Formentera Holidays

While Formentera is the smallest of the Balearic Islands, it’s certainly big on attractions. There are lots of amazing things to do in Formentera that you won’t be able to experience anywhere else in Spain.

• ^ The excitement starts the minute you arrive. Your first steps onto the island will be through the working Port of Formentera, located at La Savina. This is a bustling hub of activity (and home to multi-million pound yachts), where you can relax on the stunning beaches of Illetes and Llevant.
•  No visit to Formentera is complete without checking out the island’s capital of San Francisco Javier, known locally as Sant Francesc. The village is dominated by the fortress-style church in the main plaza, with its classic whitewashed exterior typical of the breathtaking architecture of the Mediterranean.
• For arguably the best views on the island, visit the quaint Faro de la Mola lighthouse, perched on the cliff edge. While you’re here, it’s not too far to visit the monument erected to honour French novelist Jules Verne, who loved the island so much that he used it as a setting for his works.
• For something a little different to the typical Balearic environment, be sure to pay a visit to Can Marroig; an area that’s part parkland and part farmland, and was created in the 1700s. It’s a lovely, relaxing place where you can enjoy a picnic hidden away from the sun under the thick pine cover.

Of course, one of the biggest and best reasons to visit the Balearic Islands is for the beaches, and Formentera certainly doesn’t disappoint, with a huge choice of beautiful, soft sands to enjoy.

• Some of the best beaches in Formentera can be found as soon as you get off the ferry Illetes Beach and Llevant Beach are located in La Savina, where the Port of Formentera is situated. So if you can’t wait to jump into the clear waters of the Med, then these beaches are ready and waiting for you on arrival.
• Over on the other side of the island you’ll find Playa Migjorn, which runs along the coast for an impressive 8km. It’s different to the beaches in La Savina, being more raw and rugged and perfect for anyone who appreciates a natural, untouched landscape. It’s a great spot for total rest and relaxation.
• All of Formentera’s beaches have a feel of the exotic about them, and a big part of that is the lack of high-rise buildings. Although you will find a number of beachfront hotels and restaurants, especially around Es Pujols Beach, the minimal development creates a very secluded feel.
• The sun’s rays are certainly strong in Formentera, but the chiringuitos — the local beach bars — are the perfect escape. On the island, it’s common to emerge from the azure blue waters, towel off, and head straight for a cool drink and bite to eat before heading back to the ocean’s waves. It’s the way of life.

The cuisine of the Balearic Islands is based heavily on Mediterranean cooking, and you’ll find many Formentera restaurants blend Mediterranean and Catalan influences to create something truly tasty.

• As on the more famous Balearic Islands of Majorca and Menorca, visitors can sample delicious local shrimp and lobster in many of the restaurants here. The best restaurants in Formentera for seafood are located near the marina, where local fishermen head out early for the catch of the day.
• Visitors can also choose to sample the traditional Spanish staples of tapas and paella when taking a trip to the island. On a tapas tour, you’ll find juicy sobrassada sausage and small plates of baked fish, among other dishes. Wash it all down with a local lager or red wine from one of Spain’s prestigious wine regions.

Formentera nightlife certainly gives Ibiza a run for its money! Thanks to the island’s small size, it’s easy to get around from club to club, making it simple to try out some of the island’s best nightlife hotspots.

• Many bars in Formentera have something of a laid-back, almost hippy vibe; an atmosphere left over from when the island was a hippy haven. While you won’t find ridiculously large clubs and an always-on-the-go feel here, you will find bars and clubs where you can relax and enjoy island life.
• Nightlife here is a little more lowkey than it is on Ibiza, but don’t let that fool you! There are plenty of great parties here, with the clubs of Formentera playing host to amazing DJs who know just what it takes to get the crowd moving. Dance until the sun comes up, then head to the beach… that’s how it’s done!

Book a family resort in Formentera and jet off to one of the most welcoming of the Balearic Islands. Families are very well catered for here, and kids will love spending time on this spectacular island.

• Beaches are a main highlight for families, especially those with young children who love spending time outdoors. While families can head north for a more secluded spot, there's perhaps no better place for children than Playa Illetes near the port, with fun activities for all the family to enjoy.
• Be sure to pack your hiking boots because Formentera has a fantastic network of ancient trekking trails, many of which are suitable for little legs. In total, the island boasts more than 35 km of exciting pathways to explore… and you can hire bikes and cycle along them.
• If you’re keen to show your children as many wonderful places as possible, you’ll be pleased to hear that a day out on the exciting island of Ibiza is only a short ferry ride away. This larger island is a great place to shop and experience the buzz of the Balearics before heading back to quieter Formentera.

Couples will find plenty of romantic spots on Formentera, from walks on secluded beaches at sunset, to hopping from tapas bar to tapas bar in Sant Francesc… there are lots of romantic things to do on the island.

• One of the most beautiful sights to enjoy with a partner is the Es Cap de Barbaria Lighthouse, which looks out over the Mediterranean. Couples should try to time their visit to coincide with the sunset for a truly magical end to a magic day. You could even pack a picnic dinner to enjoy in the warm evening.
• The village of San Francisco Javier is one of the most beautiful spots on the entire island. Stroll hand-in-hand through the tiny streets and absorb the quiet island atmosphere, or tour the local sanctuary and castle, and make your way right up to the top of the building for incredible village views.

Formentera has a vibrant culture, much of it centered around the beach. When you have more than a dozen beaches, it’s hard to think about anything else! But there are lots more cultural attractions here.

• The island’s Museum of Ethnography offers a fantastic insight into life on Formentera. A tour around the museum gives visitors a taste of the past and present; it focuses strongly on the island’s contribution to farming in Spain. The museum is completely free for everyone to enjoy.
• Torre Garrovert — a stunning old watch tower looking out over the coast of Africa — was once used to spot pirates as they headed towards the Balearics. Today, however, it simply offers beautiful views out across the Mediterranean, while also providing a great glimpse into Formentera history.
• Torre Garrovert is actually one of several watchtowers you’ll find dotted all across the island. Many are easily accessible and open to the public, providing you with an opportunity to climb these old structures, enjoy the views, and feel the Mediterranean breeze.

How do you get to Formentera?

To get to Formentera, you will need to fly into Ibiza, or fly to the Spanish mainland and catch a boat to Ibiza. From Ibiza’s Estacion Maritima, you can catch the ferry to La Savina on the island’s north coast.

How long does it take to get from Ibiza to Formentera?

There are two ways to get from Ibiza to Formentera. The Aquabus is the cheapest option and takes 40 - 50 minutes. The Trasmapi ferry is a little more costly, but takes just 30 minutes to make the crossing.

How big is Formentera?

In total, Formentera measures roughly 83 square kilometres, or about 32 square miles, although this includes offshore islets so it’s actually a bit smaller. This makes it the smallest of the Balearic Islands.