The beautiful smaller balearic island with amazing beaches, turquoise waters and great food.

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Formentera long weekend

THE ISLAND

With a population of just 1% of that of Mallorca, it is perhaps not surprising that the island is less well known. It was part of the 60's hippie trail and still has a bohemian feel in places. Joni Mitchell recorded Blue here and Dylan and Pink Floyd stayed.

We hope this blog lists a few useful tips for first time visitors. The first one being don't miss it on your balearics tour, but maybe stay clear of the dates we went (peak August when hotel prices skyrocket and beaches are packed). When there, expect arid but beautiful nature, fantastic beaches, good snorkeling, green lizards, and some great restaurants!

GETTING THERE

You can either take a 30 minute ferry from Ibiza, or a 2 hour one from Dénia on the mainland (an hour south of Valencia).

We opted for the latter enabling us to bring the car and thus cool bags, SUP etc. with us on the Balearia ferry. If you have a car larger than a Mini, make sure the model of your car is shown on the boarding pass, or you're in for a right kerfuffle (trust me..).

N.B. there is a cap on number of cars on the island in summer. You can apply for a certificate HERE.

You will arrive in La Savina port which has a tourist office and buses that can take you to most places on the islands. You will also find the majority of car, scooter and bike rental firms here. (Click on map for a larger version)

THE TOWNS

Most visitors would say it's not about the towns but strolling around e.g. Sant Francesc Xavier (pictured) is a delight. It is the island's (small) capital with numerous shops, cafés and restaurants.

Es Pujols is the main tourist resort with the island's only club. Smaller villages to stroll through are Sant Ferran, Es Caló de Sant Agustí and El Pilar de la Mola that has a "hippie market" every Sunday (more info HERE).

THE BEACHES

You can easily find a cove of your own, even in high season, but our top 3 selection below are considered the most stunning ones. They are quite different but all have one thing in common; the turquoise water you would expect in the Caribbean not in Europe.

1. Platja de Ses Illetes is at the far north tip of the island, past the vast salt flats

where you can spot flamingos. You can see Ibiza in the distance, and the island is so narrow here that you can pick your spot from the (normally) calmer west side or the windier east side.

Most of the year it's possible to wade over to the small island Espalmador.

There are two restaurants, Es Ministre and Juan Y Andrea. At the latter, Simon Le Bon decided to join in with the lunch trubadour the week we were there.

As you arrive there will be a toll booth with a small fee (see image). Pay attention which parking they tell you to go to. Arriving before noon in August is a must if you have a car.

Platja de Ses Illetes

2. Cala Saona, western side.

The first thing you see when you get to Cala Saona is the hotel, but this does not detract from the beautiful scenery to be enjoyed on the way down to the wide sandy beach. This whole area of coastline is made up of cliffs but Cala Saona is an exception, nestled in a small bay.

Being a sheltered spot, in the past it was used to build many boathouses to shelter the traditional llauts, giving this particular site a special charm.

3. Platja de Migjorn, South West

Migjorn is a long 5km bay with several great beaches and cosy coves in between.

If you're staying here you will make good use of the wooden walk ways, making your way between the beaches and many beach bars, "chiringuitos", like Lucky (pictured below), Blue Bar etc., as well as some of the best restaurants on the island.

More beaches HERE.

SIGHTSEEING

In all honesty there isn't too much to see in Formentera, but the nature and relaxed vibe makes up for it.

If you have a long weekend, there are a few things most people try and not miss though:

Eastern most point La Mola with its lighthouse. We weren't allowed up to the top when we went though (Covid?) so appreciated the stop at the El Mirador restaurant close by more (view pictured). There is also a vineyard with tastings here, Bodega Terramoll.
South-Western lighthouse Barbaria and watch tower with a cave next to it with a nice view out to the sea (pictured). If the drive up is closed, prepare for a 20 minute walk and bring water.
A stroll around and lunch in the capital Sant Francesc Xavier.

RESTAURANTS & BARS

You'll find the largest number of restaurants and bars in the capital and Es Pujols, but we'd like to mention a couple we enjoyed at Platja de Migjorn, all of them right on the beach. Vogamari, a simpler good traditional Mediterranean food place. Es Còdol Foradat, more modern with lively friendly staff (pictured below left), just check you don't overorder the fish priced by weight. The chiringuito Lucky and Blue bar, the latter with great food as well as drinks (pictured below middle and right). A selection of restaurants in the rest of the island HERE.