Formentera
The smallest inhabited Balearic Island and the one with the clearest water, reached by boat from Ibiza in half an hour: the famous Platja de Ses Illetes, Cala Saona, and the lighthouses at La Mola and Barbaria. An island of bicycles and calm, without an airport.
- When to go
- June and September (July and August are crowded)
- How long you need
- 1 to 3 days (from Ibiza)
- For whom
- Couples and lovers of clear sea
Chapter One
The story of Formentera
The smallest inhabited island of the Balearics, a dependency of Ibiza. It fell under Islamic rule together with Ibiza, then the Catalans took it in 1235 CE, and for centuries it was almost empty because of pirate raids; today it is known for its clear beaches.
Figures of Formentera
- d. 1273
Guillem de Montgrí
He led the campaign that took Ibiza and Formentera from the Muslims in 1235 CE.
- 1828–1905
Jules Verne
He made the La Mola lighthouse in Formentera the setting of his novel “Hector Servadac”, and there is a monument to him near the lighthouse.
- 1847–1915
Archduke Ludwig Salvator
An Austrian scholar and traveller who described the Balearic Islands, Ibiza and Formentera among them, in his encyclopaedic work about them.
Chapter Two
Places in Formentera
4 places I chose, arranged in chapters. A gold star marks one of my favourite picks.
Platja de Ses Illetes
· La Savina
A narrow sandbar between two seas, with turquoise waters comparable to the Caribbean, and consistently rated one of Europe's most beautiful beaches; within the Ses Salines natural reserve.
My tip
Access by car to the reserve requires an entry fee; the best option is to rent a bicycle or scooter from La Savina. Go in the morning in July and August.
Cala Saona
· Sant Francesc Xavier
The only real bay on Formentera: golden sand and calm, shallow water between red cliffs, and one of the most beautiful sunset spots on the island.
My tip
Its shallow water suits children; rented sunshades are expensive, so bring your umbrella.
Far de la Mola
· El Pilar de la Mola
A lighthouse built in 1861 on the top of the island's cliffs above the open sea; Jules Verne mentioned it in one of his novels, and a monument to him stands next to it.
- Easy to reach · needs a car
- The paved road ends at La Mola; the car park is next to the lighthouse. Steep slopes with no barriers in some places—watch out for children. A small café in season, and El Pilar (services) 5 min away. A bus is rare, so a car or rented scooter is the most suitable option.
My tip
Sunrise from here is amazing; inside is a small exhibition (Wednesday–Sunday mornings).
Cap de Barbaria
· Sant Francesc Xavier
A bare rocky plateau ending in a white lighthouse on the island's southern edge, a pure wild view, and the most famous sunset point in Formentera.
My tip
In season, cars are parked 1.7 km away and you walk without shade, so bring water and a hat, and avoid midday.
Chapter Three
When to go to Formentera
My view in brief: June and September (July and August are crowded). Pick a month to see its weather and events.
Among my best months An event or holiday
January
No events listed in January. A quiet month, and prices are often lower.
Chapter Four
What to bring home
What deserves to come home with you from Formentera: the genuine article, and what carries a protected origin.
Dried fish
Peix secRay fish (“raya”), dried in sun and wind, Formentera's oldest tradition, eaten in “ensalada payesa”.
Dried figs
Higos secos de FormenteraSun-dried island figs, sweet as honey.
Formentera goat cheese
Queso de cabra de FormenteraArtisan cheese made from the island's goat milk.
Formentera salt
Sal de Ses SalinesFrom the salt pans of the natural reserve in the north of the island.
Flaó
Balearic cheese and mint cake; check that it is free of anise liqueur.
Chapter Five
Getting around Formentera
Last reviewed1 October 2026