Formentera is a paradise in the Mediterranean. Located in the south of Ibiza, it is the smallest inhabited island of the Balearics. An idyllic place that has so many reasons to stop and stare, making you feel like the luckiest person in the world. You’ll fall head over heels in love with it! To rate Formentera, you need to go there, see it and experience it. And anyone who does that, returns over and over again. If you don’t have much time to spend in Ibiza and Formentera, then don’t panic. You can go and return to Formentera in one day hassle free. Perhaps the problem is that once you’re there you’re just dying for more and want to stay even longer. Although it’s a short distance, the island is really worth a visit. Discover what to see in Formentera in one day.
How to get to from Ibiza to Formentera
To get to the island, you need to catch a ferry that connects Ibiza to Formentera. There are various companies that work in the area. Trasmapi, Balearia, Acqua Bus which is the most economical. Travelling without a vehicle is recommended as the local government has restricted access to vehicles in Formentera. Once you are there you should rent a car, motorbike or bike.
What to See in Formentera: Must-See Places
Playa Ses Illetes, Formentera
One of the most famous is Playa de Ses Illetes, located in the Ses Salines Natural Park, formed by a narrow strip of land on the northern part of the island. A true Mediterranean wonder that you must visit on your one-day trip to Formentera. It is highly recommended to take an excursion to the island of S’Espalmador. It is located just beyond Ses Illetes beach, separated by a small 50-meter wide channel and half a meter deep. Another way to get there is from La Savina, where three daily trips are made by the Bahía boat. S’Espalmador is also well known for its mud baths and its deserted white-sand beaches with extremely turquoise water.
Playa Migjorn
On the southern coast of the island, you can admire Migjorn, a beach that stretches for about five kilometers, made up of various coves divided by a mix of rocky and sandy areas.
Playa Es Pujols
After exploring the southern area, you can head to the northern part of Formentera and discover Playa Es Pujols, the ideal combination of coast and inland. It is one of the most touristy areas, with various hotels and restaurants. It is also the perfect spot for entertainment, with many shops and boutiques focused on summer fashion, as well as a lively market that takes place in the afternoons and evenings during the summer.
Playa Levante, Formentera
If what you’re looking for is a place to disconnect and enjoy a landscape without buildings, then you can’t miss Playa Levante: 1400 meters of white sand and crystal-clear waters with the typical blues of Formentera. If you’re wondering what to see in Formentera at any time of year, this is the answer. Another great option, little visited and without services, is Cala En Baster, a nudist cove with somewhat difficult access, perfect for snorkeling and enjoying incredible views without crowds.
Ses Salines Natural Park and Laguna de s’Estany Pudent
The Ses Salines d’Eivissa i Formentera Natural Park is a marine and terrestrial reserve located between the two Pitiusa islands. It is of great value for the flora and fauna that inhabit the area and is a resting place for many migratory birds. This area also features some of the best beaches in the Balearic Islands, Spain, and almost the world, such as Ses Illetes beach. As a natural reserve, the Formentera Island Council charges a small fee to enter these enchanting places. There are several ways to reach Ses Illetes: by car, paying 6 euros; by scooter, paying 4 euros; while access by bike or on foot is completely free.
The interior of small Formentera also hides its own treasures. One of them is the Estany Pudent lagoon, which spans 3.5 km². It is possible to take a short hiking route around its perimeter, and it is an ideal spot for bird watching.
Visit the Lighthouses and Lookouts of Formentera
The lighthouses and lookouts on the island are magical, enigmatic, and mysterious places. They are generally located in spectacular spots, perfect for taking a photo and posting it on social media—you’ll be the envy of all your followers! So, it’s interesting to visit one of the three lighthouses in Formentera: La Savina, Pilar de la Mola, and Cap de Barbaria. The most famous and impressive is the Cap de Barbaria Lighthouse, known for being featured in the movie Lucía y el Sexo with Paz Vega.
Near the lighthouse in Barbaria, there is a small cave called Foradada. It can be accessed by a set of steps and leads to an opening in the middle of the cliff. A real treat for the senses.
What to See in Formentera: History
Formentera is not a place you visit for its monuments. However, there are historic sites to explore, and it’s always a good opportunity to end your one-day visit to the island. Among the historical monuments to see in Formentera, we highlight four must-see spots. The Church of Sant Francesc Xavier, built in 1738 and located in the island’s capital, and the megalithic site of Cap de Barbaria, which includes three excavations dated around 1600 and 1000 BC. You should also visit the megalithic site of Ca Na Costa, a funerary remains dated between 2000 and 1600 BC, and the old windmill of La Mola, one of the seven windmills that were used to grind grain on the island.
There’s another sea-related element that makes the Formentera coast such a special place: jetties or dry docks located along the perimeter. One of the places where you can find these old structures is in Es Caló de Sant Agustí. Some of the most photographed places on the island.a.
Where to eat in Formentera?
Nothing is cheap in Formentera, but its gastronomy is an absolute taste explosion. Here are some of the restaurants you can find on the island:
1. Restaurante Vogamarí
Located on Playa Migjorn, with sea views where you can enjoy incredible traditional seafood cuisine.
2. Blue Bar
Also located in Migjorn, this is a legendary bar in the area, a mix between a restaurant and a chillout bar where you can enjoy a drink until late at night.
3. Chez Gerdi
One of the most well-known places to eat, a true classic located on Es Pujols beach.
4. Beso Beach
In recent years, it has become a gathering spot for beautiful people. A must-visit that should not be overlooked. It is the famous place where celebrities and influencers from all over the world meet. Its bench is photographed countless times by anyone passing through Formentera, with the slogan “no summer without a kiss.”
What to See in Formentera: Markets
For shopaholics and those who love the hustle and bustle of markets, Formentera has various places:
- La Mola Artisan Market: this market takes place on Wednesdays and Sundays from 4pm to 10pm and it is Formentera’s main market. You’ll find traditional handmade goods from the island here such as baskets, espadrilles, jewellery, ceramics and leather.
- Sant Ferran Artisan Market: Open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and nights.
- Sant Ferran Arts Market: Open every day except Wednesday and Sunday evenings and nights.
After reading about all these amazing plans, you’ll probably be thinking about your trip to the island this summer. An amazing option is to stay on the island of Ibiza and take a direct ferry to Formentera. You’ll arrive in just 20 minutes! In the city of Ibiza, you can find several hotels and aparthotels from Vibra Hotels, a great option in terms of quality – price, with locations near the sea.