10 Things to Do and See in Formentera

The more than 5,500 residents of Formentera multiply many times during the summer. It is a small and peaceful island, perfect for those who want to relax after perhaps partying in one of the nights of nearby Ibiza.

Long beaches, golden coves, clear sea, and fields of grain make Formentera a true paradise on earth, so much so that, like Menorca, the island has been declared a Natural Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

In addition to the spectacular natural scenery, Formentera presents entertainment very much in line with the lifestyle of the 1970s: beach parties, alternative clothing, and small clubs. Nothing to do with fashion, nightclubs, crowds, and confusion.

The only disturbing element is the Italians, called scooters by the locals due to their excessive and noisy use of scooters and motorcycles. The problem appears only in high season, when Italian VIPs colonize the beaches followed closely by 'ordinary Italians' seeking a photo with a football player or a celebrity.

It lasts little, so here are 10 things to do and see in Formentera to enjoy the sea and nature in complete relaxation, without giving up the sweet and refined atmospheres of the outdoor venues in the evening.

1

The beaches of Formentera are all beautiful, and in just a few days, you can visit them all.

The beaches of Illetes and Llevant are the most famous and frequented by tourists, not only for their white sand and Caribbean sea but also for the services they offer.

On the contrary, Cala Sahona and Migjorn beach stand out for their privacy and tranquility.

The first, with the blue sea contrasting against the red of the rocks, offers a truly rare natural panorama; the second is one of the largest on the island but, being located in the extreme south, is also the least crowded. A visit to the islet of Espalmador is a must, where you will find only the sea, nature, and a large number of animal species.

2

The main urban center of Formentera is San Francesc Xavier de Formentera. The town's life revolves around the small square, dominated by an 18th-century church.

The church was the first on the island and in the past served as a fortress to defend against pirate attacks. San Ferran de ses Roques, El Pilar de la Mola, Es Pujols, and La Savina are the other centers of Formentera. San Ferran is rich in bars and restaurants, and here you can visit one of the historical places on the island: Fonda Pepe, a famous hangout for hippies in the 1970s. From San Ferran, you can reach El Pilar de la Mola, where on Wednesdays and Sundays, you can shop at the hippie market, and Es Pujols which is situated near a natural cove nestled between two islets. La Savina, on the other hand, houses Formentera's port and has all the services useful for sailors.

3

The beautiful natural landscape of Formentera deserves to be experienced to the fullest. The municipality has set up 20 routes that tourists can walk or cycle to reach and discover the most beautiful places on the island.

The longest route is the Camì Vell de la Mola (3000 meters), followed by the Camì de s'Estany (2700 meters) and the one de Dalt de Porto Salè (2500 meters). Some of these paths can be traveled by foot or bike, while others must be done on foot, such as the Camì de Sa Pedrera or the Camì d'Es Cap. Depending on the routes you decide to follow, you can admire the local vegetation, traditional architecture, animal species, or the splendid views of the island. So pack your backpack and set off to explore the fabulous and unspoiled nature of the island.

4

Once, the economy of Formentera was based on the extraction and preservation of sea salt. Currently, the Salinas Reserve is a beautiful tourist destination to visit, especially during the salt crystallization periods.

The ponds, during this process, take on a pink color, the same that colors the feathers of the flamingos that feed on the microorganisms in the ponds. Some of the most beautiful areas of Formentera belong to the Salinas Reserve, and the marine bottoms around it are as spectacular as they are fragile.

For this reason, diving here is only allowed with authorization from the Insular Council. The spectacular color games the Salinas offer, especially in the morning and at sunset, are an interesting opportunity for photographic excursions.

5

There are three lighthouses in Formentera: those of Es Cap de La Mola and Es Cap de Barbaria, and in the port, La Savina lighthouse. Of the three, La Mola Lighthouse is the oldest and tallest on the island.

It stands on a 120-meter cliff, and watching the sunrise and sunset from this point is a unique and magical experience. Next to the lighthouse is a commemorative plaque honoring the writer Jules Verne, who set his novel "The Adventures of Hector Servadac" here.

At Es Cap de Barbaria, the lighthouse rises from the land, and its beam of light reaches out to illuminate the rocks and cliffs on the horizon.

Near the lighthouse, you can visit the watchtower that once served as a lookout point to protect the island from invaders. Finally, the third lighthouse is located in the port of La Savina, the first place you will see when you arrive in Formentera. Unfortunately, it's also your last view when the ship takes you away from this little paradise.

6

Here are some things to avoid to make your vacation in Formentera perfect.

It is important to emphasize that the locals do not take kindly to Italians who have stormed the island for several years, undermining its tranquility. Therefore, avoid speeding with scooters along the 21 kilometers of paved road and shouting like crazy: a bit of respect for this oasis of peace.

Given the size of the island and the condition of the roads, you are required to move around by scooter or bike. If you use scooters, do so responsibly. If you are looking for privacy, relaxation, and clean sea, you should avoid Es Pujols beach which, especially in August, is the most crowded both day and night.

The ideal months to enjoy the Spanish island are May and June: from mid-July and throughout August, it is indeed overrun by tourists. Finally, do not be like many Italians who go to Formentera: do not be surprised if the Spaniards do not understand Italian; they are called Spaniards because they were born in Spain and speak another language.

Moreover, if you ask for pasta and pizza in restaurants, do not complain that they are not like those eaten in Naples. How about tasting the typical products of the local cuisine?

7

The most recommended purchases in Formentera concern local handicrafts. Ceramics, jewelry, clothing, and hand-painted artworks are what you can buy while wandering through the island's markets and shops.

The artisanal tradition still reflects the alternative culture of the 1970s, and the very hippies who live here are the creators of many items: these small masterpieces are the fruit of those who combine creative flair with craftsmanship. Of particular interest is the hippie market held in La Mola every Wednesday and Sunday from June to October. Es Pujols, on the other hand, is where most traditional shops are concentrated, and where you can also enjoy the evening in various bars and cafes. Therefore, forget about finding high-fashion shops in Formentera; at most, you will have to settle for bulky, hand-knitted wool sweaters made by master craftsmen.

8

If you expect wild nights like those in Ibiza, you will be disappointed: Formentera offers entertainment that is much less frantic and closer to the hippie culture.

So if you are looking for chaos, trendy clubs, and nightclubs on every corner, you will need to head to nearby Ibiza and then return in the morning. Tranquility and peace are the elements that characterize Formentera, even at night. The island's centers where you can find some activity in the evening are Es Pujols, where you can spend the evening hanging out in some bars, ice cream shops, or breweries, and San Ferran, where various meeting points offer entertainment for those who do not want to go to bed early and where the legendary Fonda Pepe, a historical gathering point for hippies, is located. Formentera should be enjoyed for the beauty of its beaches and shores and has nothing to do with the excesses of Ibiza, which has sold out to transgression and the changes of mass tourism.

9

The flavors of the sea are the most common in Formentera's cuisine. Fish, in all its variants, is the main ingredient in most island recipes:

from guisat (boiled with potatoes) to rice dishes, not to mention fried items or simply grilling. A component of Formentera's culinary tradition is peix sec: sun-dried fish used in salads or in many other dishes. Another element of gastronomic tradition is the mattanza: families gather once a year to slaughter the pig and prepare dishes like boiled or fried mattanza and sobresada. Sweets are another local specialty, particularly orelletes, made with puff pastry and powdered sugar, and bunyols, fried pastries with orange juice, which are absolutely a must-try.

10

Formentera, like Menorca, continues to safeguard its beautiful and unspoiled nature; that is why there are not a lot of accommodations to host tourists.

If you add to this that the island is not very large, it follows that it is advisable to book a few months before your vacation to avoid sleeping under the stars. Few accommodations but for all tastes: hotels, farm stays, residences, campsites, and hostels to choose from also based on the price you are willing to pay. Since the mid-1960s, the island has had to deal with a significant increase in tourism, but despite everything, it has not allowed itself to be transformed, and you can enjoy all the beauty of a clear sea, clean beaches, and unspoiled nature: a pleasure for your eyes and spirit.