If Ibiza is about hedonistic experiences and all-night parties, then Formentera is its laid-back neighbour. The tiny island, six kilometres south of Spain’s party capital, is a place with a slower pace of life, pristine beaches and picturesque views. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours after hopping on a boat with Ferryscanner or plan on spending a few nights, the smallest of the Balearic islands is a place to escape from the noise. And here’s how you can make the most of your time on Formentera.
Explore the beaches
From one set of soft sands to another, Formentera has plenty of beaches where you can catch some rays and forget about everything while lazing the day away. Illetes Beach is particularly popular with its soft white sand and shallow and calm blue waters. Then there are Calo des Mort, a secluded cove in South Formentera, and Es Pujols Beach, which features crystal clear waters and more soft sands.
Visit the markets
For such a small island, Formentera has its fair share of markets. You’ll find all sorts from locals, with high-quality craftsmanship for the items for sale. If you’re after jewellery, clothing, art or ceramics, head to markets such as the one at La Mola, which is open between May and October. There’s also an art-filled artisan night market in Sant Francesc, as well as a port market in La Savina.
Far de Sa Mola
Far de Sa Mola is a lighthouse located 2.5 kilometres southeast of El Pilar de la Mola. It sits high over the Mediterranean and perches on the eastern edge of the island on a clifftop. First constructed in 1861, the lighthouse is a striking white landmark in Formentera and is located nearby the Codice Luna cafe-restaurant. So you can take a few snaps of Far de Sa Mola before digging into some Mediterranean cuisine.
Formentera watchtowers
There are numerous watchtowers located along Formentera’s coastline. They originated when the island was used by pirates and gave locals the chance to spot enemy ships approaching. Today, they’re unique beach landmarks and provide panoramic views of Formentera and beyond. There are four towers altogether, with Torre de Punta Prima and Torre de la Gavina along the northern coasts the most popular with visitors.
Ses Salines Natural Park
Ses Salines Natural Park offers beauty in abundance with its salt marshes, wetlands and a marine reserve, which also provides nesting grounds for a varied species of birds, such as flamingos and peregrines. Head here as the sun sets and soak up the views with the birds taking to the skies to create a postcard-perfect landscape. You’ll find Ses Salines Natural Park located further north of Illetes Beach.
Finding enchantment in Formentera
From its five-star beaches to the community found around the island, Formentera is an ode to another way of life in the always-moving 21st century. So when everything gets a bit too loud or busy, take solace on Formentera and embrace beauty, natural landscapes and some of the best beach spots on the Balearic Islands.