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. Formentera on a day trip!
How to get to Formentera and get around the island
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 run two types of fast ferry that take half an hour. The normal ferry takes one hour.
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
Essential places to see in Formentera
- Enjoy Formentera’s beaches and coves
Choosing just one beach in Formentera is tricky because each and every one of them is a pure paradise, a true gift of nature.
– Ses Illetes beach, located in Ses Salines Natural Park, formed by a narrow stretch of land in the north of the island.
– Migjorn beach on the south coast of the island.
– Es Pujols beach on the north coast of the island.
– Cala En Baster (slightly difficult to access).
– Levante beach on the north coast.
– Es Caló beach in the north of the island.
– Cala des Morts in the south east of Formentera.
An excursion to the island of s’Espalmador is highly recommendable. It’s next to Illetes beach and there is a small 50 metre long and half metre deep canal between them. You can also go from Savina. There are three trips each day on the Bahía boat. S´Espalmador is well known for its mud, desert-like beaches covered in white sand and turquoise waters.
- Ses Salines Natural Park
The Ses Salines Natural Park d’Eivissa i Formentera is a marine and terrestrial reserve located between Ibiza and Formentera. The flora and fauna that inhabit the area are of great value, and it is a resting place for an abundance of migratory birds.
This area has the best beaches in the Balearic Islands, Spain and almost the whole world, which is certainly the case with Ses Illetes beach.
As it is a nature reserve, the Consell Insular de Formentera charges a small admission fee to these charming places. There are a number of ways of getting to Ses Illetes: by car (6 euros), by scooter (4 euros), whereas by bike or on foot it is totally free of charge.
- Lighthouses and watchtowers in Formentera
The island’s lighthouses and watchtowers are magical, enigmatic and mysterious places. Generally speaking, they are located in spectacular spots that are perfectly Instagrammable. You’ll be the envy of all your followers! Why not visit one of Formentera’s three lighthouses: La Savina, Pilar de la Mola and Cap de Barbaria. The most famous and impressive is the Cap de Barbaria lighthouse, known for its appearance in the Paz Vega movie Sex and Lucía.
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.
- Ses Salines Natural Park and s’Estany Puden LagunThe inland part of the small island of Formentera also conceals its own treasures. This is the case with Estany Pudent laguna, which is just 3.5km long. You can follow a short hiking trail around its edge and it’s the perfect place for a spot of birdwatching.
- Historic monumentsFormentera is not really a place people flock to for its well known monuments. However, there are historical places that are worth visiting:- The Church of Sant Francesc Xavier, dating from the year 1738 and located in the island’s capital.
– Cap de Barbaria Megalithic Settlement: three sites dating from around 1600 and 1000 BC where ceramic, bronze and human bones have been found.
– Ca Na Costa Megalithic Settlement: It is a gravesite dating from between 2000 and 1600 BC.
– La Mola Windmill It is one of the seven windmills that used to grind grain on the island. The oldest data recorded states that its existence goes back to 1778.
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 and drink?
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:
- Restaurant Vogamarí: on Migjorn beach with seaviews. Typical seafood cuisine.
- Blue bar: Also located on Migjorn beach, this is a larger than life bar in the area. It’s a restaurant-come-chilled-out bar where you can drink until the wee small hours.
- Chez Gerdi: A really traditional spot on Es Pujols beach.
- Beso Beach: It’s become the place to be for good looking people over recent years. You simply cannot pass up on the opportunity to visit it. It’s now an enormously popular spot for celebs and influencers from across the world. Everyone who passes through Formentera will have had their kiss photographed at its bench featuring the slogan “no hay verano sin beso” (there’s no summer without a kiss).
Markets in Formentera
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. Remember: If you’re a member of Club Vibra you’ll get a special 10% discount on your trip to Formentera.
So why wait? Enjoy all the benefits we offer our followers! And if you are looking for accommodation inVibra Hotels, we have plenty of recommendations for you as we have 31 hotels in Ibiza throughout the best locations on the island. Ibiza Town Centre, Playa d’en Bossa, San Antonio, San Antonio Bay and Cala Tarida.
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