Conventional diesel |
| Passenger decks | 2 |
| Shipyard | Barreras, Vigo |
| Flag | Spain |
| IMO number | 9217745 |
| Operating company | Baleària |
* Indicative technical data based on public sources. Some specifications may vary. Check the exact figures in the shipping register.
Routes operated and indicative timetables
| Route | Duration | Usual departure* |
|---|---|---|
| Dénia → Formentera (via Ibiza) | ~4 h | Check |
| Formentera → Dénia (via Ibiza) | ~4 h | Check |
| Ibiza → Formentera | ~1 h | Several departures |
| Formentera → Ibiza | ~1 h | Several departures |
| Dénia → Ibiza | ~2 h 30 min | Check |
| Ibiza → Dénia | ~2 h 30 min | Check |
* Indicative timetables, subject to season and availability. The ship assigned may change. Confirm the exact time and ship in our search engine.
The Port of La Savina (Formentera): how to get there and what to bear in mind
The Passió per Formentera works out of the Port de La Savina, Formentera's only harbour, on the north side of the island. It is the way in and out for every passenger and vehicle arriving by ferry. From La Savina the rest of the island is easy to reach by bicycle, hired scooter or car.
Formentera actively restricts motor vehicles in high season (July and August), which limits the number of cars allowed onto the island by ferry. Travelling without a car in summer is strongly recommended, using local transport instead (bicycle, moped or bus). If you do bring a vehicle, booking a space well in advance is essential.
If you are setting out from Valencia or Barcelona, the usual route is to reach Ibiza first (by ferry or by air) and take the ferry to Formentera from there. The port of Ibiza (port d'Eivissa) handles most of the connections to La Savina.
Fares, discounts and how to book
A passenger ticket on the Passió per Formentera on the Ibiza–Formentera route starts at roughly €20–30 each way in mid season. On the Dénia–Formentera route prices are higher and can exceed €60 per passenger in high season. Prices vary with the season and how far in advance you book.
Available discounts:
- Balearic resident: 75% off the base fare. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
- Formentera resident: a special discount as a resident of an island with no road link. Check the conditions with Baleària.
- Youth card (Carnet Joven): reduced fare for passengers aged 14 to 30. Check availability when you book.
- Baleària Club: the operator's points scheme. Collect points on every trip and redeem them for discounts on future bookings.
You can compare prices and real-time availability directly on I Love Ferry.
Which accommodation should you choose for your trip?
| If you are travelling... | Recommended accommodation |
|---|---|
| Alone or as a couple, looking for the best price | Standard seat |
| With family or a group of friends | Seat with a table, or the open deck |
| Looking for privacy and extra comfort | Premium lounge (where available) |
| With a pet | Standard seat + pet place |
| With small children | Standard seat (the open deck in summer) |
| On an overnight or long crossing | Reclining seat or cabin (where available) |
ferry Passio per Formentera · Accommodations
Standard seat
The cheapest and most popular option on the ship. Comfortable seats in an indoor lounge, with access to every area on board. Perfect for the relatively short hop between the islands.
✓ Reclining seat with headrest
✓ Access to the café and public areas
✓ SmartB WiFi on board
✓ Access to the outside deck
Premium lounge
A restricted-access area with more comfortable seating and fewer passengers around you. Ideal if you want more peace and quiet during the crossing, particularly in high season when the ship sails full.
✓ Restricted-access lounge
✓ More space between seats
✓ A quieter atmosphere
✓ SmartB WiFi on board
Outside deck
The favourite choice in summer. The open deck of the Passió per Formentera offers panoramic views over the Mediterranean and is the perfect place to enjoy the crossing between Ibiza and Formentera, with the sun and the sea taking centre stage. Open to all passengers.
✓ Panoramic Mediterranean views
✓ Open-air space
✓ Free access for all passengers
ferry Passio per Formentera · On-board services
Café and food service
The Passió per Formentera has a café on board serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks and seasonal products. Although the crossing between the islands is fairly short, the café covers everything a passenger might need along the way.
Outside deck
One of the great pleasures of the Passió per Formentera in summer is her outside deck. With the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean as a backdrop and the outline of Formentera drawing closer on the horizon, the deck is where passengers most like to spend the crossing. On calm days, the run between Ibiza and Formentera offers some of the finest views in the whole western Mediterranean.
Travelling with pets
Accessibility — passengers with reduced mobility
The Passió per Formentera has adapted entrances for passengers with reduced mobility. If you have particular needs, we recommend contacting Baleària in advance to explain them and to arrange assistance for boarding and disembarking. The port of La Savina (Formentera) and the port of Ibiza also have adapted facilities.
Connectivity and digital entertainment — SmartB
On board the Passió per Formentera you have access to Baleària's SmartB platform:
- Free WiFi throughout the crossing
- Completely free WhatsApp that does not use your mobile data
- On-demand series and films on your smartphone
- Digital magazines through the entertainment platform
- Free Spanish and international press via PressReader
- Digital boarding pass with online seat allocation
- Real-time journey information on your phone
Frequently asked questions about the Passió per Formentera
Which routes does the Passió per Formentera ferry operate?
She works mainly the Dénia–Formentera (calling at Ibiza) and Ibiza–Formentera routes. She may also cover the Dénia–Ibiza route depending on Baleària's schedule. The ship assigned can change from season to season.
How long does the Passió per Formentera take from Ibiza to Formentera?
The Ibiza–Formentera crossing takes roughly 1 hour. The full journey from Dénia to Formentera with a call at Ibiza can take more than 4 hours.
Does the Passió per Formentera carry cars?
Yes. She is a ro-pax ferry with a vehicle deck. That said, in high season Formentera applies restrictions on vehicle access, so travelling without a car in summer is recommended. If you really need one, book well in advance.
How do I get to Formentera from the mainland?
The most direct link from the mainland is the Dénia–Formentera route, calling at Ibiza. You can also reach Ibiza (by ferry or by air) and take the ferry to Formentera from there, a crossing of roughly 1 hour.
What accommodation does the Passió per Formentera offer?
She offers a standard seat in an indoor lounge, a premium lounge with more comfort and fewer passengers, and an outside deck in the open air with Mediterranean views, very popular in summer.
Is there free WiFi on the Passió per Formentera?
Yes. She has Baleària's SmartB platform, with free WiFi, free WhatsApp that does not use your data, on-demand series and films, and digital press through PressReader.
Is there a Balearic resident discount?
Yes. Residents of the Balearic Islands are entitled to a 75% discount on the base fare. Residents of Formentera get additional special terms. You must prove residency with a Spanish ID card (DNI) or a certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
Are pets allowed on the Passió per Formentera?
Yes. Baleària accepts pets on board. You must book a pet place when you buy your ticket and state the size and type of animal. Check the specific conditions of carriage before you travel.
Is she accessible for passengers with reduced mobility?
The Passió per Formentera has adapted entrances. If you have particular accessibility needs, we recommend contacting Baleària before you travel to confirm the services available and to request assistance for boarding and disembarking.
How much does it cost to travel on the Passió per Formentera?
A ticket on the Ibiza–Formentera route starts at roughly €20–30 in mid season. On the Dénia–Formentera route prices are higher. Balearic residents pay 75% less. Compare real-time prices here.
How early should I get to the port?
With a vehicle: at least 60 minutes beforehand. As a foot passenger: 30 minutes is enough. In July and August, with heavy demand on the routes to Formentera, it is worth allowing extra time.
Can I take a bicycle on the Passió per Formentera?
Yes. Baleària allows bicycles on its ferries as extra luggage. You need to say so when you book. Formentera is a very popular cycling destination, so carrying a bicycle is much in demand on this route.
Why is she called Passió per Formentera?
Baleària gave the ship this poetic name as a tribute to the island of Formentera and to everyone who visits it. The name captures the essence of the island — its light, its turquoise sea, its white sand beaches — and the operator's ambition to be the link between travellers and this Mediterranean paradise.
