You’ve heard of Ibiza, Majorca and Menorca, but Formentera usually slips under the radar. It’s pretty tiny – about the size of Northern Ireland – and has a more peaceful vibe than the busier Balearic babes. This means fewer tourists, super quiet beaches and an au-naturale situation across the island – a huge win. But there’s still loads of stuff to see, so here’s a roundup of the top things to do in Formentera.
Get beachy
This should be top of your list. The island’s hidden-gem status comes with some seriously unspoiled sweeps – the almost-empty beaches are another level of dreamy, and a ban on building near the sand makes even the most popular picks feel untouched. Platja de Migjorn’s a local favourite for its seven-kilometre stretch of white sand and strong watersports options. Kayak or paddle your way along the coastline, or grab some goggles for a scuba session underwater.
For something even more low-key, Ses Platgetes is the one. The secret spot’s hidden by huge sand dunes, so it’s just you, the rock pools and the little green lizards. You get a great view of La Mola cliffs and a lighthouse, too.
Book a boat day
The Balearic Islands are within perfect boat-tripping distance of each other. Formentera doesn’t have an airport, so you’ll have to get a ferry over from Ibiza anyway, but there’s so much more to see off the coast.
To see the best bits, book a Formentera Coast and Snorkelling tour. From Cala Saona’s harbour you’ll sail around the coastline, with time for snorkelling sessions along the way. Formentera’s water is HD clear – it’s some of the clearest in the Mediterranean – so keep your eyes peeled for starfish and octopuses. Back on the boat, you’ll stop off at hidden caves and secret coves you can only reach from the water.
Check out the hippy market
Formentera entered its boho era in the Sixties, with hippies flocking to the island to soak up the nature and peaceful vibes. The good times are very much still rolling today in Es Pujols, where you’ll find yoga classes on the beach, stalls lining the prom selling tie-dye garms and local artists selling their handmade crafts and ceramics. The market’s on every evening, so stop by to pick up some souvenirs, eat some Spanish street food and catch the sunset with a drink from a beach bar.
Go to the Natural Park
The whole island looks like a nature reserve, but Ses Salines Natural Park’s the bit with UNESCO status. The protected area’s actually split across Formentera and Ibiza, and also includes the sea that separates the two. Embrace your inner Attenborough and set off for a walk through the salt flats, sand dunes and pine groves, keeping an eye out for flamingos and rare migratory birds – over 210 species have been spotted here.
Ready to get to know this bite-sized Balearic Island? Take a look at our Formentera deals.
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Author: Daisy Colley
Last updated: 28/06/2024
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