Formentera
Our experiences and tips to visit Formentera
One of the frequently asked questions from Ibiza enthusiasts. Do we have to visit Formentera during our stay? It is clear to us. If you love beautiful nature and white sandy beaches, then a visit to Formentera, the smallest island of the Balearic Islands, should not be missed.
Discover here how you can easily go from Ibiza to Formentera and which means of transport you can choose to explore the island.
With around 20 km of coastline, Formentera has always managed to stay authentic. You will find the most beautiful beaches in Europe, with some nice beach bars that look out over the azure blue sea, you imagine yourself in the Caribbean. Some small villages with nice coffee shops and excellent restaurants are scattered around the island.
Visiting everything in one day is a bit too much. That is why we have prepared an overview per region. The center of Sant Francesc Xavier and the salt pans (Ses Salines) are certainly worth a visit Also the beautiful beaches at Ses Illetes and Playa de Migjorn shouldn’t be missed.
Below you will find the nicest hotspots and addresses in:
The North
The port of La Savina
The boat arrives at the port of La Savina. Besides the exclusive marina, you will also find several shops, bars, restaurants and rental companies to either rent a car, scooter or bicycle.
For nature lovers
Ses Salines Formentera Natural Park
Distance La Savina -> Ses Salines (2 km)
The beautiful Ses Salines Natural Park and the salt pans belong to the UNESCO World Heritage. This former salt extraction area became a nature reserve in 1995 and is vital for migratory birds.
It’s pleasant to follow the route by bike or scooter through the reserve and along the 2 lakes Estany de Peix and Estany Pudent. During the evening towards the end of the summer it’s the best time to visit the landscape, when the salt turns pink. But also during the day and throughout the year it’s good to spot birds.
Paradise beaches
Ses Illetes and Llevant
Distance La Savina -> Ses Illetes/Llevant (4 km)
Ses Illetes is one of the most beautiful beaches that stretches from La Savina to Espalmador. The shallow water is ideal for swimming. In the summer it can be busy here. On the other side of the peninsula you have the quieter Llevant, because of the wind and waves.
The further you go, the narrower and calmer. At the end of the peninsula you can even walk on a strip where you can see the sea from both sides. Idyllic …
Playa Es Pujols
Distance La Savina -> Es Pujols (5 km)
Es Pujols is the only tourist resort on the island and is somewhat busier. But here too you can feel the relaxed atmosphere of the island. Come towards the evening if you want to go out. You can go out and dance until the early hours with the blue sea and pearly white beaches on the background.
Eating with your feet in the sand
Beso Beach
At Beso Beach on Playa Ses Illetes you can enjoy a light lunch, aperitif at sunset or dinner by the sea with your feet in the sand.
Link: Beso Beach Formentera
Chezz Gerdi
If you want to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine and delicious cocktails, we recommend Chezz Gerdi at Playa Es Pujols. Some dishes on the menu are a bit pricey, except for the pizzas which are delicious.
Link: Chezz Gerdi Formentera
The Centre
Visiting, shopping & eating in a relax island atmosphere
Sant Francesc Xavier
Distance La Savina -> Sant Francesc (3 km)
Sant Francesc Xavier is the largest city in Formentera, where you find some interesting sights: the Iglesia de San Francisco (built in 1726), the Ethnographic Museum from Formentera (here you can see the history and culture through utensils) and the Capilla de Sa Tanca Vella (the first chapel on the island dating from the 14th century).
Places not to be missed for shopping and / or having a drink:
- Big Store: for a delicious coffee
- CaNa Pepa: for a tasty breakfast, home-made cakes, lunch with tapas, wraps and salads or a dinner with Italian pastas
- Full Moon: nice shop with all kinds of summer accessories & beach wear: leather sandals, wicker hats, colorful beach towels, slippers and beautiful baskets
- Balafia: lifestyle shop with hats, sunny dresses, hammam cloths and lamps … in the atmosphere of Formentera.
Villa Vins: for tasty wine from one of the two local vineyards (including those from Cap de Barbaria) Vila Vins Formentera
Experience the hippy atmosphere
Sant Ferran de Ses Roques (San Fernando)
Distance La Savina -> Sant Ferran de Ses Roques (5 km)
Sant Ferran de Ses Roques is a small, cozy village. The best thing about this place is La Fonda Pepe. In this typical restaurant you will imagine yourself in the hippie period.
Formentera Guitars is also worthwhile visiting. In this local guitar workshop guitars were made among others for Pink Floyd, King Crimson and Chris Rea. Today you can still buy guitars that are specially made-to-measure.
The East
Enjoy nature & spectacular views
Faro de la Mola
Distance La Savina -> Faro de la Mola (38 km)
Faro de la Mola is a lighthouse from the mid-1800s and is located on the highest point of the island (200m above sea level), where you also find a small monument dedicated to the author Jules Vernes. We found this picturesque hilltop very beautiful and worth the effort, because of the very beautiful sea views. Moreover, it’s a beautiful location to enjoy the sunset. We recommend to go there by scooter or by bus because of the distance but also because of the height differences.
On the way to or back from Faro de la Mola you can have a break at restaurant Mirador, with an unbeatable view of the entire Formentera El Mirador de Formentera. Here you can eat a delicious paella, tasteful dish of fish or enjoy some tapas.
Have a nice lunch
The small fishing village of Es Calo is located at the foot of Pilar de la Mola, where the island is barely 2 kilometers wide. An authentic harbor is located in a rocky cove. Around the corner you will find the best fish restaurant on the island, Restaurante Es Caló, with a view of the beautiful sea and Ibiza visible in the distance. Restaurant Es Calo Formentera
Shopping in a relax Island atmosphere
In the village of El Pilar de la Mola you will find the lifestyle store Can Xicu with all kinds of furniture, accessories, kitchenware and art.
In the same village you can visit every Wednesday and Sunday La Mola Hippie Market from the beginning of May till the end of October. You will find many colorful local products such as clothing, jewelry and accessories. Gigs and workshops are also given. Open from 4.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.
Paradise beaches
Migjorn beach
Distance La Savina -> Migjorn Beach (10 km)
A beautiful 6 km long sandy beach with some nice bars & restaurants. Here you will find a quiet spot even in the summer. You can take beautiful walks through the landscaped footpath.
Ses Platgetes
Distance La Savina -> Ses Platgetes (11 km)
Ses Platgetes is located near Es Caló de Sant Agustí. Very quiet beaches separated by rocks. Also nice for snorkeling.
Calo des mort (Migjorn bay)
Distance La Savina -> Calo des mort (14 km)
Small but very beautiful beach. Ideal for snorkeling and enjoying the sunrise or sunset early in the morning or late at night.
Eating with your feet in the sand
Beachclub 10 punto 7
Whiter than white! And I’m not just talking about the beach. On the long beach of Platja de Migjorn you find Beach Club 10.7, entirely in white. Sleek, design and with a fantastic roof terrace. Fragrant lavender, white director chairs, nice lounge sofas. You can chill here. 10 punto 7 Formentera
Blue Bar
Bluer than blue and really the spirit of Formentera.
Blue Bar Formentera
Flipper Chiringuito
Nice beach club on Es Arenals Beach (part of the Migjorn bay). Flipper Chiringuito Formentera
The Southwest
Enjoying nature & views
Es Cap de Barbaria
Distance La Savina -> Es Cap de Barbaria (6 km)
The lighthouse on Es Cap de Barbaria is desolate. In this part of Formentera the vegetation only consists of Thyme and Rosemary. Next to the lighthouse you will find the famous cave Sa Cova Foradada. This is located 100 meters above the sea. You can enter this cave with a staircase and after a short walk you will arrive at the sea with a spectacular view. The entrance to the cave is very narrow, so less suitable for people with claustrophobia.
Paradise beaches
Cala Saona Beach
Distance La Savina -> Cala Saona Beach (8.5 km)
Beautiful beach of about 150 m long, not crowded, ideal to see the sunset on the cliffs of Punta Rasa. Or treat yourself to a ‘sundowner’ on the terrace of Hotel Cala Saona. While you enjoy a cocktail and snacks, you slowly see the sun go down into the sea.