Formentera is the second smallest inhabited island of the Balearic Islands with 82 square meters and can be perfectly discovered with a rented car, scooter or bicycle. On this fabulous island, which can be reached in just 30 minutes by ferry from Ibiza, you will find the clearest water and the whitest beaches in the Mediterranean. Not for nothing, Formentera is also known as the Caribbean of Europe. The island is small and clear, but has a lot of great sights, culture and beaches to offer. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of Formentera and be inspired by my absolute favorite spots!
From Ibiza to Formentera
Formentera is a perfect excursion when you are in Ibiza or any other Balearic island. One to three days are recommended and the perfect short trip to the “small Caribbean”! Depending on the boat provider, the ferry ride from Playa d´en Bossa, Ibiza, takes only 30-50 minutes. The entrance to the ferry is e.g. possible at the restaurant Manolos at Playa d´en Bossa.
Arrived at the cozy harbor on Formentera, you will find small stalls, selling great souvenirs as well as jewelry and clothing. You can also marvel at the great boats and yachts here. At the harbor you will also find many nice restaurants and rental services, where you can rent a car, scooter or bike for your stay. For our last stay we took a car – but also a scooter or bike is on this super little island completely sufficient!
Cap de Barbaria – Lighthouse
There are two lighthouses on Formentera, the one at Cap de Barbaria is the more modern one. Already in 1924 the lighthouse was designed but only built from 1971. The 78 metres high lighthouse has a maximum light range of 18 miles and is one of the most popular destinations in the south of the island. Far and wide this is the only building in the middle of a great landscape. Nearby you will find the defensive tower of Es Garroveret and La Cova Foradada. This area was inhabited by the first settlers more than 4,000 years ago.
From there you can marvel the incredible sea view at the steep coast. Especially in the evenings, this is an absolute insider tip for romantics and couples who should not miss the breathtaking sunset. A unique scenery is provided by pyramidal cairns that tourists have built here. Directly a few meters to the right of the lighthouse is a hole in the ground – a cave in which you can get in. It is not very big, but at the end of the cave, an amazing view over the Mediterranean sea is waiting for you.
Cap de Barbaria offered for me the most amazing view I have seen in a long time! If you walk right along the cliffs, you come to a precipice with super clear water. From here we even saw dolphins!!! That was absolutely wonderful and will be remembered for a long time.
The best way to reach the lighthouse at Cap de Barbaria is by scooter or car through San Francisco. From there you can already see the path that leads to the lighthouse. Cycling in the summer could be very stressful due to the heat and the steep ascent.
If you want to make a detour in San Francisco, you can visit the free museum of local history. Here you will learn all about the life of the inhabitants before the tourism boom.
Cap de Mola – Lighthouse
Beautiful Cap de Mola, where the second lighthouse is, is in the northeast of the island. Drive to the quiet area around Es Calo with its great views. A serpentine road takes you up to El Pilar. There is no tourism, unless you come by on a Sunday or Wednesday when the hippy market takes place. In summer you can find unique handicrafts, clothing and culinary delights accompanied by live music. By passing the village and following the road for 2 km over the highlands, it ends abruptly in front of the lighthouse Far de la Mola. For the most beautiful and magical view, it’s best to come here for sunrise or sunset. The cliff is 140m high and should even provide a good view of Africa when the weather circumstances are fitting well.
On the way there you can make a stop at the restaurant El Mirador. This place is located on the high plateau in front of El Pilar and offers a breathtaking view over almost the entire island.
The most beautiful beaches
Formentera is known for the crystal clear turquoise waters on the countless beaches and bays with super white sand. Here, a summer holiday can definitely endure perfectly. During my stay I found my absolute favorites that I would not want to withhold from you, of course!
Playa de Migjorn
With 6km, Playa de Migjorn is the longest sandy beach on Formentera. Here it is still not too busy and it offers a lot of variety: sunbathing on the white beach or on the flat rock, near a beach bar or in the middle of the dunes and whether single, as a family, couple or naturist lovers – here everyone will find his favorite place. You will have simply crystal clear water and a great white sandy beach there and when it is windy, there are super cool waves that bring a lot of fun!
Ses Salines and Playa de ses Illetes / Playa de Llevant
This beautiful spot of Formentera is part of a natural park and is considered as World Heritage of UNESCO. From the port, you can easily reach this beautiful nature reserve along the salt flats within 20-30 minutes by bike. Here you can find really clear water, extremely white sand, you can snorkel and even dive as well as you can marvel at great yachts. I also discovered two really great restaurants here: El Pirata and Beso Beach. These are anything but cheap, but also extremely cool! It’s best to come for sunrise or sunset with its magical colored heaven spectacle.
Playa de sa Roqueta
In the north of the island is this small, sweet beach with great water. You will also find a restaurant with a breathtaking view! Here you can go for a really romantic meal and enjoy the time.
Es Palmador
Only a few meters from the northern end of Formentera is the small, beautiful and uninhabited island of Es Palmador. The crystal-clear water and the white sandy beach convinced 100%, including the boat owners. Mainly yacht owners come for a day trip to this stunning place. Depending on the tide, you can even walk over. But you should not swim because of the current. Another option is to go by boat or ferry. These run every day in summer from the port La Savina.
