Formentera Island Guide
A little over 20km below Ibiza lies the blissful and bohemian island of Formentera, an unspoilt, peaceful paradise with gorgeous beaches, sparkling waters and charming villages – it is one of the easiest spots to lose yourself in that we know of.
Getting to the island
Puedes llegar a Ibiza en barco –Baleària tiene salidas desde Valencia, Barcelona, Dénia y Mallorca– o en avión, con vuelos directos desde varias ciudades de la Península. Desde allí, el ferry atraca en poco más de media hora en La Savina. Baleària también ofrece rutas desde varios puertos peninsulares, siendo el trayecto más corto el que parte desde Dénia.
Moving around the island
It is easy to get around the island and on arrival at its port, La Savina, you will be met by various car- and scooter-hire places. Eco options are available with electric vehicles and bicycles available for rent too. Cycling is very popular since the island is small and flat with few steep inclines: it’s an activity that fits perfectly with the relaxed way of life on Formentera.
Formentera is a great place to take a walk, either by the coast or inland: you will see some breathtaking views from fields or cliff tops and stand in awe at the beauty you find. Many like to hike to the old lighthouses, some seek out ancient caves and all go to watch the incredible sunset.
The sea, with its clear waters is perfect for snorkelling or diving: an amazing kaleidoscope of marine life bursts out just under the surface of the water.
Where to eat
Can Carlos
(Carrer d’Isidor Macabich, s/n, San Francisco Javier): without a doubt, one of the classics of Formentera and one of the most romantic. At nightfall, its terrace is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere where you can enjoy a menu where Italian recipes are fused with local products.
Es Molí de Sal
(Calle Afores, s/n, Playa de Illetas): what was once an old salt mill is now one of the most famous restaurants on Formentera. The reasons? Its views of Ses Illetes and the port of La Savina, its fish and seafood, its rice dishes and the sunset from its chill-out lounge, where you’ll feel like you’re on the bow of a boat in the middle of the sea.
Can Carlitos
(Carrer de s’Almadrava, s/n La Savina): informal cuisine with portions perfect for sharing with the unmistakable and creative stamp of Nandu Jubany
Es Ministre
(Ses Illetes beach): in 1971, a fisherman decided to offer his daily catch on Ses Illetes, one of the best beaches in the world. Half a century later and summer after summer, Es Ministre still hangs the full house sign every day in its privileged location. Seafood, fish, rice dishes and meats of the highest quality await you in this restaurant whose prices are in line with the rest of the island.
Can Rafalet
(Carrer Sant Agustí, 1, Es Caló): with more than three decades of history, this restaurant located at the foot of the mola offers delicious seafood cuisine with views of the deep blue of Es Caló.
Sa Punta
(Av. Miramar, 24, 07871 Es Pujols): this charming family restaurant created by María and José Manuel in 1988 is located right on the seafront promenade of Es Pujols. Today, with the help of their children, they continue to offer Italian-Spanish cuisine with international touches. Their pizzas are famous all over the island, as is their spaghetti with clams. Let José Carlos, one of the sons and manager of the establishment, advise you, success is guaranteed.
Fandango
(Av. Miramar, 1, 07871 Es Pujols): although its interior is very cosy, eating with your feet in the sand and with views of the intense blue of Formentera is unbeatable. Rice dishes and embers are the two pillars on which this restaurant, headed by chef Luis Arrufat, is built.
What to see
Cap de Barbaria
Located on a cliff at the southernmost point of the island, this lighthouse awaits us at the end of an asphalted road that we must walk along (there is a dirt car park right at the beginning), leaving an arid landscape on both sides with the sea looming on the horizon. As well as boasting one of the most beautiful sunsets on the island, with views of Es Vedrá, the lighthouse is famous for its appearance in Julio Medem’s film Lucía y el sexo. Nearby, you can visit the Cova Foradada and the defensive tower des Garroveret.
La Mola lighthouse
At the eastern end, on the edge of a cliff 120 metres above sea level, we find this lighthouse with impressive views and a cultural space with an exhibition area inside. (Summer opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm and Wednesdays and Sundays from 5 pm to 9 pm.
Mirador de Formentera
On the way to La Mola – the highest point on the island at 192 metres above sea level – you will find this viewpoint from which to contemplate the island in all its splendour. There is also a restaurant with views.
The villages
The six towns that make up the island are well worth discovering. Es Pujols (the liveliest), El Pilar de la Mola (the quietest and most secluded), Sant Ferran (and its church of Sant Ferran de ses Roques), La Savina (a must for all visitors disembarking at the port), Es Caló de Sant Agustí (and its characteristic dry dock huts) and Sant Francesc Xavier (with its Plaza de la Constitución presided over by the Town Hall and an 18th century church).
Ses Salines Natural Park
It is made up of 3,000 hectares of land and 13,000 hectares of sea that stretch from the south of Ibiza to the north of Formentera, including the islets of the Es Freus strait. A good way to get to know the area of the park located in Formentera is by walking or cycling along several trails: Can Marroig – Torre de la Gavina, Camí des Brolls (which runs along part of Estany Pudent), Camí de sa Guia – es Trucadors and Camí de l’estany des Peix (where you will discover Estany des Peix).
For a drink
Beso Beach
(Cavall d’en Borràs Beach, Illetas, s/n Ses Salines Natural Park): «there is no summer without a kiss» is its motto. If there’s one place to see and be seen in Formentera, it’s Beso Beach. The party always goes on well into the night.
Blue Bar
(La Mola, Carrer San Ferran, Km 7,8; Sant Ferran de ses Roques): You haven’t been to Formentera if you haven’t seen the sunset and danced at the Blue Bar. Open every day from 5pm to 4am and during August, by reservation only.
Pirata Bus
(Playa Es Migjorn, km 11): founded in the early 70s by two friends from Calatayud (Zaragoza), it is a good option for having some tapas, drinking a mojito and enjoying the sunset with good music.
Kiosko 62
(Camino de Can Simonet I, s/n; Platja de Migjorn): open every day from 10am to 9pm, informal, simple and with a good atmosphere. In short, the ideal place to cool off on your day at the beach.
Lucky
(Carretera La Mola, Km. 7.8): Italian accent and flavour are served in this beach bar run by Bolognese people where you can enjoy a piadina in front of the sea, original cocktails and good music.
Formentera might be the smallest of the Balearic islands but it’s brimming with character, having carved out its own free-spirited identity over recent years. Sweeping white-sand beaches, rolling dunes, and Mediterranean pine trees are the backdrop to a host of boutique beach bars, restaurants, and hotels, each as charming as the next. No longer Ibiza’s hippy younger sibling, this rustic paradise has evolved to become an idyllic destination in its own right. Get in touch with us, and we will make sure you experience the trip of a lifetime.
