Keep this safe guide of Formentera and get ready to discover one of the most beautiful islands in the world – or should we say the most beautiful?
Yes it's correct, the little pitiusa has grown, but his indomitable spirit remains intact and he plays hide and seek among the pines, the dunes and the waves. Here you live barefoot, eat slowly and dream in thousands of shades of blue.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Pasha House (Camí es Arenals, Km.11, Es Caló): located at the end of Migjorn beach, this boutique hotel in Pasha Group It represents a return to the origins of the brand and is the perfect luxury refuge to reconnect with oneself and with nature. The interior design is signed by the studio of Patricia Galdon , that she has bet on a color palette inspired by nature which has as protagonists the neutral tones, earth, sand, cauldron and, of course, the occasional blue brushstroke that seems to have been taken directly from the ocean.
The luxury of being an islander.
Teranka Formentera (Carrer Sant Agustí KM 10.7 Playa des Arenals, Es Caló): inaugurated last July, this hotel located in the migjorn beach It is the new sensation of the island. It has 35 exclusive rooms and apartments distributed in three spaces – Sea, Sky and Earth – and decorated in a Mediterranean style that reflects the natural environment of the area. In addition to his restaurant Vert Mer, this season, the famous restaurant Nobu lands for the first time in Formentera in a pop up format in a privileged location: the Teranka rooftop.
Slow mode activated.
dog three (Camí de Can Simonet, s/n Sant Francesc Xavier): Can Aire, Can Mar and Can Tierra are the names of the three little houses that make up this magical place that oozes Mediterranean essence.
Can Mar.
Cala Saona Hotel & Spa (Cala Saona): on the western coast of the island, this hotel is an idyllic place surrounded by pine trees and cliffs, it has direct access to the beach and views of one of the most beautiful sunsets on the entire island. In addition, it has a gym, paddle tennis court, spa and a complete wellness offer.
Gecko Hotel & Beach Club (Es Migjorn Beach, Ca Marí): a dream enclave where wake up facing the sea and enjoy the longest beach on the island. Do not rule out one (or several) visits to your spa. Their beach-club –where to see and be seen– and its Yoga classes They will make you not want to return to harsh reality.
Pool at Gecko Hotel & Beach Club.
Five Flowers Hotel & Spa (Carrer des Fonoll Marí, 84, Es Pujols): panoramic views of Formentera, dreamy sunsets, rooms that are well worth their five stars and a strategic location in It's Pujols (the main tourist center of the island), can you ask for more? Yes! The Janis restaurant, on the top floor of the hotel.
White Hotel Formentera (Calle Fonoll Marí, 50 Es Pujols): this four-star hotel in the urban center of Es Pujols, a few minutes' walk from the beach, is one of the island's veterans and the perfect base camp to explore it.
WHERE TO EAT
Can Carlos (Carrer d'Isidor Macabich, s/n, San Francisco Javier): without a doubt, one of the classics of Formentera And one of the most romantic! At nightfall, your terrace lights up creating a magical atmosphere where you can enjoy a menu where Italian recipes are fused with products from the island.
BĪCHI (Berenguer Renart, 2; San Francisco Javier and Playa Es Arenals, Km 11. Migjorn): this summer, BĪCHI has settled in Formentera with two new pop-ups: BĪCHI Ca Na Joana Joana (located in this emblematic Mediterranean cuisine restaurant and open every day from 8:30 p.m.) and BĪCHI Insula Beach (a beach bar on Es Arenals beach, open all day and with a more informal menu). Both spaces are directed by the chef David Gonzalez, former Kabuki Wellington and they bet on the best fresh fish, from the port to the table, offering Japanese-Mediterranean recipes with signature winks.
BĪCHI Ca Na Joana.
It is Molí de Sal (Calle Afores, s/n, Playa de Illetas): what was once an old salt mill is now one of the most famous restaurants in Formentera. The reasons? Its views of Ses Illetes and the port of La Savina, its fish and shellfish, its rice and the sunset from its chill out, where you will feel like you are on the bow of a ship in the middle of the sea.
He is Minister (Ses Illetes Beach): In 1971, a fisherman decided to offer his daily catch at Ses Illetes, one of the best beaches in the world. Half a century later and summer after summer, Es Ministre continues to hang the full sign every day in its privileged location. Seafood, fish, rice and meat of the best quality They await you in this restaurant whose prices are in line with the entire island.
Can Carlitos (carrer de s'Almadrava, s/n La Savina): informal cuisine with perfect portions to share with the unmistakable and creative seal of Nandu Jubany.
It's Calo (Vicari Joan Marí, 14, Es Caló): the best lobster with potatoes and fried eggs of the island.
Can Rafalet (Carrer Sant Agustí, 1, Es Caló): with more than three decades of history, this restaurant located at the foot of the mola offers delicious seafood cuisine overlooking the intense blue of Es Caló.
My way (Carretera Cala Saona, Km. 0.2): they call it the secret garden of Es Pla and guarantees an unforgettable evening. A journey through the aromas and flavors of the island – with ingredients grown in its own garden – while the sun hands over the baton to the moon.
My way (Formentera).
janis (Carrer des Fonoll Marí, 84; Es Pujols): led by the chef Sarah Valls, Janis proposes contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with sea views on the roof terrace of the Five Flowers hotel. Don't miss their delicious tomato from Formentera, grilled San Pedro rooster and its dessert 'A walk through la Mola'.
Sa Punta (Av. Miramar, 24, 07871 Es Pujols): this cute family restaurant created by María and José Manuel in 1988 is in the heart of Es Pujols promenade. Today, with the help of their children, they are still at the foot of the canyon offering a Italian-Spanish cuisine with international nuances. Their pizzas are famous throughout the island, as is their spaghetti with clams. Let yourself be advised by José Carlos, one of the sons and manager of the establishment, guaranteed success!
Chezz Gerdi (Camí s'Abeuradeta, 40-45 Es Pujols): a footbridge over the sand leads to this restaurant Italian cuisine with a Balearic nod. Do not forget to take the photo of rigor in his iconic Volkswagen van.
fandango (Av. Miramar, 1, 07871 Es Pujols): although its interior is most welcoming, eat with your feet in the sand and with views of the intense blue of Formentera it is unbeatable. Rice and grills are the two pillars on which this restaurant led by the chef Louis Arrufat.
Japan Bufambo (Carrer d'Eivissa, 6, 07860 San Francisco Javier): Japanese tradition and Mediterranean soul are the hallmarks of this restaurant that will delight sushi lovers.
Dry red shrimp rice.
OF BEACH BARS
Bartolo Beach Bar (Ctra. a Maryland I): could not be missing from our guide to Formentera. Bartomeu Escandell He has been running this small kiosk for 41 years, recognizable by its posts and blue tables, which is located in a privileged place, at the end of the beach of Es Migjorn, between Es Copinar and Caló des Mort. It is famous for its hamburger with sliced bread.
pirate bus (Playa Es Migjorn, km 11): founded in the early 1970s by two friends from Calatayud (Zaragoza), it is a good option to have some tapas, drink a mojito and enjoy the sunset with good music.
Kiosk 62 (Camino de Can Simonet I, s/n; Platja de Migjorn): open every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., informal, simple and with a good atmosphere. In short, the ideal place to cool off on your day at the beach.
Lucky (Carretera La Mola, Km. 7.8): the Italian accent and flavor are served in this beach bar run by Bolognese where you can enjoy a piadina facing the sea, original cocktails and good music.
Blue Bar (La Mola, Carrer San Ferran, Km 7.8; Sant Ferran de ses Roques): you haven't been to Formentera if you haven't seen the sunset and danced at the Blue Bar. They open every day from 5pm to 4am and during August, only with reservation.
beach kiss (Cavall d'en Borràs Beach, Illetas, s/n Ses Salines Natural Park): “There is no summer without a kiss” Say your motto. If there is a place to see and be seen in Formentera, that is Beso Beach. The party always goes on well into the night.
Kiss Beach Formentera.
BEACHES
Many compare the waters of Formentera with those of the Caribbean. Sorry: there is no comparison worth. The beaches and coves of Formentera they are authentic paradises that are happening one after another along its coast.
the well-known Ses Illetes, the sandbank of Migjorn, the shy It's Ram, the recondite It is Calo d'Es Mort, the smug Cala Saône, Ses Platgetes and its almost electric blue… Here is the complete list of the best beaches of Formentera.
Ses Illetes (Formentera).
WHAT TO SEE
Cap of Barbary: Located on a cliff at the southernmost point of the island, this lighthouse awaits us at the end of a paved road that we must go on foot (there is a dirt car park right at the beginning), leaving an arid landscape on both sides and with the sea peeking over the horizon. In addition to boasting one of the most beautiful sunsets on the island, overlooking Es Vedrá, the lighthouse is famous for its appearance in the film Lucia and sex, by Julio Médem. Very close, you can visit the Cova Foradada and the defensive tower Garroveret.
La Mola Lighthouse: At the eastern end, on the edge of a cliff 120 meters above sea level, we find this lighthouse with impressive views and a cultural space with an exhibition area inside. (Summer hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Wednesday and Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Formentera viewpoint: On the way to La Mola –the highest point on the island with an altitude of 192 meters above sea level–, you will find this viewpoint from which to contemplate the island in all its splendor. There is also a restaurant with a view.
Cap de Barbaria, Formentera.
The villages: the six towns that make up the island are well worth discovering. It's Pujols (the liveliest), The Pillar of the Mola (the quietest and most hidden), Sant Ferran (and its church of Sant Ferran de ses Roques), the Savina (mandatory place of passage for all visitors who disembark at the port), It is Caló de Sant Agustí (and its characteristic boathouses) and Sant Francesc Xavier (with its Plaza de la Constitución presided over by the Town Hall and a church from the 18th century).
Ses Salines Natural Park: It is composed of 3,000 land hectares and 13,000 marine ranging from the south of Ibiza to the north of Formentera, including the islets of the Strait of Es Freus. A good way to get to know the area of the park located in Formentera is by walking or cycling through various trails: Can Marroig – Gavina Tower, Camí des Brolls (which borders part of Estany Pudent), Camí de sa Guia – es Trucadors and Camí de l’estany des Peix (where you will discover the Estany des Peix).
Espalmador Island: paradise within paradise. Espalmador is separated from Formentera by three kilometers of sand that can be seen when the tide goes out, although it is not recommended to cross on foot. To reach, you can take a boat from the port. If you decide to go with your own boat, be very careful when anchoring, as there are many reefs and islets scattered around. The largest beach in Espalmador is It is Racó de s'Alga, although the most adventurous will surely be encouraged to explore the rest of the beaches scattered around this small island, such as the one in Sa Torreta, Sa Senyora and Cala de Bocs.
Espalmador, a paradise more paradise than Formentera.
WHERE TO BUY
fullmoon (Carrer d'Eivissa, 6; San Francisco Javier): The essence of Pitiusa condensed in a shop: caftans, bikinis, swimsuits, towels, baskets... The pieces made by artisans from Formentera are mixed with national and international firms in this space located in Saint Francis Xavier . You will recognize it by its blue doors and the wonderful bougainvillea at the entrance. unmistakable!
Easwara (Av. Porto Saler, 4; San Francisco Javier): his pieces are sold in prestigious stores in New York and Los Angeles such as Saks and Barneys and are made of the best quality leather.
Majoral (Jaume I, 29, 07860 San Francesc Xavier; Avenida de la Mola, 89): this jewelry store founded by Enric Majoral and of which his son Roc is now also a part, houses endless precious treasures. It has two points of sale on the island: in La Mola and in Sant Francesc. The essence of Formentera concentrated in a jewel.
La Mola Market: It is one of the most authentic and visited on the island and its fame precedes it. It is held on Wednesdays and Sundays from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the Pilar de La Mola and in its stands you will only find authentic artisans who will show you ceramic pieces, glass objects, jewelery and other unique pieces made by hand with a smile on their faces.
Other markets that are also worth a visit are the It's Pujols (every day from 7:00 p.m. to 00:00 a.m.), Sant Ferran (every day from 7:00 p.m. to 00:00 a.m.), the Savina (every day from 11 a.m. to 00 a.m.) and Saint Francesc (every day except Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
Full Moon (Formentera)
HOW TO GET
You can get to Ibiza by boat – Balearia has departures from Valencia, Barcelona, Dénia and Mallorca– or in airplane , with direct flights from various cities on the Peninsula. From there, the ferry docks in just over half an hour at La Savina. Balearia also offers routes from various peninsular ports, being the shortest route the one that departs from Denia.GETTING AROUND
Cycling: It is the official transport of the island and there are many companies where you can rent a bike to move freely while you enjoy the scenery.
By car or motorcycle: During July and August, vehicle access is limited, you must request authorization and pay a fee from which electric vehicles are exempt. There are many car and motorcycle rental companies, such as Rent a Car San Fernando.