Ibiza might not be the first place that comes to mind for a relaxing holiday.
Though the beautiful Balearic island has some quiet spots it’s mainly known for its rambunctious rave scene and rowdy travellers (some of which are arrested on the flight over).
But, if you’re looking for something a little less intense, Ibiza’s quiet little sister island, Formentera, is just 30 minutes away.
Known for its turquoise waters and long stretches of sand, the tiny island is just 12 miles long and a mile and a half wide at its narrowest point. A tranquil place to recover from several days of partying, really.
It’s easy to reach too. With daily ferry departures every half hour between Ibiza and Formentera, the small island is a popular day trip for those wanting to escape the far more crowded island.
What to do and see in Formentera
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Most people come to Formentera to relax on its stunning beaches – it’s a perfect destination for sunbathing and snorkelling.
Playa de Ses Illetes is probably its most well-known beach. The ‘magnificent’ stretch of sand has been compared to a Caribbean paradise due to its azure waters and white sand.
The beach is also known for its unique pink sand, which is a result of crushed coral fragments mixing with the shoreline sand.
It’s located in the northern part of the island, close to the port of La Savina and the tourist resort of Es Pujalis.
It’s part of the Saline Natural Park of Ibiza and is a protected area. If you’re visiting via car or motorbike, you’ll have to pay a small fee to enter.
On the opposite side of the island is Playa de Migjorn, one of the most famous beaches in Formentera, which stretches around three miles. It’s divided into four sections: Ca Mari, Migjorn, Es Arenals and Es Copinar.
Migjorn is the heart of the beach, while Es Arsenals is the most lively and popular area. It boats shallow waters and a wide beach, and is a popular area for families.
There’s plenty of other areas to explore on the island. All of the beaches are described as easily accessible – you can expect beach bars, restaurants and sunbeds to hire.
But Formentera isn’t just about sunbathing. You can visit the La Mola Lighthouse which is famously mentioned by French author Jules Verne in his novel Hector Servadac. It’s perched on the island’s eastern cliffs.
Travellers can also try traditional dishes like bullit de peix, a fish stew served with garlic rice, and ensalada payesa, a salad made with dried fish, toasted bread and vegetables, at one of the island’s rustic restaurants.
Or, if you want to enjoy the island another way, why not hop on a boat tour to discover hidden coves, cliffs and caves in the water?
What are people saying about Formentera?
Lonely Planet describes the Formentera as a ‘beautifully pure, get-away-from-it-all escape’. Its pace of life is ‘blissfully languid’ and ‘designed for lazy days’. It declares its beaches as some of the most exquisite in the world.
And travellers seem to agree. Its beaches have countless five-star reviews on Tripadvisor, with visitors comparing them to those of the Maldives and the Caribbean.
One tourist, Niky B, wrote on trip advisor: ‘Superb beach worthy of the Caribbean! Take a nice picnic with you and you will not regret.’
Another Duncan86 likened Formentera to ‘heaven on earth’, in a review posted earlier this year.
He said: ‘I have been to the most famous beaches in the Mediterranean, and do you know that maybe Illetes is the most beautiful. I almost cry to think of its heavenly beauty.’
He begged fellow visitors: ‘Please don’t destroy her, love her as she deserves.’
If the five-star reviews weren’t enough to convince you, it’s even got Kate Moss’s stamp of approval. The supermodel has previously been paper relaxing on the island with her family.
The likes of Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd and Jimi Hendrix also enjoyed the island in the 60s and 70s. Many other creatives and musicians were drawn to Formentera for its laid-back and hippy, Boho vibe.
How to get to Formentera
Located off the south coast of Ibiza, the easiest way to get to Formentera is by ferry. Several ferry companies operate the route including Balearia, Trasmapi, Aquabus and Formentera Lines.
The journey takes around 30 minutes to an hour, departing from Ibiza Town to La Savina, the only port in Formentera. Ticket prices start from around €15.
Once you get to the island, you can expect lower prices than those of Ibiza . A meal in a restaurant on the island is likely to cost around €15 too, compared to the high costs of dining out in Ibiza, which can range from €30-€50 for a meal and a drink at a mid-range restaurant.
Because of its close proximity to Ibiza, most tourists visit during the day. But, if you want to make a night of it, there are plenty of accommodation options.
You can expect to pay a premium for its five-star resorts, such as Hotel Riu Palace La Mola in Playa Migjorn. Rooms are going for around £500 this summer.
Hostels are a cheaper option for cost-conscious travellers. Rooms at Hostel Marblau Formentera, start from £132. It’s described as a ‘no-nonsense hotel’ near the beach of Es Calo, a small fishing village on the southeastern coast of the island.
Spain's best hidden gem destinations
Despite Spain’s deluge of visitors in popular areas, some regions of the stunning country remain relatively untouched.
- Coruña , for example, is described as a ‘city for strolling and enjoying’, without the large crowds. It’s home to the world’s oldest functioning lighthouse, and there’s £29 flights from London Gatwick.
- Cudilero in Northern Spain is one of the country’s hidden gems featuring ‘hanging houses’ in the cliffs and stunning hiking routes.
- Mojacar in Almeria, meanwhile, boasts a 17km golden coastline and an Old Town full of whitewashed Moorish buildings.
- If you’re after some sunshine, Cartagena has been described as an ‘underrated gem’, boasting 283 hours of sun per month.
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