Formentera is the definition of summer and complete peace. On this island you can experience a tranquil atmosphere, which along with its crystal clear water, make it the idyllic destination for your holidays. In addition to its intense turquoise waters and stunning nature, you will find endless things to do in Formentera Spain, which will make you never want to leave. Discover some of the most beautiful spots on this Mediterranean island and let yourself be seduced by its beauty.
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Things to see in Formentera
Before travelling we recommend you visit Formentera’s official website to find out all the COVID regulations.
Ses Illetes, the most iconic beach in Formentera Spain
Ses Illetes has been called one of the most beautiful beaches in the world on more than one occasion. Moreover, Ses Illetes beach is probably the most characteristic image of Formentera Spain. This beach is in the Ses Salines de Eivissa and Formentera Natural Park, and is a must during your trip.
It is over 450 metres long and splits in two due to a small rocky area in the middle. Its name comes from the various islets that are dispersed off the coast, making it a spectacular setting.
The most outstanding feature of this beach is the turquoise water that stands out against the bright white sand. Moreover, as it is a natural park, the surroundings are duly cared for and protected to preserve the area. You will find dune protection areas, access walkways, and specific areas where you can park without impacting the landscape.
Cap de Barbaria
Cap de Babaria is one of the most iconic places in Formentera. It is one of the most characteristic sights on this island and is the southernmost high point of Formentera and the Balearic Islands. The lighthouse dominates this impressive cliff 100 metres above sea level and is the most popular meeting point to enjoy the sunset, with views of the magical islet of Es Vedrá.
In addition, in the area surrounding the lighthouse there is another spot worth visiting, La Cova Foradada. It is a cave that is difficult to access and should be visited with caution. It leads to the end of the cliff and has one of the most spectacular views over the Mediterranean Sea.
La Mola Lighthouse
The Faro de la Mola lighthouse or Viewpoint of Formentera is without a doubt another obligatory stop on the island. It is the ideal place to admire the island’s landscape and get to know Formentera from a different perspective.
In the east of Formentera there is the small plateau of La Mola, which is the highest point on Formentera Spain at 192 m. The lighthouse is located on the edge of a cliff 120 metres above sea level.
Here you can see both the north and south coast of the island, including Migjorn beach and Tramuntana beach. Certainly the best time to visit this viewpoint is at sunset – one you won’t want to miss whilst in Formentera. Currently, the lighthouse is home to a cultural space detailing Formentera’s maritime heritage. It is a multi-purpose space that is used for concerts, conferences and small plays.
- Summer opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm and Wednesdays and Sundays from 5 pm to 9 pm. Winter opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday, from 10am to 2pm. General admission is €4.50, €2.50 for students and free for minors.
La Mola Artisan Market
This is the main market on the island and has become an important meeting point for artisans, artists and tourists. In addition, it usually has live music in the central square, making it a very special place. This market started as a private initiative of various artists and craftsmen. Today, it maintains the same essence: to showcase and promote local crafts. You can find authentic pieces of art, and perhaps a beautiful souvenir to take back with you, made with love.
- The market is open from the beginning of May until 12 October, on Wednesdays and Sundays from 4pm to 10pm in the Pilar de la Mola.
Can Marroig
The Can Marroig path is almost at the same level as the sea. This is a magnificent place to watch the sunset and enjoy the intimacy of the surroundings. This landscape has been declared a Nature Reserve. There are three small coves with easy access to the sea, famous for the depth and clarity of their waters.
With a rocky outline and surrounded by nature, these coves are perfect for diving or snorkelling. Completing the landscape, there is a wooded area where you can take a break and make the most of the facilities for a family picnic.
Cala Saona, the cove you have to see in Formentera Spain
Located on the west coast of Formentera, this cove with turquoise waters and reddish soil is a favourite amongst visitors and locals alike. Cala Saona is the only sandy beach tucked between cliffs in the southwestern part of the island. It also has shelter and many huts that give a special charm to this particular spot.
There are several ways to get to Cala Saona. On the one hand, you can reach the beach by bicycle, following the paths that go southwards, through the most rural part of the island. You can also get there by car along the road towards Cap de Barbaria, where you will find a signposted turn-off halfway along the road that heads west. At the end of the asphalt road there is a car park where you can leave your vehicle and reach the beach easily on foot.
Caló des Mort
Caló des Mort is a small cove that is barely 70 metres long and is one of the essential stops in Formentera. It is a quiet beach with crystal-clear waters and white sand and rocky areas. This charming beach is probably the image you had in mind when you thought of a beach in Formentera Spain. Don’t miss this dreamy spot.
- This cove is located on the right hand side of the ascent to La Mola de Formentera. To access this part of the island, simply take one of the many detours to the south on the main road once you have passed the village of Sant Ferran in the direction of La Mola. Once there, take the sandy path next to the Casa Blanca restaurant.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Things to do in Formentera
Cycle around the island
In recent years 32 green routes have been signposted, many of which are suitable for cycling. Over 100 kilometres for you to enjoy the landscape of Formentera. If you want to get to know the island in depth, cycling around Formentera is an excellent option. On the island’s main road there is a cycle lane that makes it easy to get around. Formentera is mainly flat, except for the climb to La Mola, so you can easily discover all the corners of the island. Enjoy Formentera in a different and sustainable way.
- Bicycle hire can cost around €10-15 per day.
Diving in Formentera Spain
Thanks to its calm, crystal-clear waters, as well as the Neptune grass it has, Formentera is an ideal place for scuba diving. The island has the perfect environment and conditions for discovering the world of scuba diving, with spots such as the Es Freus Marine Reserve, Punta Prima, Punta de Sa Gavina, Es Racó alt, Es Banc, Rocabella and El Arco.
For beginners and experts alike, Formentera has different diving schools where you can take courses ranging from the most basic to the most specialised. There are four diving companies on the island that organise courses, snorkelling excursions and dives to discover the island’s underwater paradise. Discover all the activities they offer!
- The beginners’ diving course usually costs around €85 and lasts about 2 or 3 hours.
Kayaking
Formentera has the perfect climate and geography for kayaking at all levels. You will find different routes that are suitable for beginners, families with children or the most advanced sportsmen and women.
The island has different nautical centres with a lot of experience, which allow you to discover the island from a different perspective. You can do group excursions where you can go along Formentera’s coast, discovering charming spots such as the caves of Punta Rasa. In any case, it is an adventure that is well worth experiencing and one of the best things to do in Formentera.
- Organised excursions usually last 3 hours and cost approximately €48 for adults.
Things to do in Formentera at night
When travelling to Formentera we recommend taking into account Balearic Day (1 March), or the Pilgrimage of the Virgin of La Cabeza (the last Sunday in April), as these are some of the popular and traditional festivals of Formentera that will allow you to get to know its most authentic side.
Have a drink at the chiringuitos in Formentera
In Formentera, the custom is to go to a beach bar to watch the sunset and then stay until night falls. Enjoy the atmosphere and move on to the next beach bar if you fancy. Here is a list of some of the bars with the best vibe and cocktails in Formentera Spain.
- Kiosko 62, chiringuito 62 is located in the most natural area of Migjorn beach, near the defence tower of es Pí d’es Català. This wooden kiosk with a family atmosphere is located on a rocky area of the beach and retains a nostalgic ambience. It is a great place to watch the sunset, drink a mojito and enjoy good music.
- Lucky Bar, the Lucky kiosk is located on Migjorn beach and its atmosphere is reminiscent of the old hippy Formentera. They mainly serve Italian cuisine with local and Italian products. Due to its location, you can enjoy a beautiful sunset overlooking the sea accompanied by good music and good cocktails.
- Chiringuito Kiosko Cala Saona, the kiosk of the same name in Cala Saona is a place of idyllic charm on a rocky area of the cove. It is a perfect place to enjoy the sunset, accompanied by a cocktail or tapas.
- People Formentera, in the middle of Es Pujols beach, we find this modern kiosk. We can highlight its minimalist design, but above all its good cuisine and cocktails. It has a small area with chairs, pouffes and low tables on the sand where you can enjoy the beautiful views of Es Pujols.
- Chiringuito Bartolo, the cute and colourful kiosk Bartolo is located at the end of Migjorn beach, on Es Cupinà beach, very close to the paradisiacal spot of Caló d’es Mort. Despite having a small food menu, it apparently has one of the best homemade hamburgers on the island.
Flower Power Fiestas in Formentera
Many travel to Formentera on the trail of the Flower Power parties and in search of authentic hippie charm. These hippie events began in Sant Francesc and have continued to be held there every year at the end of July until the beginning of the pandemic. In La Mola, coinciding with the beginning of summer, there is another Flower Power party, with a lot of participation from the people of the island. And in Es Pujols they take advantage of the unbeatable setting of its sandy beach to enjoy the third most important party of its kind.
Things to do near Formentera
Ibiza
Ibiza is perhaps Spain’s top holiday destination and its close proximity to Formentera makes it easy to get to know these two unique destinations. It is also known for its hippie Mediterranean vibe, nightlife and dreamy beaches. But the island of Ibiza also boasts some of the most stunning scenery and crystal clear waters in the world. This makes the island one of the best places to travel to at any time of the year.
If you want to know what to see on the island of Ibiza and which places you cannot miss, read our post: Things to see and do in Ibiza.
What to do in Formentera in one day?
Formentera is a small island that can be seen in a day. However, the longer you can stay on the island and discover all its nooks and crannies, the better. Here is a possible one-day itinerary around the island of Formentera.
- Ses Illetes Beaches
- Mirador de Formentera
- Cala Saona
- Faro de Barbaria Lighthouse
What to do in Formentera in two days?
Cap Barbaria @sgargon 
Can Marroig @diego
With two days in Formentera you will have enough time to discover the lesser known spots of the island, but just as impressive. During your second day on the island, you will be able to enjoy:
- Can Marroig and Punta de Sa Pedrera
- Caló des Mort
- Faro de la Mola Lighthouse
What to eat in Formentera?
Formentera seeks to make the most of local products such as fish, which are used in traditional recipes such as ensalada payesa (with Peix sec), Frit de polp (fried octopus), Sofrit pagès (with meat and potatoes), Calamars a la bruta (fried squid in its own ink) or Bullit de Peix (fish stew with potatoes). There are also typical island desserts such as Flaó (fresh cheese cake with mint), les Orelletes (aniseed-flavoured sweet) and Greixonera (puff pastry pudding).
Where to eat in Formentera?
Formentera’s local cuisine is closely linked to the traditional way of life, with strong ties to the sea and dryland farming. Here is a selection of the 5 best Mediterranean restaurants in Formentera.
- Quimera Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on local produce in an idyllic setting. With a Michelin star for the Pitiusas and two SOLs from the Repsol Guide in 2020 and 2021, this restaurant serves top quality recipes at a price of 35 € – 70 €.
- Sol Post Restaurant, with wonderful views of the beach and open to the general public, the Sol Post Restaurant on the terraces of the Hotel Cala Saona offers Mediterranean cuisine with high quality products. With a price range of 35 € – 70 €, this restaurant has dishes centred around fish and seafood as well as one of the best rice dishes on the island.
- Restaurant Casbah Formentera is a very good quality Mediterranean restaurant. Surrounded by greenery, this restaurant offers Spanish cuisine with innovative twists, as well as vegan and vegetarian options. The price range is from 38 € – 77 €.
- La PezQueria Fish Bar & Restaurant is a restaurant with a very original menu based on seafood and with a price range of 12 € – 35 €. From Spanish and international food to street food, this restaurant is a different way to enjoy local produce.
Where to stay in Formentera?
The range of accommodation on Formentera is limited due to its size. Here are 5 of our favourite accommodations on the island, so you can choose the one you like best.
- Hotel Cala Saona & Spa is a four-star hotel located in one of the most beautiful and peaceful corners of Formentera, Cala Saona. This hotel is located in an incredible natural environment and has direct access to the beach. It also has a spa, gym, wellness, beauty treatments, paddle tennis courts and yoga. The price range per night is around 150€ for two people.
- Gecko Hotel & Beach Club is a four-star hotel with an aesthetic that is reminiscent of the summer glamour of the 1950s, while respecting the protected environment that surrounds it. Overlooking the sea, the price per room is around €200 per night including breakfast.
- Hotel Es Marès is a charming and distinguished four-star family-run hotel. Located in one of the pedestrian streets of Sant Francesc, it has 13 exterior rooms on the first and second floors. The price per room is around 200 € per night with breakfast included.
- Sa Cala Suites is a set of Mediterranean style flats and studios, with wooden pergolas, white walls, light and pure environments like the traditional houses of Formentera. It has a studio that is fully adapted and accessible for people with reduced mobility. The price is around 100€ per night for two people.
Tips for your trip to Formentera
- Book your accommodation well in advance as availability sells out quickly due to the small size of the island, which is highly sought after during the summer.
- The island has high tourist demand during the summer, so be sure to organise your trip well in advance.
- Due to the small size of the island, there are no campsites on Formentera. Free camping is prohibited on the whole island.
- Plan your travel itinerary with the Passporter App and discover the magic of having your route organised on your mobile.
Frequently Asked Questions about your trip to Formentera Spain
Formentera has no airport and the only way to reach the island is by ferry. You can get there by ferry from the other Balearic islands that do have an airport or from the Valencian Community.
In Formentera you can get around either by public transport, such as the bus, or by private transport by renting motorbikes or cars on the island. You will also find taxi service and there are currently three electric vehicle rental companies on the island of Formentera.
One of the classic things to do in Formentera is to watch the sunset. The island has some wonderful spots where you can enjoy spectacular sunsets.
– Ses Illetes
– Cala Saona
– Cap de Babaría
– Kiosko 62 in Migjorn
– Mirador de la Mola
– The Cafe del Lago in la Savina
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