Once an oasis for hippies like Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix, Formentera is now a luxury destination where the rich park their yachts to relax after a heavy week in Ibiza. Although the island is compact, there is plenty to do.
Contrary to popular belief, Formentera is ideal for families looking to escape the craziness of Ibiza. Think whitewashed beaches, aquamarine water, bohemian markets and some of the best food in the Ibiza area. It’s the kind of place you’ll find your mind wandering back to on those grey, drizzly winter days.
If we haven’t managed to convince you already, we’ve figured out the best way to spend a week in Formentera and we’re ready to relay everything back to you. Our week itinerary is broken down to suit everyone, so buckle up and enjoy reading!
Formentera is beautiful all year round, but if you are looking for warmer weather, we advise visiting between May and September (sometimes even October!). Note that it gets very busy in July and August as the island fills up with day trippers from Ibiza.
Beautiful turquoise water at Calo des Mort
Formentera isn’t short of stunning beaches, in fact, it can be quite hard to narrow them down. Few beaches can boast being one of the top 10 beaches in the world time and time again but Ses Illetes can. With its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, it’d be easy to think that you were in the Caribbean – it’s truly unforgettable.
Situated at the most northern point of the island, S’Espalmador is an uninhabited nature reserve with gorgeous views. Expect the same pristine waters and soft white sand as Ses Illetes just without the high density of tourists. If you are getting the boat over, remember to bring sun cream and food because there are absolutely no services on this island.
Stretching over 6 km, Platja Migjorn is the longest stretch of beach on the island. Due to its boomerang shape, the beach is sheltered from the wind. You can relax, snorkel or visit one of the many restaurants lining the beach.
Es Cavall d’En Borras is a short walk from the marina which is great if you want to head for the beach when you arrive. It is also a fab place to watch the sunset before you head back to Ibiza.
Roccabella is a sheltered bay in the northeastern part of the island, perfect for babies and small children. This beach is great for rock pooling when the tide is out.
Calo des Mort is the perfect combination of white sand, rocks, and clear water. This small tucked away beach even has some of the traditional fishing jetties – the perfect location for your next Instagram post!
The Ses Salinas Natural Park is a rich biotope for wildlife. The famous salt marshes and wetlands provide great bird watching opportunities for nature enthusiasts.
After a long day at the beach, head to Sant Francesc Xavier, the city’s busiest town. There you will find glamorous boutiques if you fancy a spot of shopping, restaurants (scroll down for our top picks!) and morning markets where local artisans sell their crafts.
Charter a boat to see the island from a different perspective. You can explore some of the quieter areas of the island and encounter marine life that isn’t visible from the beach.
Catch the sunset from ‘El Mirador’ one of the highest spots on the island, you can watch the sunset with incredible views stretching out along the whole island and across to Ibiza – it’s a fantastic (and free!) way to spend the evening.
If fist pumping to loud house music isn’t your thing, come to Flower Power. Every summer, Formentera returns back to its hippy roots and hosts three outdoor parties. They start at 20:30 with fun activities for children. Then the night starts and you can dance the night away to music from the 60s, 80s, and 90s.
No trip to Formentera is complete without a snorkelling trip. The sea surrounding the island is home to some of the best marine biodiversity in Europe. Trust us when we say you absolutely cannot miss it! Vellmari offers daily snorkelling and diving excursions from La Savina Port. They are predominantly a scuba diving school and offer diving excursions for all ages and levels. In these clear, calm waters, there isn’t a better place to try it!
Whilst it might be hard to find somewhere to surf here, stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and on a good day, windsurfing are all great options for the kids to burn off energy. There are many places on the island to rent equipment but if you are looking for a guided kayaking tour, head to Wet4Fun Centre in Es Pujols.
The island is relatively small and flat – perfect for cycling with the kids. Hire a bike and follow one of the nineteen ‘Green Routes’ to discover the island’s natural landscapes.
Horse riding excursions are a great way for the children to discover the island without getting too tired. Most are in the early morning or the evening when it is less busy, (and cooler) meaning you can visit some of the best parts of the island when they are the least crowded.
A fun game to play with little ones on the island is ‘Count the Lizards’. These green lizards roam freely on the island and are likely to be climbing up walls, but be quick as they’re fast and small!
The Pilar de La Mola Craft Fair runs every Wednesday and Sunday during the Summer. Many of the artisans make their living from selling the arts and crafts on display. In addition, there are entertainers such as musicians and jugglers making it an enjoyable day out for all the family. It’s a good place for the children to get a souvenir and have some fun.
Beso Beach is the perfect place to while away the afternoon with friends. This boho haunt is only a short walk from the marina and has an excellent menu by the famous Catalan chef Carles Abellan. After the sun has set, the tables are pushed aside, the music is turned up and with a mojito in hand, you can dance the night away.
One of many chiringuitos along the Platja Migjorn, Blue Bar is slightly different to the others. Once frequented by Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix, this (rather unsurprisingly) blue themed bar is a great spot for a laid-back lunch. Make sure you come here for sunset on a Tuesday or Friday for their alien illumination show! (Yes, you read that correctly.)
Since the Italians discovered the island in the 1990’s their influence is definitely palpable particularly when finding somewhere to eat. Chezz Gerdi is an Italian owned restaurant in Es Pujols which blends Spanish tapas culture with typical Italian deli produce.
Codice Luna sits right next to Far de La Mola lighthouse. Here you can stare out into the open Mediterranean Sea on the whitewashed terrace enjoying some live music and excellent tapas. There is also a DJ party every full moon in Summer.
To be able to explore the island at your own pace, rent a car or scooter as the public transport is limited. Rent a Mehari if you want the authentic Mediterranean look. The Mehari used to be a harbour car for yacht owners, making it a chic mode of transport for the wealthy.
There are a few options for the ferry from Ibiza to Formentera. The main company is Balearia who offer a high-speed catamaran (30 minutes) and a larger ship which can carry cars (1 hour). There are also a couple of low-cost options. These tend to be less comfortable but are great if you want an affordable alternative.
In a nutshell, Formentera is really fab. So, if you’re raring to get your next dose of vitamin sea, get in touch with our concierge team.
Guest post by Dakota Murphey As the new year unfolds, it's time to embrace the extraordinary… Read More
Guest post by Amelia Selby Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, and a day that… Read More
The island of Menorca is a serene paradise that combines the charm of traditional Balearic… Read More
Barbados has huge appeal for beach lovers. Expect sugar-soft sand, impossibly clear waters (that are… Read More
The wonderfully sunny region of Pollensa is adored by Brits everywhere. Rich in culture and… Read More
It’s almost as if Mallorca was tailor-made as a holiday destination. Relatively easy to get… Read More
