Formentera is the smallest of the Balearic Islands, but it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, and has everything that Majorca and Ibiza has to offer
Tucked away in the Balearic Islands, this tiny gem boasts all the allure of Majorca and Ibiza, from stunning beaches to vibrant restaurants and parties, yet remains blissfully crowd-free.
As the smallest of the Balearics, Formentera spans a mere 32.14 square miles, with a slender width of just one and a half miles at its narrowest point. Measuring 12 miles in length and four miles in width, its compact size belies the wealth of untouched white beaches and crystal-clear waters that have earned it a reputation as one of Europe’s most coveted destinations.
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Dubbed “one of the jewels of Spain”, Formentera is home to a mere 11,389 residents, according to the latest population census in January 2023 – a far cry from the 159,180 inhabitants of its more populous neighbour, Ibiza.
One of the island’s most unique charms is its lack of an airport. While this may present a minor inconvenience for some, it means that visitors must take a scenic ferry ride from Ibiza, which typically lasts between 30 and 40 minutes.
During peak season, departures are frequent, with sleek catamarans capable of carrying over 200 passengers setting sail every half hour, reports the Express.
Regular passenger services from mainland Spain have also contributed to the island’s growing popularity, yet Formentera remains mercifully free from the crowds that flock to its more famous neighbours.
The island’s limited road network, connecting only the key areas, adds to the sense of seclusion and tranquillity that pervades this hidden gem.
From May to September, Formentera bursts into its prime – a landscape exuding warmth and splendour. While it doesn’t reach the scorching heights of Majorca’s low 30s in August, average temperatures linger delightfully in the mid-to-high 20s during the peak summer months of July and August.
This European gem is esteemed for its stunning coastal lines, with Ses Illetes topping the list as Formentera’s crowning beach treasure, nestled in the northern part of the island with its expansive sandy stretches and inviting waterfront eateries.
Plaja de Migjorn unfurls almost 4 miles of rugged rock and sand coastline, celebrated as the untamed heart of Formentera’s seaside.
Not to be missed is Es Cavall d’en Borras: a stone’s throw from the port of La Savina, this haven boasts powdery white beaches and crystal-clear waters alongside breathtaking views of deserted islets like Es VedraÌ€ and Es Vedranell, crowned by the island’s famed sunsets.
The in-vogue Beso Beach restaurant offers more than just exquisite meals — its iconic bench with a view, adorned with the words “no hay verano sin beso” (“there is no summer without a kiss”), has become a photographer’s muse.
In contrast to its sister isles, Formentera’s nightlife adopts a more subdued tempo, with its limited yet vibrant clubs and bars designed in the spirit of Ibiza’s legendary scene, including hotspots such as Rigatoni Club Formentera and Pachacha.
Formentera has been a cradle of human activity since the Bronze Age, with records dating from around 2000 to 1600 BC. The isle boasts significant ancient remnants and megalithic structures such as the Naveta des Cap de Barbaria, a burial chamber erected in 1700 BC.
These historical sites are accessible through pathways, inviting visitors to delve into the eras of bygone civilisations and their enduring heritages.
On Tripadvisor, accolades for Formentera and its stunning beaches abound. Regarding Ses Illetes, one person said: “Any trip to Formentera would be improved by visiting this outstanding and beautiful beach,” while another lauded Platja de Migjorn, calling it an “amazing beach, very relaxed, not busy and easy to find your own space”.
