Formentera

Relaxing beach scene in Formentera, Spain with clear blue waters and a serene horizon.
Loli de Elia, Pexels

Formentera is a serene Balearic island celebrated for its untouched natural beauty, featuring pristine white-sand beaches and remarkably clear, turquoise waters. It offers a tranquil escape, inviting visitors to embrace a slower pace of life amidst stunning coastal landscapes.

While Formentera maintains a generally peaceful atmosphere, Es Pujols serves as the primary hub for socialising, offering a selection of restaurants, bars, and some nightlife. Along Migjorn Beach, beach bars provide a relaxed setting for enjoying sunsets and casual drinks. Artisan markets, such as the one in La Mola, also offer a vibrant local experience with live music and cocktails.

Top 5 Things to do in Formentera

Activities in Formentera largely involve embracing its natural beauty, from relaxing on renowned beaches and engaging in water sports to exploring scenic lighthouses and discovering local artisan markets.

1. Relax at Playa de Ses Illetes

Visiting Ses Illetes is often a highlight, recognized for its powdery white sands and exceptionally clear, turquoise waters that evoke a Caribbean setting. It is an ideal location for swimming in shallow depths and enjoying gentle snorkeling among diverse marine life. For those seeking tranquility, walking further along the beach towards its end often provides a more peaceful experience.

Cost: Access to Ses Illetes, part of the Ses Salines Natural Park, is free for pedestrians and cyclists. For cars, a daily entrance fee applies, ranging from €4 to €6, while motorcycles cost €2 to €4, depending on the season (May to September). Parking is limited, particularly in high season.

Transport: Ses Illetes is approximately 4 km from La Savina port. It is easily reachable by walking or cycling. Public bus line L3 or L7 can take visitors close to the beach, with tickets purchased on board costing €1.80 for short distances or €2.55 for longer routes. Taxis are also available from various points on the island.

2. Explore Cap de Barbaria Lighthouse

The Cap de Barbaria Lighthouse offers a captivating experience, particularly at sunset, with its dramatic clifftop location providing sweeping views of the Mediterranean and, on clear days, a glimpse of Es Vedrà. The approach to the lighthouse through an arid, almost lunar landscape enhances the sense of solitude and natural grandeur. A small cave, La Cueva Foradada, offers a unique viewpoint from a balcony on the cliff.

Cost: Access to Cap de Barbaria is free. During peak summer months, vehicle access to the lighthouse is restricted, requiring visitors to walk approximately one mile from a designated car park.

Transport: The lighthouse is located on the southern tip of the island. While cars and scooters can reach a nearby parking area, the final stretch to the lighthouse itself typically requires walking or cycling. Public transport to this remote area is limited, making a taxi to the carpark or a rented scooter/bike a practical option.

3. Visit La Mola Lighthouse and Artisan Market

Perched on the eastern cliffs, La Mola Lighthouse is Formentera's oldest and most visited lighthouse, offering breathtaking panoramic views from 120 meters above sea level. The lighthouse also features a museum dedicated to the island's maritime heritage, with exhibits and occasional cultural events. On Wednesdays and Sundays during summer, the nearby village of El Pilar de la Mola hosts a renowned artisan market, offering unique handmade crafts, live music, and a vibrant local atmosphere.

Cost: Entrance to the La Mola Lighthouse museum is €4.50 for adults, with reduced rates for students and pensioners. The artisan market is free to enter, with costs varying for purchases.

Transport: La Mola Lighthouse is accessible by car, motorcycle, or public bus (Line 2 connects La Savina to La Mola). The Green Route No. 29 also provides a scenic cycling or walking path from Pilar de La Mola to the lighthouse.

4. Cycle Formentera's Green Routes

Exploring Formentera by bicycle is a popular and environmentally friendly way to discover the island's natural beauty. The island features numerous 'Green Routes' (Rutas Verdes), a network of dedicated paths and rural roads perfect for leisurely cycling. These routes lead through scenic landscapes, connecting villages and offering access to many beautiful beaches and hidden coves, allowing for an immersive experience of the island's tranquil atmosphere.

Cost: Bicycle rental prices vary, but an electric bike rental can be part of a package starting from €68 (including ferry from Ibiza). Many rental shops are available at La Savina port and in towns like Es Pujols. Cycling on the Green Routes is free.

Transport: Bicycles are available for rent at the port of La Savina and in various towns. The island's compact size and flat terrain make cycling a practical way to get around, especially for accessing beaches like Ses Illetes, where bikes are exempt from vehicle tolls.

5. Experience Snorkeling or Diving in Ses Salines Natural Park

Formentera's incredibly clear and warm waters, particularly within the Ses Salines Natural Park, create an ideal environment for snorkeling and scuba diving. Exploring the underwater world reveals vibrant marine life and the protected Posidonia meadows, a vital marine ecosystem. Many bays and coves offer calm conditions perfect for underwater photography and discovering hidden aquatic beauty.

Cost: Organized snorkeling boat tours typically cost around €63 to €85 per person for a 2-3.5 hour excursion, often including equipment. Discovery scuba diving experiences start from approximately €95 to €150 per person. Self-serving options involve renting snorkeling gear from local shops, though specific costs were not detailed, stand-up paddleboards with snorkeling gear can be rented for about €15 per hour or €60 per day.

Transport: Many snorkeling and diving tours depart from La Savina port. Some boat tours also include stops at popular snorkeling spots like Espalmador Island and Cala Saona.

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