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Stretching over a length of just 19 kilometres, Formentera is the smallest of the Balearic Islands. However, Formentera has an air of paradise. Accessible only by boat, this island offers sublime landscapes, oscillating between dunes and turquoise waters. If you spend your holidays in Ibiza, we strongly advise visiting this preserved Mediterranean jewel. Here, nature is prolific and the possibilities of activities are many. Discover without further delay our guide on Formentera.
A much better secret than Ibiza, Formentera enjoys a quiet and intimate atmosphere where it is good to spend your holidays. With its crystal clear waters, the island of Formentera has nothing to envy the Caribbean. Upon your arrival, you will be amazed by its golden expanses where the blue of the sea and the sky mingle on the horizon. Turquoise waters, azure reflections and a resplendent seabed, the Mediterranean Sea here has the air of paradise. Surrounded by pines, Cala Saona is a superb creek of golden sand with translucent waters as far as the eye can see. Chiringuitos can be found by the beach for local food or drinks. In the South, Migjorn is also an exceptional beach. Migjorn, at 8 km long, is the longest beach in Formentera and has a wild landscape that is more wild than its sidekick. The beach is flanked by dunes where lush vegetation blooms to the delight of lovers of nature. If you want to dive into turquoise waters that look as if from a postcard, we recommend Ses Illetes. Ideal for a family day, this beach has shallow waters, fine sand and an extremely well-preserved natural environment. Surrounded by dunes, not far from the natural park of Ses Salines, the beach of Ses Illetes is however one of the most touristy of Formentera. We advise going early in the morning or to enjoy the evening at sunset.
The island of Formentera is also known for its exceptional seabeds. The beaches of the island are therefore fabulous spots to try scuba diving or any other watersports. Put on your wetsuit, mask and snorkel and explore the aquatic life of posidonia, turtles and seaweed. You will then discover the Mediterranean as you have never before seen it.
In addition to its Caribbean-style beaches, Formentera also enjoys a dreamlike natural environment. Start your journey with the Ses Salines Natural Park that runs through Ibiza and Formentera. Divided into a terrestrial part and a maritime part, this natural park is a magical place where the flora and fauna are breathtaking.
Moreover, as the island of Formentera is relatively flat, it is ideal for organising beautiful bike rides or family treks. You will find many marked trails and "green roads" that demonstrate the environmental sensitivity of this island of all possibilities. Do not leave without taking a ride on the Camí de Sa Pujada, also called Camí Romà which literally means the "Roman way". Built in the eighteenth century, this path is probably one of the most beautiful walks you will have in Formentera. The road meanders along the coast and offers spectacular views of the entire island.
Make the pleasure last and go see the Far de la Mola. Nicknamed "the lighthouse at the end of the world", this lighthouse stands 200 metres above sea level. The building adjacent to the lighthouse pays homage to Jules Verne who describes Formentera in his famous novel ‘Hector Servadac’. Equally spectacular, the Cap de Barbaria lighthouse is one of the most photographed places in Formentera, and for good reason. With its magical lunar landscape and cliffs above the waves, the Cap de Barbaria offers an arid landscape of beauty. Next to this famous lighthouse is the entrance to the Cova Forrada underground cave.
Finally, end the week by strolling along the Estany Pudent. This salty expanse is famous for its resident flamingos. Spread over 3.5 km2, the Estany Pudent offers sublime landscapes that one can visit by bike or on foot.
Like Ibiza, Formentera has benefited from the heritage of the hippie community that settled on the White Isle in the 60s. However, if in Ibiza the hippie atmosphere is felt in the many markets of the island, in Formentera, hippie chic tourism has developed to a whole new dimension. More luxurious and more intimate, Formentera offers musical bars on the water’s edge, rooftops that allow you to have a drink while admiring the sunset, but also tables scattered on the dunes to indulge in more and more unusual experiences. All this gives Formentera a trendy and cool character that attracts the jet set. From upscale beach clubs to upscale resorts, Formentera is sure to surprise you.
Known for its vineyards and olive trees, Formentera will awaken your taste buds with exquisite local gastronomy. By the sea, you will find a myriad of restaurants that make you want to taste the local specialties. In particular, we recommend Can Dani, which has been awarded a Michelin star. Thanks to a constantly renewed menu and fresh products, Can Dani is an exception and stands out from other establishments. However, in more traditional restaurants, you can enjoy the specialties of Formentera including squid ink or Las Hierbas, a digestive developed with fifteen different herbs.
Formentera has no airport and can only be reached by sea. You can, for example, rent a boat to make the trip to Formentera on your own. Otherwise, a boat service departs for Formentera from Ibiza every half an hour. In high season, we strongly advise you to book your tickets in advance. In summer, a ferry service also provides access to Formentera Island from Barcelona, Valencia and Denia.
If you want to extend your week in Formentera, the islets around this island of Pityuses are worth seeing. In particular, north of Formentera, we advise making a stop in S'Espalmador. Though this island can be observed from Ses Illetes, it is even more incredible to set foot there. Once the boat is moored, you will be entitled to long white sandy beaches. Be careful, plan what to eat and drink because the island is totally devoid of shops and restaurants!
A little further away is the small island of Espardell. Sprawling over just 1,500 metres, Espardell enjoys a wild and protected landscape. From the steep cliffs to Mollet cove, Espardell is worth a half-day trip. West of this islet, you can see the remains of a Muslim defense tower, while in the north sits the lighthouse of Espardell, imposing and majestic.
