Formentera Island lies quietly beside Ibiza, with its pristine white beaches, crystal clear blue water and a wealth of prehistoric remains.
Formentera is Ibiza’s quieter little sister. Condé Nast Traveller: “You might say that Formentera is everything that Ibiza is not. This little island has none of Ibiza’s disco frenzy, nothing like its excesses of construction and debauchery. When the tourists leave Formentera, promptly in mid-September, Ibiza still has another month of high-season hedonism to go. Meanwhile Formentera slumps back once again into low-season torpor, its beaches deserted, bars and restaurants shuttered and silent; and the island is reclaimed by farmers and fishermen.”
BEACHES
Playa Illetes is one of Formentera’s busiests with many excellent fish restaurants and watersports. It stretches as far as the eye can see, and attracts a mix of visitors, people from Ibiza, the rich and famous on their super yachts, as well as locals.
Playa Llevant is located on the north eastern coast of Formentera offering fabulous views of Ibiza. This is one of the island’s most quiet beaches. Cala Saona is Formentera’s most beautiful beach, a small horseshoe shaped bay whose sandy beach is backed by red rocks and azure water dotted with fishing boats. Some good restaurants here too and a lovely beach bar to boot.
TO DO
You can hire cars but an easy way to get around the rather flat island is by moped with many dedicated cycle tracks all over the island. One of the island’s most interesting things to see is the historic remains on the megalithic site of the Ca Na Costa sepulture. This ancient burial chamber and monument dates back to between 1900 and 1600 BC. It is near s’Estany Pudent, and can be accessed from the road from es Pujols to the port of la Savina.
The island was formerly reachable only by boat from Ibiza, making it the quieter of the two islands, but in recent years regular passenger service from the Spanish mainland has increased tourism. Ferry tickets from Ibiza are available in advance, as are transfers from Ibiza airport or port directly to accommodation in Formentera.
Hotels and restaurants recommended by Condé Nast Traveller:
HOTELS
Las Banderas, Platja Migjorn
The hotel has six bedrooms and a suite. Set back from the main building are three villas which can be rented separately, but they have little to do with the rest of the hotel in terms of atmosphere. Las Banderas, Playa Mitjorn Km 8, Formentera, Spain Tel 00 34 671 964 606
Es Ram Resort, Near El Pilar de la Mola
This resort, hidden among pines at the end of a dusty track, is a collection of five white villas with modern interiors. Four of them have two bedrooms and are rented in their entirety; guests have the use of a car and are encouraged to fend for themselves. The fifth villa has seven rooms which can be booked individually. Camino Es Ram, Route de la Mola, El Pilar de la Mola, Formentera, Spain Tel 00 34 971 948 427 esramresort.com
Cap de Barbària, Carretera de Capde Barbària
This six-room, rustic-minimalist hotel lies just off the road to the headland for which it is named. Excellent red wine is made on the property, and there’s a French-inspired restaurant. Carretera de Cap de Barbaria, Sant Francesc, Formentera, Spain Tel 00 34 647 707 572 capdebarbaria.com
RESTAURANTS
Juan y Andrea, Platja Illetes
Once a simple chiringuito, this is now one of the island’s foremost eating places. The local prawns are wonderful. Juan y Andrea, Playa Illetes, s/n, 07860, Illes Balears, Formentera, Spain Tel 00 34 630 930 913 juanyandrea.com
Pequeña Isla, El Pilar de la Mola
This family-run restaurant specialises in traditional dishes such as fried octopus, rabbit with onion and enciam de Formentera, a salad of chargrilled peppers and potatoes with salt-cured fish. It is handy for the craft fair. Pequeña Isla, Av de la Mola, Pilar de la Mola, Illes Balears, Spain Tel 00 34 971 327068 laislapequenarestaurant.com
Aigua, La Savina
This harbourside restaurant/bar offers creative Italian cooking with a touch of Milanese chic. Aigua, Puerto Deportivo La Savina, Formentera, Spain Tel 00 34 652 365 677 aiguaformentera.com