Posted on Friday, 19 May 2023

The smallest of the Balearic Islands has historically been overshadowed by its party-focussed big brother, Ibiza. But in recent years Formentera has carved out its own identity.

That said, the beaches are the main attraction here - in common with the rest of the archipelago.

Formentera's beaches are as fabulous as any in Spain, boasting white sand and rolling dunes. These stretches are also well-loved for the clarity of their waters - perfect for all manner of water activities.

You’ll find Formentera is a multi-sensory experience, from the bossa nova that emanates from its laid-back bars, to the scent of the Mediterranean pines that form the backdrop to every hotel, restaurant and beach bar.

Here’s your up-to-date guide for getting the most out of this lesser-known but undeniably magical Balearic.

How to get to Formentera?

Ibiza to Formentera by Ferry

Despite lacking an airport, Formentera is easy to reach from Ibiza, which is itself served by numerous airlines.

Ryanair, EasyJet and British Airways all fly from the UK to Ibiza.

 

How much does the Ibiza to Formentera ferry cost?

It costs between 22 and 32 euros for a one-way ticket from Ibiza to Formentera.

A number of different ferries run services on this route, which takes around 30 minutes.

 

Should I book a return ferry ticket?

Tickets for each leg of the journey are sold separately, so you won't save any money by booking your return ticket at the same time. 

If you're not 100% sure when you wish to return to Ibiza, delay booking the return until later.

 

Is Formentera expensive?

Formentera is a little more expensive because everything comes in by ferry. However, if you plan to primarily engage in beach combing and tanning during your stay, you may find your daily outgoings are pretty reasonable!

What to do in Formentera

Get around on two wheels

One of the great pleasures of Formentera is simply getting on a bicycle and zipping from one beach (or beach bar) to the next.

Alternatively, you might try the Ausblick auf Binnensee Loop from es Pujols (one hour), or the Es Caló Loop, which starts in San Francisco, the capital. 

Fancy something quicker? Hire a scooter - they're ideal for travelling between beaches, and can handle the dirt beach roads.

 

Hit the beaches

As mentioned, for most visitors, the beaches are the main event - and it’s a huge amount of fun working out how to hop from one to the next (see above). 

For a quieter experience, head to small, dreamy Ses Platgetes, not far from Es Caló. More tranquility is on offer at Calo Des Mort (so tranquil there aren’t any amenities, so bring what you need!). El Tiburón meanwhile affords excellent views of Ibiza and Es Vedra.

Nudism on Formentera

After a few hours on any Formentera beach, you may notice that nudity is not uncommon. Indeed, the island has long had a reputation for a permissive attitude towards the practice.

Whether you fancy trying a spot of nudism for the first time, or you've done it before, you might want to avoid the busier beaches - such as Ses Illetes, Es Pujols or Es Arenals.

Instead, consider longer beaches such as Migjorn (particularly the Es Valencians stretch) or Ses Canyes, which both have many quiet corners.

Interestingly, the number of nudists on the island goes down in August and early September due to the high number of Italian visitors - but it rises again in late September and October, when the Germans arrive in number!

 

Water-based activities

The crystal-clear waters of Formentera are ideal for a range of water activities, including swimming, snorkelling, diving, underwater photography, and windsurfing.

 

Explore Formentera's markets

The island is home to several fantastic markets.

For arty-crafty souvenirs, head to La Mola, which sets up on Wednesdays and Sundays between May and October.

In the capital, Sant Francesc, the market runs every day except Sunday, and is located on the main pedestrian street. Expect various Bohemian items, trinkets and clothes.

For classic touristy wares, head to Es Pujols' seafront.

Ascend the lighthouse

Located on the cliff edge of Sa Talaïassa (the loftiest point on the island), the lighthouse offers the finest and farthest views on Formentera.

After a long day of exploring beaches, why not head here for sundown and spectacular Instagram shots?

 

Book a wine tasting tour

Several wineries on the island offer wine tasting tours. One of the best-known is Terramall - a family-run place near the famous lighthouse (see previous section), 200m above sea level. The grapes grown here are used to make red, white and rose wines.

Enjoy the best views on the island as you sample their imbibes.

 

Visit the natural park 

For a quiet, nature-focussed day, head over to the salt ponds of magical Ses Salines.

This UNESCO-listed site is a superb example of Mediterranean biodiversity, with a special kind of seaweed (oceanic Posidonia) that protects the coast from erosion and helps keep the water crystal clear.

It's also a popular spot for migrating birds to stopover or nest; keep an eye out for storks, flamingoes and black-footed plovers.

Formentera nightlife

While Formentera is not a party island like its big sister, Ibiza, there are still plenty of bars to enjoy - and there's even one or two nightclubs that stay open until dawn.

Most of the buzzing nightlife is to be found in Es Pujols - and it will peak in July and August. 

 

Where to stay in Formentera?

Recommended beach club/hotel: Gecko Beach 

The island’s best beach club is Gecko Beach, which occupies the island's longest stretch of sand - Migjorn. Indeed, the Gecko has helped make Migjorn the party zone it has become.

Bossa nova music fills the club from dawn till dusk - providing the perfect mood for lounging by the pool and sipping on cocktails.

The Gecko also has bright, spacious rooms, which are serenely whitewashed with blue accents. Here you can indulge in early-morning yoga, SUP boarding and Ayurvedic spa treatments.

 

Recommended budget option: Estelle Apartamentos

Looking to cut costs on your Formentera holiday? A self-catering option is an easy way to do so - not least because you can buy groceries and cook for yourself.

Even with the 'Fortmentera premium', this approach is still much cheaper than eating in restaurants and hotels.

A case in point is Estelle Apartamentos, with its simple, white-walled rooms located near Migjorn. Alongside the kitchenette complete-with-coffee-machine, you get excellent sea views.

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