Formentera, a Turquoise Mediterranean Paradise

Formentera can be defined as a turquoise paradise sprinkled with pine trees, dunes and waves, which is the perfect home for slow life & travel vibes.

This tiny gem (83.20 square kms.) keeps being one of the most coveted destinations in the Mediterranean Sea.

It is the little sister of Ibiza, since it is located just 12.30 miles from the popular island, and it is reachable by ferry. 

As you get close to the island, the vibrant atmosphere of Ibiza turns into the relaxing atmosphere of Formentera, like a kind of magic.

You will be amazed by every single corner of the island, even underwater, since its unique beds of oceanic posidonia are declared UNESCO World Heritage.  

Although it can be done as a day trip from Ibiza, we can assure you that once you are there, you will have the feeling that just a day is too short and you won’t want to leave. 

There are great places to stay, such as:

• Can Tres, simple and rustic luxury dressed in white, sand and terracotta; 
• Gecko Hotel & Beach Club, a beachfront luxurious oasis; 
• Paraíso de los Pinos, luxury apartments; 
• Cala Saona, beachfront hotel; 
• or the 5-star hotel Five Flowers. 

The best and most popular way to discover the island is by bike, although the Citroen Méhari or the motorbikes are also a great option if you do feel like pedalling. Dirt roads which always lead to the glittering white sand and emerald and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Some of the best beaches are:

• Ses Illetes, which is located in a protected area (bike best way to reach it) and considered one of the best beaches in the world; 
• Playa de Llevant offers the perfect combination of white sand and pristine water; 
• Cavall d’En Borras, from where you can witness one of the best sunsets with a view of Es Vedra island and where the popular Beso Beach restaurant is located; 
• Cala Saona, tiny cove surrounded by pine trees and cliffs, one of the most coveted beaches in the island, which offers some activities such as snorkeling, kayaking or paddle surfing; 
• Es migjorn and its beaches (Es Mal Pas, Es Ca Marí, Racó Fondo, Es Codol Foradat, Es Valencians, Es Arenals, Es Copinar…), a paradise with a great variety of beaches, 
• Es Caló d’Es Mort, a little paradise where sunsets and baths are incredible, but not food!; 
• Es Caló de Sant Agustí, three coves with the most beautiful turquoise water and most impressive sea depths (snorkeling here is great), also do not forget to climb to La Mola Lighthouse because the view is incredible and take a picture of the traditional fishing piers; 
• Espalmador Island, a virgin island which is the paradise in the paradise. It is private but it is open to anyone who wants to enjoy its idyllic, secluded and deserted beaches…just one thing: it need to be reached on boat

The island is sprinkled with a vast number of “chiringuitos” (casual beach restaurants), such as Pirata Bus or Kiosko Bartolo, where you can taste the local dishes: “payesa salad”, “fish bullit” and the popular lobster with chips and eggs. 

However, it also has nice restaurants, some of them seafront, where you can taste a great variety of dishes, from traditional to more innovative ones: 

• Es Caló is said to serve the best lobster with chips and eggs; 
• Can Carlitos is perfect to share some “tapas” with a creative touch; if you feel like eating Italian food, 
• Chez Gardi is your option; 
• Can Rafalet is the place to head for seafood and paella with a sea view; 
• and Bona Espina for innovative dishes in a cozy terrace.

But Formentera is not just beaches. There are also some wonderful villages to visit, such as Sant Francesc Xavier or Sant Ferran de Ses Roques, Es Pujols or Es Caló de Sant Agustí…and some traditional artisan markets, such as La Mola market on Sundays.

And if you wish to uncover the island like and with a local, our favorite options for a memorable experience are: riding a horse around the most secluded beaches in the island and hiking the most unknown corners of the island.