Cala Saona is the west-coast cove that proves Formentera is not only about long open beaches. It is a smaller, more enclosed place: pale sand tucked between low red cliffs, with clear water that shifts from turquoise to deep blue as the bottom drops away. The setting is intimate by island standards, which is exactly why it fills quickly in high season.
Come early for swimming, or late for the sunset, when the cliffs warm in colour and the boats settle into the bay. It is easy to reach by road or bicycle, but bring what you need if you plan to linger. Like all the best Formentera beaches, Cala Saona is simple; the trick is not to overcomplicate it.