The very first time I visited Formentera I was blown away by the beautiful beaches of this tiny island. I thought you had to fly to Caribbean to experience such a beautiful transparent turquoise sea. Ever since I found this magical island in the Mediterranean, Formentera has became my ‘beach holiday’ destination. Just a 30min boat ride from Ibiza, you arrive at a real paradise. The Boho vibe, cool and relaxed atmosphere, fantastic Mediterranean food and gorgeous beaches; your only worry is which beach to choose from…
Formentera is the smallest Balearic Island out of the four: Ibiza, Palma de Maiorca, and Minorca. The long sandy beaches with incredibly crystal clear water makes this destination the perfect holiday for beach lovers. Unlike Ibiza, Formentera is famous for chilling, relaxing at the beach, Aperetivo during sunset and late night dinners. The charming village of Sant Francesc is the main official town and offers great restaurants and cute Boho boutiques. On the other hand, Es Pujols is the most popular part of town with lots of bars, restaurants, hotels and nightspots. La Savina which is by the port is another focal point that has grown a lot these years due to the arrival of private yachts and ferries. The Pilar de la Mola is highest point of Formentera and also the ancient Frumentaria of the Romans.
What you can expect from Formentera:
- In the 60’s Formentera used to be a true hippie island but even today you can feel it as soon as you get off the ferry.
- Beautiful turquoise Mediterranean sea.
- Long sandy beaches all along the coastline protected by UNESCO.
- You can visit the island by scooter, car, and public buses.
- Formentera is made of Italians! 80% of the restaurants, shops/bars and the visitors are Italians. In fact you only hear and speak Italian on this island.
- Fantastic Mediterranean and Italian restaurants.
- Sunset Aperetivo’s on the beaches are admired by the visitors.
- Formentera has very few hotels, most travellers rent apartments or villas.
- Don’t be surprised to see people sunbathing in nude.
- The fashion of Fomenter can be defined by its boho-chic with an extra hint of Mediterranean sea salt which leaves your hair and skin golden and radiant.
- You can bike around and reach the beaches without worrying about parking.
- Formentera is popular among Italian football players so you might spot them out.
What you should Not expect from Formentera:
- Don’t expect cheap, Formentera has medium-high end travellers.
- Don’t expect party nightlife in Formentera, don’t be misled by its close proximity to Ibiza. There are only two clubs on the island.
- It’s normal to go out for dinner at 11pm, in fact at 8-9pm the restaurants are mostly empty.
- Do not be surprised if you spent most of your time either by the beach or at dinner time observing the stylish visitors of Fomentera.
What to do:
- The highlight of this island are their beaches. Your day’s will be visiting different beaches and finding your favourite beach!
- Meditating in the sun, swimming and water sports are the main activities.
- Visit the charming village of San Francesc filled with Boho style boutiques and cute restaurants.
- For a panoramic view, drive up to the highest point of the island called Pilar de la Mola where you find the light house. The village of Pilar de la Mola offers ‘hippie market’.
- Popular beaches offer great restaurants for lunch and Aperetivo time.
- Beso Beach and Piratabus are the two famous sunset focal points of the island. People gather in these two places to watch the sunset with music in the background and fantastic Mojitos.
- Late night dinners are common in Formentera.
- The shops and boutiques are open till midnight, and if you want to get a drink after dinner, go to Es Pujal for the nightlife.
Where to stay:
- Es Mares hotel & Spa is a four star hotel decorated all white with style right in the centre of San Francesc.
- Hotel Cala Saona is perfect if you’re searching for a luxury hotel right on the beach.
- Talaya Formentera is a complex of 10 charming studios located on the dunes of Migjorn beach, ideal for those searching for a peaceful stay on the beach.
- Estel Apartments offers three different delightful boho style apartments with sea view close to Migjorn beach.
- Can Tres Formentera offers three different apartments decorated with taste in bohemian decor.
Where to eat:
- Ca Na Pepa in my opinion is one the best restaurants on the island. Located in the centre of San Francesc. canapepa.com
- Can Carlitos right on the beach of La Savina will amaze you by their fantastic tapas dishes, lovely place for a group of friends. Tel #: 971322570 – Port de la Savina
- Casanita charming and tasteful restaurant. casanita.net
- Ca Na Joana Mediterranean setting with delicious dishes. es
- Flipper & chiller perfect for lunch if you’re at Migjorn beach. flipperandchiller.com
- Beach club 10.7 great restaurant for lunch if you at Migjorn Beach. 10punto7.com
Which beach to go:
- Cala Saona beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Formentera.
- The Illetes beach is one of the most popular beaches in Formentera; part of the Illetes beach may be accessed only by foot.
- Migjorn Beach is one the biggest beaches that stretches along a large part of the southern coast of Formentera.
- Sa Roqueta beautiful small beach with a great restaurant for lunch. If you walk along the paths, there will be more beaches.
- Playa Tanga this is a beach with the emphasis on relaxation in natural surroundings. The soft sand and the shallow turquoise-coloured sea create a great, Caribbean style setting.
Where to shop:
- Majoral One of my favourite Mediterranean Jewellery brands. Enrico Majoral is a local jewellery designer from Formentera with stylish organic designs. Definitely worth to visit his workshop/store in La Mola or his shop at San Francesc.
- Acacia boutique offers cute collection of boho-chic clothing and accessories. acaciaformentera.com
- Banjhara store offers lots of summery boho dresses. Av.Mediterranea 25-La Savina.
- Molly Mallone lovely store for shopping Boho dresses and accessories and niche swimwear brands. www.mollymallone.es
- Full Moon is an accessory shop known for it’s colourful fun bikini and accessories. Eivissa 6, Sant Francesc.
Markets:
- La savina Market right at the port. Lots of Boho clothing and accessories.
- Es Pujal Market offers lots of hand-made jewelleries.
- El Pilar de la Mola artisan market is the real Balearic hippie market, with arts, crafts and leather goods. It takes place every Wednesday and Sunday.
- Sant Francesc daily morning market offers handmade items, arts, and crafts.
