Formentera – raw, natural, and stunningly beautiful. This island has quickly become my favorite beach destination in all of Europe after just a single weekend.
It’s polished yet rugged, offering all the luxury accommodations and restaurants you want in a vacation while still showcasing its natural beauty that looks as though it has been carefully preserved throughout time.
What I love most about this island is that it has just the right amount of buildings without taking away from the island’s stunning landscape. As you drive from one point to the next, you don’t see soaring apartments or hotels. Instead, you pass open land, unbothered by tourism or any type of industrialization.
Each town is quaint and understated, exactly what you’d hope for when traveling to the Mediterranean. For me, there was something beautifully unique about this island that after my trip I promised myself I would return at least once a year as long as I’m living in Barcelona.
In this quick guide, I’m going to teach you everything you need to know to plan a trip to Formentera, Spain.
How to Get To Formentera, Spain
Because Formentera is such a small island, you can’t fly there directly. You first have to fly to Ibiza and then take a 40-minute ferry ride in order to get to the port of Formentera. From the airport, take a taxi to Ibiza port and tell your driver you are catching a ferry to Formentera.
The ferry ride from Ibiza to Formentera costs about 27 euros one way, however, there are several companies to choose from that offer slightly different prices and travel times.
Where to Stay in Formentera
While you can plan a day trip to Formentera from Ibiza, I highly recommend staying here at least a few nights. We stayed in the town of Es Pujols and it was a great home base that had plenty of restaurant and bar options. But since the island is so small, you can really get around quite easily as long as you have a car or moto.
Getting Around
As I said before, it’s 100% worth it to get a car or moto for your time in Formentera. If you are only planning on going for the day, you can also rent bicycles which is a fun option if you are looking to stay close to the port.
Since we went during Coronavirus times, the island wasn’t as crowded as it normally is, which meant we didn’t have any problems with parking. However, normally during peak summer months, beach and restaurant parking can be very difficult. Most people recommend going by moto for easy parking or to head out earlier in the day.
Regardless of whichever you choose to do, reserve your moto or car beforehand so you can get going as soon as you step foot on the island.
Best Beaches in Formentera
-Calo Des Mort: My favorite spot by far was Calo Des Mort, and that wasn’t necessarily because it was the nicest white sand beach, but because the natural beauty of this preserved Cala was absolutely stunning. While the beach itself is quite small, there are plenty of flat areas where you can lay out your towel and spend your day swimming in this natural oasis.
–Playa de Ses Illetes: Famous for being one of the best spots on the island, Playa de Ses Illetes offers endless white sand beaches with crystal blue shallow waters. Situated right on a nature reserve, this beach offers an incredible piece of paradise with an unobstructed view, just how nature intended it to be.
- Pro tip: Make a reservation at Juan y Andrea or Kiosko Restaurant El Pirata ahead of time for a beachside paella.
–Playa Es Arenales: If you’re looking for a long stretch of white sand beaches and crystal blue waters, this is it. This beach is great if you’re looking for a spot to relax and spend the day lounging in the sun.
-Playa de Llevant: Another great option if you’re looking for a long beach that feels less crowded than the smaller coves is Playa de Llevant. Just keep in mind this spot can get a bit windy in the afternoon due to its location.
-Playa Ses Platgetes: For those that are looking for a smaller, more quaint beach, try out Playa Ses Platgetes for a day in the sun. The rock formations give this clean, shallow beach it’s unique appearance and serves as a great spot if you want calmer waters.
Best Restaurants in Formentera
Now since I was only here for a short weekend, I really didn’t get to try as many restaurants as I would have liked to. With that being said, I still did plenty of research and asked lots of friends for recommendations. I will say that Boca Salina was by far my favorite dinner spot. As for a sunset cocktail (which is always the best part), go to Blue Bar for a laid back yet inviting scene.
Other Restaurant Recommendations:
- Can Carlitos
- Beso Beach (come for the drinks and for the “party scene”)
- El Pirata
- Juan y Andrea
- Blue Bar (come for drinks)
Activities in Formentera
While you can spend everyday swimming and beach hopping from cala to cala, I always think it’s nice to have a change in perspective. If you are going in a big group or happen to meet others while in Formentera, consider renting a catamaran for a day on the water.
If you don’t know which company to choose, I highly suggest going with Charteralia. I’ve done two trips with this company and both times were fantastic. The captains work with you to create a trip that’s catered to your personal needs and interests. If you want to sail to a specific area of the island they will be more than happy to. They also know where the best spots are depending on the time of day, which can be super helpful if there is any wind.
When we booked with Charteralia, we started in Formentera and had the captain drop us off in Ibiza so we could catch our flight the next day. This was the best option for us since we would have had to pay for a ferry back regardless of when we went. If you plan on booking a trip with Charteralia, ask for Susie Atkinson to plan your trip. She’s organized every trip for me and is an absolute pro when it comes to planning a day on the water!
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it, a quick guide on everything you need to know when planning a weekend in Formentera. Now that I’ve finally visited this stunning island myself, I can confidently say it’s by far my favorite beach spot in all of Europe. Between its pristine beaches, its chic restaurants, and it’s casual atmosphere, it has become a summer destination that I would highly recommend to just about anyone.
Next time you’re planning a trip to the Mediterranean for a summer escape, make sure you pencil in this best-kept secret into your travel itinerary!
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