Formentera is one of the last remaining natural paradises in Europe. It’s a pocket-sized island of just 83 km2 located 19 kilometres south of Ibiza and connected only by ferry. It’s also just a few hours from the main European airports via Ibiza.
The port of entry is in La Savina, located on the northeast of the island. This is the only point of connection with the outside world. Ferries leave every few minutes from Ibiza and other smaller ports on the island.
Formentera’s climate is 100% Mediterranean, with mild to warm temperatures and low rainfall. With around 300 days of sun per year, the weather is always pleasant, with noticeable heat in July and August and cooler temperatures from December to March. There’s little rain throughout the year.
The island is famous for its stunning environmental beauty, amazing scenery and heavenly beaches. Its size makes it ideal for whizzing across the island by car or scooter. Are you up for discovering it?
Formentera has three main towns. The capital and location of the town hall is Sant Francesc. The town is very lively in the summer months, with a host of shops and bars. The church square is the nerve centre and meeting point for artisans, tourists and culture vultures. Sant Francesc is just 3 km away from the port of La Savina.
Sant Ferran de Ses Roques is another important town on the island. Located in the heart of the island, it’s famous for its church, its cuisine and the legendary Fonda Pepe bar. In summer, there’s a flea market and a lively nightlife scene.
El Pilar de la Mola is located at the western tip of the island. Known for its lighthouse and hippy craft market, it’s a must-visit. You can visit the market on Wednesdays and Sundays, when it’s brimming with handmade crafts and a bohemian atmosphere. The views of the Mediterranean from La Mola lighthouse are outstanding. You’ll also find a host of restaurants in the town.
As well as these main towns, other areas such as La Savina or Es Pujols are also very popular.
One thing the island of Formentera is world-famous for is its beaches. We recommend visiting as many as you can to marvel at the spectacular views, crystal-clear waters and stunning nature.
The best-known beach is Ses Illetes, nestled on the Es Trucadors peninsula. Its sheer beauty is difficult to explain in words. White sands lapped by calm, turquoise and transparent waters, this is an unspoilt beach within the Ses Salines Nature Park and unlike anywhere else in the world. A place that you simply cannot miss. Next to Ses Illetes is Cavall d’en Borrás. On the other side of Es Trucadors, and with a little bit more breeze, you’ll find the impressive Levante beach.
Another stunning beach on the island, this time on the south coast, is called Migjorn and boasts more than 5 km of stunning sands.
Other must-sees are Es Caló des Mort, Cala Saona, Cala en Baster and Ses Platgetes. Exploring the delights of the Formentera coastline is a great adventure.
If you’d like to learn some more about the island’s history and culture, we recommend the following:
A natural wonder full of unique landscapes and a very rich flora and fauna. This marine park stretches from Ibiza to Formentera and boasts privileged waters thanks to Posidonia sea grass. The salt mines include dune systems on the beaches of Illetes, Trocadors and Levante. More information about the nature park on the Government website.
If you visit the towns and villages of Formentera, make sure you see their churches. They were built as fortresses to protect locals from the continuous attacks of pirates. There are three churches in Formentera, in Sant Francesc Xavier, Es Pilar de la Mola and Sant Ferrán, all with unique traits.
There are two iconic lighthouses on the island that are well worth a visit. The Faro de la Mola, in the southeast of the island, and the well-known Cap de Barbaria, in the southwest. Visiting them during the day or at sunset is truly jaw-dropping. Don’t forget your camera!
This vast lake is in the north of the island, just next to the port of La Savina. It’s of great value for the flora and fauna of Formentera, and also a nesting place for birds thanks to the underground freshwater jets and the local vegetation. Walking or cycling along the signposted trails and admiring the scenery is amazing. Swimming in Estany Pudent is forbidden.
Other attractions of the island are its sunsets, an impressive natural show that you really shouldn’t miss out on. The west coast of the island is the best location to bid farewell to the day. The views from Cap de Barbaria lighthouse, La Mola viewing point, En Can Carlitos in the port of La Savina, and Cala Saona are some of our favourites. But there are many more places to enjoy this magical moment.
Every Wednesday and Sunday in the summer is when you can enjoy this wonderful market. One of the oldest in Ibiza and Formentera, dating back to 1984, it attracts hippies, artists and artisans. There’s a huge variety of handmade products on sale, backed by live performances and concerts. There are other fascinating markets, such as the Sant Francesc craft market, the artisan market of Es Pujols and the handicraft market of La Savina.
The official Formentera tourist board website has a multitude of brochures on activities, maps and information about the island. You can download the brochures here.
You can visit the official website for further information www.formentera.es.