If what you desire from a holiday is total relaxation and a slower pace of life, then Formentera is the island for you. Located off the southern tip of Ibiza, you can escape the party crowds with a short ferry ride over this sleepy isle surrounded by impossibly turquoise water. Is it any wonder that Formentera is known as ‘The Little Caribbean’?
Sun-worshippers will delight in lying out on sugar-white sand and plunging into the warm water. Food fanatics will go gaga at the range of exceptional seafood and those with a penchant for celebrity will love tracing the footsteps of Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix, Kate Moss and even Lionel Messi who have all made memories here.
Check out our luxury villas in Formentera that make for the ideal place to rest your head after a day enjoying the island’s wonders.
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Formentera was largely unheard of outside of the Balearics until a tourist boom of the 1960s and 70s saw hippies and the counterculture set make their way here. Luckily, not a great deal has changed since then, and the laid-back, bohemian vibe is still felt all over the island, whether you're kicking up dust in a beach buggy or people-watching from a casual chiringuito bar.
This island is all about natural beauty, comprising gorgeous beaches backed by dunes and prickly pear forests. Spending time out on the water is a must, be it sailing, swimming or snorkelling in the shallows beside craggy rocks. There’s even the Ses Salines Natural Park, a wetland sanctuary (that even takes up some of the shallow sea) which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly 400 species of plants and birds.
Unspoilt nature, beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters. Formentera is perfect for holidaymakers in search of an authentic, off-the-beaten-track destination!
Beach in Cala Saona, Formentera
Formentera is a popular destination for foodies, offering a variety of delicious local and international cuisine.
You absolutely must try the local paella on Formentera. This is one of the most famous dishes in Spain, and here is no exception. This beloved rice dish is cooked with, chicken, vegetables, a variety of spices and saffron with lashings of seafood including cuttlefish, mussels, monkfish, king prawns and whole crab legs. It's a staple dish in the region and is a must-try for anyone visiting.
It kind of goes without saying that this delightful Mediterranean island is home to a wide variety of fresh seafood. From grilled fish to the tastiest squid, there is no shortage of delicious seafood dishes made from the freshest of catches! Make sure to try the mouth-wateringly fragrant fish stew Bullit de peix.
Those with a sweet tooth will want to seek out ensaïmadas, a sweet swirl of pastry made with bread dough and sprinkled with sugar that goes perfectly with a strong coffee.
The island may be small, but there are a number of events that attract the masses throughout the year.
Formentera Jazz Festival takes place in July and attracts jazz musicians from around the world to the town of Sant Francesc and features both free and ticketed concerts. Also in July there is Festa de Sant Jaume, a traditional festival that includes parades, live music, and fireworks, and is a celebration of the island's patron saint..
Those in need of a break from the sunshine should make time to shop around the many artisan stores selling all manner of locally made wares. From jewellery to dishware and leather goods, who can resist picking up a few souvenirs?
The island is home to a little collection of 19th-century forts known as Martello towers which are sure to delight history and architecture buffs!
Formentera is known for its pristine beaches and stunning blue water that is generally gentle and warm. You’ll happily while away a whole day on the sand with a good book and the Mediterranean sun beating down. Here are some of our favourites:
It’s not exactly hidden but is well worth a visit - the Faro de Babaria lighthouse on the southwestern tip is well worth the hike. Bob Dylan even inhabited the lighthouse for a short time!
Often cited as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, this peninsula of sand reaches out towards Ibiza and it’s where flashy yachts park up on both sides and deposit their well-heeled owners.
This tiny natural harbour is home to a fishing village that retains its traditional wooden boathouses. The clear waters make for great swimming and you’re bound to see schools of fish shimmer by.
On the island’s northern side, you’ll find one of its most popular beaches that has soft white sand and is edged by numerous wooden beach bars. It’s not far from the principal town of La Savina too, so amenities are in easy reach.
Formentera is pretty easy to reach. There are regular flights from the UK to Ibiza Airport on easyJet, Ryanair, British Airways and Jet2 that take approximately two hours.
There’s no airport on Formentera itself, but on neighbouring Ibiza, the L10 bus runs regularly from the airport to the ferry terminal in Ibiza town. It takes about 25 minutes and costs roughly €3.50 one way.
Once you’re on the island, there is a regular bus service that operates between the different towns and villages as well as nearby to lovely beaches. The buses are cheap, convenient, and run regularly, making them a great option for getting around.
Bicycles are a popular and eco-friendly way to explore the island. There are several rental shops where you can rent a bike or a scooter for a day or longer. Biking is a great way to get around at your own pace, especially since many of the island's attractions and beaches are accessible by bike.
Taxis are available on the island, but they can be expensive. It's best to book in advance or use a taxi app to ensure you have a vehicle when you need one.
