Paradise Formentera

Formentera is simply beautiful. It's no wonder this island beauty is called the last paradise in the Mediterranean. Here you can read about how to get to this dream island and what to expect when you arrive.

23 kilometers long and at its narrowest point is less than two kilometers wide - these are the top dimensions of the paradisiacal sister island of Ibiza. Unlike Ibiza, which has become primarily a symbol of party lifestyle, Formentera remains authentic and far less touristy. The crystal-clear turquoise water here is rare, largely due to the seagrass along the island's coast that naturally filters the water. We'll reveal where to find the most beautiful beaches on this stunning island, which bars are popular with celebrities, and how to make the most of your vacation in Formentera.

An Island Paradise

Getting There

The Most Beautiful Beaches

Great Hotels & Restaurants

The Best Time to Visit

The 80 square kilometer island south of Ibiza has been considered a vacation paradise only since the 1980s. Initially, Formentera was mainly known as a hidden gem for hippies and dropouts. They settled here, far removed from others, and provided for themselves on the island. There was no electricity when the first hippies arrived. They even lived in caves, which you can still find near the white lighthouse Faro de la Mola today. The cliffs drop here by 140 meters, and it was right on this steep coast that the island's first inhabitants lived. The lighthouse is the easternmost point of the island, and on particularly clear days, people claim you can even see as far as Africa.

Even today, the hippies have an influence on the island: In El Pilar, on the eastern side of the island, a hippie market opens every Wednesday and Sunday from May to October from 4 PM to 9 PM. Here you can get carried away by live music, watch artists create unique souvenirs, or simply stroll through the alleys and forget about time. Formentera is characterized by peace and tranquility. It is not a party island: those who come here value relaxation, hiking, diving, cycling, delicious food, and lying on the beach for hours. If you're on Formentera, you must explore the island from the water. The best way to do this is through a guided kayak snorkeling tour that introduces you to the island's hidden caves and grottos.

Formentera has a tourist tax that is charged to every guest. It ranges from €1 to €4 per night, depending on the accommodation, and must be paid on-site. This bed tax funds various environmental protection projects.

Fortunately, Formentera has no airport; otherwise, this paradise would be overcrowded with tourists year-round, losing its charm and beauty. To reach the island, you first need to book an affordable flight to Ibiza, then take a taxi (approx. €15-20) or a bus (approx. €4) to the port, where you can catch a ferry that departs 40 times daily in summer and takes just over half an hour to bring you to paradise. A one-way ferry ticket costs about €25. The ferry will dock at the beautiful harbor 'Puerto La Savina' in Formentera, which you should definitely take a closer look at.

As a vacationer, you generally do not need a rental car in Formentera. Instead, be a bit more active and rent bikes to explore the surroundings. They cost you only €12 per day, keeping you fit on vacation while being environmentally conscious. If you want to go further, you can either rent a scooter for €20 a day or take the bus.

If you can't fly directly to Formentera, why not visit a second vacation destination? Simply combine your vacation at Formentera's pristine beaches with a visit to the colorful capital of Catalonia - the ferry runs daily overnight from Barcelona to Formentera, and you can buy tickets online from various providers.

✓ Cala Saona: Cala Saona is especially popular during the summer months, not least because of its beautiful white sandy beach and clear water - but also because this bay is considered particularly romantic.

✓ Migjorn: One of the most beautiful beaches on Formentera is definitely Migjorn. A scene straight out of a Bacardi commercial comes to life here. Snow-white sand meets sea water shimmering in all imaginable shades of blue. You can stroll along the natural beach for six kilometers and breathe in the sea air.

✓ Playa de ses Illetes: Playa de ses Illetes is considered the dream beach par excellence: pure Caribbean feel on the northern peninsula! Due to a dune protection project, no cars are allowed here. The white sand and turquoise sea stand out even more. Celebrities love this beautiful beach section, often arriving on their luxury yachts for lunch at Es Moli de Sal, enjoying lobsters and champagne, or meeting at the restaurant Juan y Andrea. Even Spain's King Juan Carlos regularly visits, indulging in the delicate menu and breathtaking views. For sporty and adventurous vacationers, there are banana boat rides, jet skis, kayaks, and even parasailing available at this beach!

✓ Playa Es Pujols: The town of Es Pujols is the tourist center of the island. Here you will find most of the hotels and shopping opportunities. The beach is often crowded, but you'll enjoy fine sandy beaches and clear water. At Playa Es Pujols, you will discover the water sports center 'Wet 4 Fun,' which will send you off on a banana boat, jet ski, water skis, or a catamaran. Next door, there is a German surf school.

✓ Playa Tanga: Between Es Pujols and Playa de Llevant, you will walk through the salt flats to the beautiful beach section Playa Tanga. At the Tanga restaurant, you'll find the best cake on the island.

✓ Playa Tramontana: The rocky coast at Es Caló offers you a beautiful swimming cove with a white sandy beach and stunning blue sea.

✓ The deserted island S'Espalmador: Right next to the northern peninsula of the island lies the lonely island S'Espalmador, which has nothing but a farmhouse and a lighthouse. You can dock there by boat or even just swim across. The distance is not far, but there are unpredictable currents that you should be cautious of. On the southwestern side of the island, there is another dream beach: S'Alga, perfect for sunbathing and relaxing.

✓ Playa Es Pujols: The town of Es Pujols is the tourist center of the island. Here you will find most of the hotels and shopping opportunities. The beach is often crowded, but you'll enjoy fine sandy beaches and clear water. At Playa Es Pujols, you will discover the water sports center 'Wet 4 Fun,' which will send you off on a banana boat, jet ski, water skis, or a catamaran. Next door, there is a German surf school.

On Formentera, there is almost a beach bar with cold drinks, snacks, and sometimes warm and delicious dishes at every beach section.

One of the most famous beach bars is the Piratabus at Playa Es Arenals. The yachts of celebrities often dock here or in the bay at the shark bar, also known as El Tiburon.

At the shark bar, you can enjoy breakfast, delicious lunch dishes, a sunset dinner, and tasty cocktails. The location has its price and is considered a celebrity hotspot in Formentera.

Another notorious beach bar is the Blue Bar at Playa de Migjorn. Here, the density of celebrities is also above average, and authentic regional specialties are served. So that you not only satisfy your palate but also enjoy good music, a DJ plays relaxing rhythms here.

Then, you are invited to the sunset party at Big Sur at Platja Es Cavall. Formentera has beautiful sunsets that paint the sky in a color palette from orange to pink to deep red. Night owls are rewarded on this island with a beautifully starry sky.

Among the top restaurants in Formentera is definitely El Mirador, which offers breathtaking views over nearly the entire island.

In Es Pujols, we recommend Casanita Cantina y Pescado.

A particularly romantic place for a dinner for two is Es Moli de Sal, known for its spectacular views and tranquil atmosphere.

One of the largest hotels on Formentera is the Hotel Riu La Mola in Migjorn. It offers you comfortable and modern rooms, fantastic food, and great excursions. In our vacation rental search, you will also find excellent private accommodations and apartments. This has the advantage of allowing you to connect with the island's inhabitants and definitely get great insider tips.

A small tip at the end: The best time to visit Formentera is, of course, during the summer months, although temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in winter. However, since the small island gets quite crowded starting in June, we recommend traveling during the off-season.

We would say Formentera is the paradise for those who dream of a vacation in the Maldives but do not want to spend as much money. If you get a craving for nightlife, Ibiza is not far away. Maybe you want to combine both islands in one vacation? In that case, we also have the best Ibiza tips for you. If you're as excited as we are, then hurry to the nearest airport - off to Formentera!