Among the Balearic Islands, you’re probably familiar with Minorca, Majorca and, of course, the white island, Ibiza, with its abundance of clubs and lively nightlife. That said, some discerning enthusiasts are now turning to their smaller, quieter sister: the island of Formentera.
The difference is palpable when you disembark from the ferry at La Savina (the only port for boat arrivals and departures). Formentera is the Balearic island with the most serene atmosphere. Here, the locals get around mainly by bicycle or scooter. It’s as if you’ve stepped back in time, thanks to the rhythm and atmosphere.
If you’ve never been to Formentera, we’ve got 9 reasons to love it. Find out what you can do on this wild and beautiful island.
1. Visit Formentera: explore the greenways
Take advantage of a 130 km network of hiking and cycling trails to criss-cross the island and pass through picturesque villages. Formentera is essentially flat. The lush countryside and greenways are ideal for walking and cycling.
Breathe in the warm, briny air as you stroll along dunes and sandy beaches. Smell the fragrance of Sabin junipers, golden wheat fields, pine and carob forests, and verdant vineyards.
Cycle to the island’s four historic watchtowers or explore the Pla de La Mola, past ancient drystone walls where you’ll see sheep sheltering under giant fig trees, as you head towards pretty hidden coves for a dip in the Mediterranean Sea.
2. Birdwatching on the Balearic Islands
As Formentera lies midway between Africa and Europe, thousands of migratory birds arrive in spring and autumn, attracted by the island’s diverse ecosystems, lagoons and wetlands.
Start your birdwatching trip at Ses Salines d’Eivissa-Formentera nature park, which stretches from the south of Ibiza to the north of Formentera. More than 200 species can be found here, including flamingos, puffins and woodpeckers.
You can also take a boat trip north to the peaceful Freus islets, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to protected Posidonia meadows and countless seabirds. This is the home of Audouin’s gull, the European cormorant, the petrel and the Balearic shearwater.
Visit the Estany Pudent lagoon, a historic former saltworks, where flamingos, shelducks, wattled terns and great skuas thrive. Native species include the Balearic warbler, peregrine falcon, hoopoe and golden finch.
3. Water sports and beaches in Formentera
With 69 kilometers of pristine coastline and crystal-clear cobalt-blue waters, it’s not surprising that water sports abound on the island (diving, snorkeling, kayaking, boat trips).
For diving enthusiasts, the tiny northern islands of Espalmador and S’Espardell, located in the Ses Salines nature park, offer sublime, crystal-clear waters, while the beaches of Ses Illetes or Migjorn, with their six kilometers of soft sand, are ideal for paddle surfing, kayaking and snorkeling. Take a trip to Cala Saona to discover Punta Rasa’s spectacular red cliffs and underwater caves.
4. Must-see sites: Ses Illetes beach
The playe de Ses Illetes (the little islands) is located on the Es Trucadors peninsula (north of Formentera). Expect to discover a marvellous pink beach, a mixture of white sand and coral dust rising from the sea.
The name Playa de Ses Illetes means “beach of the little islands” in Catalan: nearby are Illa des Ponent, Illa de Tramuntana, Escull des Pou, Illa Rodona, Escull d’en Paia, Racò des Palo and the better-known Espalmador.
Not far from Ses Illetes is the platja de Llevant. These two beaches are so close to each other that they are often called “the twins”. When when the wind blows from the west at Illetes, you’ll have to head east; conversely, when the wind blows from the east and Llevant beach is very windy, you’ll have to relax in the tranquility of Ses Illetes. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset!
5. Discover Formentera’s capital: the village of Sant Francesc Xavier
Sant Francesc Xavier, the capital of Formentera, is a charming village known for its traditional architecture, picturesque streets and relaxed atmosphere.
There are many things to see and do in Sant Francesc Xavier, including :
- Sant Francesc Xavier church: dates back to the 18th century and features a unique Baroque style.
- Formentera’s Ethnological Museum: presents the island’s history and traditions.
- Village streets: Sant Francesc Xavier is known for its traditional architecture and charming streets, so soak up the atmosphere.
- Local cuisine: several local restaurants serve traditional Formentera dishes, such as fresh seafood and local produce.
6. Ses Salines Natural Park
The Ses Salines Formentera nature park covers a vast area, from Es Trucadors and the surrounding sea to Estany Pudent, where high concentrations of sodium made possible the salt industry, once the island’s main economic industry. If the salt industry is no longer active, you can still visit the salt marshes.
7. La Mola lighthouse
Nicknamed the “lighthouse at the end of the world”, it is located on the highest point of the island (200 meters above sea level). The most spectacular sight is the 120-metre-high cliffs. There is also a monument to Jules Verne, who chose Formentera as the setting for his novel “Hector Servadac: Voyages and Adventures in the Solar System”.
8. Stroll through the Mercat de la Mola
On Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, from 4 pm to 10 pm, in a square off the main road in El Pilar de la Mola, you’ll find the most authentic and charming “hippie” craft market. All items sold are made or worked on the island. Musicians liven up the area with live performances. It’s a great place to buy souvenirs.
Stroll through the aisles and shop for pottery, jewelry, bags, watercolors and clothing. Most of what you’ll see is made from natural materials. You’ll find around 50 exhibitors who are artisans living on the island (some since the 60s).
9. Torre de Sa Punta Prima
The tower of Sa Punta Prima was built in the 18th century as part of a defensive system along the island’s coastline to protect the inhabitants from pirate incursions. Renovated in 2003 by the Ibiza and Formentera Island Council, the two-storey circular tower made visual contact with the towers of S’Espalmador and Punta de la Gavina. Don’t miss the panoramic view from the cliff. The silence and plenitude here are disturbed only by the song of the gavines (“seagulls”).
