Formentera might be one of the Balearic’s tiniest islands, but it is brimming with character and charm. It has sweeping white sand beaches, a laid-back atmosphere, and a vast hiking network. The island is the perfect choice for anyone seeking a relaxing holiday on one of the most beautiful hidden gems in the Mediterranean.
Here are the five incredible places to see in Formentera.
1. Cap De Barbaria
Nestled along a barren and rocky headland in the most extreme point of Formentera, Cap de Barbaria is one of the most incredible places to see on the island. The name is somewhat controversial. Some locals claim it refers to the barbarism the island has suffered from the various pirates attacking the Mediterranean in the past. But other sources say it refers to the “Berbers,” an ancient tribe inhabiting the African coast. Whatever the name means, Cap de Barbaria is a lovely place for everyone visiting Formentera.
What makes Cap de Barbaria unique is it’s almost devoid of vegetation. The dry and sparse area can withstand the strong winds that linger along the cliff. You’ll find a beautiful lighthouse nearby and a cave called La Cova Foradada, which has an incredible viewpoint.
While Cap de Barbaria looks magnificent any time of the day, it’s even more magical at sunset, as the sun paints the sky with vivid colours you’ll never forget. You can also visit at night if you’re not afraid of the dark. There’s no electricity in the area, but the starry skies are a sight to behold.
2. Es Pujols
The small charming town of Es Pujols is another incredible place to visit in Formentera. Lying along the island’s northern coast, it has become a favourite hub of tourists, home to many fantastic restaurants serving local and international dishes. Some have lovely terraces that look out to the spectacular ocean views.
Aside from the excellent dining scene, the nightlife is another reason Es Pujols has become a tourist magnet. The town exudes a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for socialising and enjoying delicious cocktails. Es Pujols is also a fantastic place to shop, with its many boutiques and cute shops selling souvenirs and local handicrafts. The main attraction is the lively flea market delighting tourists with its long line of stalls selling everything, from clothing to handmade accessories, bathing suits, and more! You will also find some eateries to indulge in local delicacies.
Another highlight of Es Pujols is its stunning white sandy beach shaped like a shell with crystal-clear turquoise waters. With small stretches of boathouses and rocks in its surroundings, it’s a perfect place to relax and swim. You’ll also find a lovely promenade to enjoy a scenic stroll while marvelling at the breathtaking sea views.
3. El Pilar de la Mola
One of Formentera’s biggest draws is its numerous accommodation options and tourism facilities. For a taste of luxury, guests will find luxurious villa rentals around Formentera, with some great options in El Pilar de la Mola, a scenic village famous for its craft markets.
You’ll find El Pilar de la Mola at the bottom of a road leading to a beautiful lighthouse called La Mola Lighthouse. The quiet little town remains peaceful throughout the week except on Wednesdays and Sundays when a craft market pops up. It’s a lovely place to enjoy a relaxing stroll and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. And if you happen to be here when the hippie markets are open, you’ll have a blast browsing through the various handcrafted items on sale.
As you stroll through its pretty streets, you’ll stumble upon beautiful buildings, including the century church of El Pilar. When it’s time to rest, stop by one of the restaurants along the streets. The vibe here is very relaxing. You cannot expect restaurants to play loud music. Instead, you’ll see a friendly place with locals sharing fun stories and delicious meals.
4. La Savina
Upon arriving in Formentera, one of the places that will likely catch your attention is the beautiful port of La Savina, where all ferries arrive and depart. It’s a nice place to relax and admire the boats coming in and out. You can even spot mega yachts moored along the harbour.
Upon getting off the ferry, you’ll immediately see the harbour building with the ticket offices. There are also bars and cafes with an outside terrace, where you can relax and enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks as you people-watch.
La Savina is also a fantastic place to explore on foot. Walking around the harbour, you’ll see a long line of market stalls selling clothing, accessories, souvenirs and handcrafted goods. At every turn, you’ll encounter amazing views, including the nearby islet of Es Vedra.
La Savina is also home to many excellent hotels, making it an ideal base for holidaymakers. Everything on the island is easily accessible from here, including the famous beaches of Playa de Levante and Playa Illetes. It’s also possible to take a ferry from La Savina towards Playa Illetes and further to Espalmador, where you’ll find quieter and more secluded beaches.
5. Es Caló
If you want to soak up the vibe of an authentic village charm, head to Es Caló, a picturesque village with a small port full of traditional wooden boats typical of Formentera. In fact, Es Caló was an active commercial port in the early times and a significant dry dock for fishermen.
Es Calo is home to a lovely beach with a particularly rocky bottom. The presence of small rocks gives the sea its unique colours, different from those you’ll find on other sandy beaches in Formentera.
Those into hiking and want to discover Formentera’s incredible nature will find many scenic trails in Es Calo, including beautiful walks through lush pine forests and along the cliffs, offering magnificent ocean views. During your walk, keep your eyes peeled on fascinating wildlife species, including green lizards and seagulls.
One of the trails can take you to the famous Mirador, an extremely high point of about 200 metres, from where you can enjoy dramatic views of the island.
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