In line with its policy to keep tourism on Formentera sustainable, the island is capping the number of vehicles during the summer to 12,450 cars and motorbikes per day. Most tourists won’t be affected as rental companies will get the permits in advance for the 2,700 and 7,000 motorbikes available for hire. If you want to take your own car or have rented one in Ibiza and are planning to take it on the ferry, you’ll need to get a permit, but there shouldn’t be a problem as this year the numbers allowed are pretty generous and are aimed at getting people used to the idea; it’s likely to get stricter next year.
While it is easy to rent a car or motorbike when you get off the ferry in the port of La Savina, lots of people are already choosing to explore the island by bike instead – there are rental places everywhere. From the port, you can get a bus to the main points on the island if you don’t want to take a taxi, so you can get to your accommodation with your luggage and then hire bikes. The island is only about 20km long and is mostly pretty flat with lots of cycle paths, so is a great place to have a go if you haven’t been on a bike for a while.
To obtain a permit, see Formentera Eco and have a look at the Formentera tourism site for more information and inspiration.
Mooching around Spain 