Formentera Guide

Lots of people travel to Ibiza every year – Not just for the nightlife, but for the beauty of the Balearic Islands too. What they don’t know is that close-by is the stunning Island of Formentera.

Formentera is the smallest of the Balearics, located beside Ibiza in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s got the clearest turquoise water and white sands I’ve ever seen, like those that are synonymous with places like the Caribbean – but Formentera is much easier to get to than that.

I did my research before going to Formentera, so I’ve compiled all the best info I found before going – including how to get there, secret secluded beaches, how to get around the island and even places to stay if you love it there. I loved it so much that I’m definitely planning a night on the island during my next trip to Ibiza.

You can reach Formentera from its neighbouring island, Ibiza, by 30-minute ferry

Loads of different companies run ferries on the hour from Ibiza Town Port. It’s a fast ferry, and usually won’t cost more than €30 for a return journey. The company we used was Mediterranea Pitiusa, which included a scooter for just €10 extra! It was a safe ferry, which went every hour during the day we were there, and the scooter company (Formotor) were great to deal with. I’m always worried about getting scammed or having my deposit taken off me when I rent a scooter, but this company seemed to be quite genuine.

Getting around the island is easiest on wheels

While Formentera is a small island, I’d still recommend hiring a bike, scooter or even a car to get around. Rentals seemed to be quite cheap on the island, with only small deposits (€300) required for even a small car. We saw over half of the island in one day by scooter, and it was amazing because we got to see some totally secluded beaches off the beaten track. Be warned though, apart from the very few main roads, most routes are just by dirt track on an unmarked path, so a scooter or quad bike would probably be better than a car if you want to see some cooler places!

You can have the most amazing beaches all to yourself

This was a beach we stumbled across when we got lost on our scooter. We really got off the beaten track with this one, so far off that there were no roads mapped on Google Maps, and we had the beautiful beach completely to ourselves. No photo can do Formentera beaches justice, it’s only when you see the blue of the sea and the white powdery sand for yourself that you can appreciate it. That said, it’s still one of the most photogenic places I’ve seen in Europe!

The well-known beaches are equally as beautiful, and well worth a trip

These beaches won’t offer you the privacy that our little discovery did.. but they’re famous and busier for a reason, as we found out when we eventually made it there.

Playa de Ses Illetes

Or Ses Illetes – Located on the Northern Tip of the island, this is easily one of the best beaches in Europe. The beach stretches for about a mile, and every inch of it is as white and sandy as the next. It’s easy to get to from the port, La Savina. It’s about a 15-minute drive by scooter, along a good road. You’ll find parking on the way in, but have cash ready because there’s a €3 toll for tourists. This beach is the nicest I’ve been on to date, including my travels to Thailand.

Playa de Migjorn

Or Es Migjorn – Is another of the reasons why people travel to Formentera at all. It is a beach of about 8km, with more options for food and bars than Ses illetes. We didn’t make it there, because we loved Illetes too much, but it’s next on my list when I come back to Formentera.

Formentera is the gem of the Balearics, and while it’s next door to a crazy nightlife oriented island, it couldn’t be more tranquil.

If you do go there, I’d recommend giving yourself a night at least to properly see the island. I’ve left a list of accommodations which I thought look great, and that I’ll be booking for myself as soon as I can!

Hotel Cala Soana

Hotel Riu La Mona

Gecko Hotel and Beach Club

If you liked this post, take a look some other Travel tips, like a London Itinerary for one day in the city, or how to book cheap hotels in Thailand.