Formentera and the sweetness of life: the essential things to know

"Formentera is Corsica without the bombs, Ibiza without the clubs, Mustique without Mick Jagger, Capri without Hervé Vilard, the Basque Country without rain."
Frédéric Beigbeder, L'amour dure trois ans (1997)

Here are some interesting elements and tips to help you make the most of Formentera, the smallest island in the Balearic Islands. 

>>> Our superb luxury villas in Formentera

6 kilometres southeast of Ibiza you will find Formentera, a small island only 19 kilometres long, cut like a lizard (a gecko to be exact), its emblem. There is no airport in this small area. That is why you will have to land in Ibiza beforehand. 

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Then, depending on the ferry company you choose (Mediterranea-Pitiusa, Trasmapi, Aquabus or Balearia), you will reach the port of La Sevina in 30-60 minutes. As soon as you have set foot on the land of Formentera, you can rent the vehicle of your choice from the many rental companies located near the ferry: Mehari, scooters, bicycles or electric bicycles, etc.

The main road on the island starts from the port. It joins the main village in the centre of the island and also gives access to the other villages. The main road passes between the island's two salt ponds, namely the Estany Prudent and the Estany des Peix, which host colonies of grey herons and pink flamingos. This second pond, smaller than the first, is open to the sea through a small pass (Sa Boca) used by fishermen and boaters to anchor their boats near the port. Its creeks allow the passage of small boats on the sand, diving, sailing, water skiing and the little ones can learn to swim there. Its beach is also very popular with nudists. 

Crystal-clear waters are abundant in Formentera. You can enjoy them from your boat or simply from the beaches and rocks of the island as well as the multitude of small islets that accompany the coastline of Formentera here and there (especially those of Espalmador and Espardell). You can easily observe the Posidonia meadows that line the seabed. The ecosystem generated by these marine plants produces considerable amounts of oxygen, which has a significant impact on the transparency of the water. It is in Formentera that the largest Posidonia oceanica meadows grow and it is so precious that UNESCO has chosen to protect this species, which is several million years old. Be careful not to drop your anchor just anywhere!

On the island, you can also stop in front of the fig trees, unusual trees whose branches grow horizontally, which makes it easier to harvest the fruit. These fig trees look like giant hedgehogs in the shade of which you would like to take a nap, sheltered from the wind.

It seems that nature invites you to experience the utmost tranquility. 

Just for you, here are some places to discover in Formentera, where you can relax and enjoy yourself:

Can Carlitos
Carrer de s'Almadrava, La Savina
 +34 971 322 570

This small chiringuito from the port of La Savina allows you to contemplate the paradisiacal islet of Es Vedrà and enjoy a delicious sunset, while Chief Nandu Jubany takes care of you. If you like paella and tapas, you're served! Here, the lobster remains the star of the menu. 

Kiosko Cabana
Carretera in Maryland I, El Pilar
+34 971 327 243

Among all the good chiringuitos and kioskos on Migjorn beach, the "Bartolo", renamed "Kiosko Cabana", occupies a special place. Near the cliffs of Calo d'Es Mort, the view is lovely and it is very pleasant to eat there after a nice day on the beach. 

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Juan y Andrea
Playa Illetes
+34 971 18 71 30

In the heart of the famous Playa Illetes de Formentera, this luxurious restaurant owned by the same family since 1971 is a bit like "the place to be" when you are a "VIP". It is a completely different atmosphere than that of the small chiringuitos but the view is undeniably sublime under the palm trees and the menu offers dishes of very high quality. The least you can do to make a good impression, ladies and gentlemen, is to arrive by sea and dock on the restaurant pontoon! 

Kasbah
Lugar Platja de Migjorn, Sant Francesc
+34 971 322 051

In the beautiful tropical garden of the Hotel Casbah, enjoy the dishes of the young Galician chef: Martina Cacheiro, a talented artist who will soon be making a name for herself. The dishes are all delicately prepared and make you appreciate the delights of the island. You can taste good raw shrimp in carpaccio, octopus with charcoal or squid with sobrasada. 

Rutas es boixets
San Francesc
www.rutasesboixets.com / vicent_juan@hotmail.com
+34 6 69 572 896

There is no question of tasting good food here. This good plan is more for horse lovers. This is an exceptional opportunity to discover Formentera. Go on the island's roads with Vicente for a superb excursion to places he knows like the back of his hand. You can ride on the horse of your choice among the dozen or so horses he owns and enjoy a unique service for an unforgettable and authentic experience. 

Hippie market of La Mola
El Pilar de La Mola

Every Thursday and Sunday afternoon, you have the opportunity to meet the craftsmen who have been setting up their stands around the great mosaic since the 60's. Everything is there to make sure you find your style that is true to the "adlib" spirit of the Pityuses. The "gypset" style is in the spotlight and the onlookers come to stroll around the place while a group sets the mood by playing live. Happy and colourful atmosphere! 

There is still a lot to say about Formentera, but we hope that these few suggestions will allow you to enjoy some great moments of freedom and tranquility.