Those looking to embark on their next relaxing adventure should consider taking a trip to the beautiful island of Formentera in Spain. It is the smallest of the Balearic Islands, great for anyone seeking a peaceful break without the hustle and bustle.
Formentera offers an exquisite blend of relaxation, outdoor adventure and stunning beaches, catering to an array of travel itineraries. The island is also encompassed by picturesque landscapes, cultural experiences and a ton of fantastic places to explore, meaning you’ll find more than enough amazing things to do here.
Keep reading to learn more about the best things to do on Formentera Island, ensuring you make the most of your time in this outstanding part of Spain.
How Big is Formentera?
Formentera is the smallest of the Balearic Islands and is around 32.1 square miles in size. Despite its size, visitors will still discover a variety of things to see and do here. With its diverse landscape comprising sandy beaches and rolling hills, you’ll find plenty of fantastic places to explore.
A trip to Formentera is great for planning an intimate break. The island is around 12 miles long, making it easy to drive from one end to the other. If you’re seeking a relaxing getaway in a peaceful setting, this beautiful island is the place for you.
What to Do in Formentera
Now that you know how to get around Formentera and what to expect from visiting this beautiful destination, we’ll explore some of the best things to do here. Browse the selection of exciting activities and attractions below to help you plan your time effectively.
Hire a Boat for the Day
If you’d like to explore Formentera in style, there’s no better way to see more of the island's stunning coastline than by boat. This allows visitors to scour secret beaches, go snorkelling in crystal clear waters, visit pretty lighthouses, uncover charming villages and much more. With so many incredible things to see and do by boat, it is an excellent way to spend time on the island.
You can hire boats from many of the main towns in Formentera, great for families looking for their next adventure. Alternatively, those planning to stay in some of the luxury private villas can make the most out of their concierge services as the Dynamic Lives team can plan your boat hire for your stay.
Go Cave diving on the bay of Cala Soana
The caves in Formentera offer an exciting excursion for those looking to explore the many natural wonders on the island. These beautiful formations offer an excellent opportunity to swim in shimmering waters while uncovering impressive interiors in a magical setting.
One of the best places for cave diving in Formentera is the bay of Cala Soana. Here, you will experience white sands, turquoise waters, and a rocky coastline. This is a fantastic place for those seeking a little serenity during their time on Formentera, as the gorgeous surroundings allow for a wonderful place to relax and unwind.
After you have spent some time soaking up the pretty landscapes around Cala Soana, embark on a cave diving adventure to discover more of the natural beauty here. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends or your partner, this stunning beach has much to offer an array of visitors.
Book Wine Tour of Formentera
Wine tours around Formentera provide a great way to experience more of the island’s local culture and breathtaking scenery. You can book these excursions during your trip to learn more about the wine-making process all while tasting the impressive variety of grapes here.
Formentera is known for its reputable wineries, all of which have something unique to offer. If you’re pursuing local wines paired with mouthwatering cuisine, these tours provide an excellent opportunity to do just that.
Explore the Island by Bike or Mini Moke
Visitors pursuing a fun way to experience all that Formentera has to offer should consider exploring the island by either bike or mini-moke. This not only allows you to see more of the fantastic destinations here but also provides a wonderful way to travel in style.
There are plenty of biking routes around Formentera which are perfect for travellers who like to get out and be active during their break. However, if you’d prefer to travel at more of a leisurely pace, there are also options to hire e-bikes on the island, perfect for those who would prefer to see Formentera’s highlights without putting in the leg work!
Mini Mokes are small, open-air cars that can be spotted around many of the favoured destinations in Spain. They allow for a fun way to see more of Formentera’s attractions, all while providing a stylish option to get around the island. Plus, mini mokes also offer a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the history and culture surrounding Formentera.
Tour the Salt Farms in Formentera
Touring the salt farms in Formentera provides visitors with an exceptional way to experience stunning landscapes, impressive wildlife, beautiful nature reserves and much more. During your time here, you will learn more about the salt industry on the island alongside the renowned Parc Natural de Ses Salines, an outstanding park known for its natural beauty and impressive history.
If you’d like to immerse yourself in the historic sites on Formentera, a trip to the Salt Farms provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about salt production here. Plus, with plenty of outstanding natural wonders to explore, these tours have something for everyone.
Uncover Hidden Beaches
There are plenty of amazing beaches to uncover in Formentera, with many tourists travelling from Ibiza to the small island just to experience the pretty sandy shores here. The gorgeous coast is one of the reasons why it is favoured among many, and with more than enough to choose from, you’re sure to find something for all.
When looking for some of the best beaches in Formentera, we recommend checking out places such as Calo d’Es Morts, Ses Illetes, Es Migjorn, Ses Platgetes, El Tiburon, plus many more. Each of these sandy shores has something unique to offer, with some busier than others.
Visit the Lighthouses
Another of Formentera’s most popular attractions is the pretty lighthouses. These unique landmarks provide an excellent way to explore the lovely coastline, all while uncovering more of the natural wonders here.
La Mola Lighthouse is located on the south of the island offering fantastic cliff-top views and rural surroundings. This makes it an excellent choice for those looking to head off the beaten path.
If you’d prefer to enjoy the breathtaking sunset in Formentera, you’ll want to head to Cap de Barbaria Lighthouse on the southwest coast of the island. Accessible by foot, bike or scooter, this makes for a fantastic place to get out and active with the whole family.
One of the most popular lighthouses in Formentera is La Savina, a must-visit attraction for those staying here. You’ll find this structure near the port of La Savina, providing visitors with exceptional seaside vistas and a peaceful atmosphere.
Stroll Through Picturesque Villages
The quiet aura surrounding Formentera makes it an excellent destination for those looking for exploration in a peaceful atmosphere. There are also plenty of quaint villages to uncover here, making for an excellent way to uncover more of the island's pretty architecture, rich culture and excellent attractions.
Those enjoying a romantic break in Formentera should take some time to scour the lovely fishing village of Es Calo de Sant Agusti. Located at the foot of La Mola, this pretty spot boasts a lovely harbour, a ton of history and some excellent eateries. Enjoy an afternoon strolling around the quaint streets while enjoying the tranquil setting surrounding this lovely part of Formentera.
If you’d prefer to uncover some of the livelier villages in Formentera, you’ll want to head to Es Pujols. The heart-shaped bay provides an excellent place to soak up the exceptional coastal vistas and with a large sandy beach, you’ll find a fantastic spot to relax and unwind. There are also some excellent bars and restaurants in Es Pujols, great for those looking to indulge in the cuisine and vibrant atmosphere during their stay.
Anyone visiting Formentera by ferry or boat should be sure to spend some time exploring La Savina. This is the island's main port and where many of the ferries dock when travelling from other nearby islands. The town provides visitors with a rich history, excellent bars, restaurants and shops, alongside a pretty port, which is great for those looking for the perfect blend of tranquillity and exploration during their time here.
Indulge in Cuisine in the Restaurants
Spain is known for its mouthwatering cuisine and a trip to Formentera is no exception. You’ll discover a ton of fantastic eateries scattered around the island, each of which has something unique to offer.
The island's gastronomic scene has developed over the years, providing an excellent opportunity for visitors to enjoy a fantastic blend of local ingredients and flavours. You can expect Mediterranean cuisine mainly when visiting the island, including a fantastic selection of meat, poultry, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and more.
When looking for some of the best restaurants in Formentera, you’ll want to head to Es Pujols or La Savina and Sant Francesc Xavier where you’ll find a ton of fantastic places to choose from. Indulge in an array of tasty plates when visiting here all while taking in the jaw-dropping surroundings.
Wander around the Markets
Another of the highlights when visiting Formentera is the fantastic hippy markets. Here you’ll discover an array of excellent arts, crafts and local produce to browse, providing insight into the rich culture surrounding the island.
Some of the favoured hippy markets in Formentera include La Mola Market, Es Pujols Market, Sant Ferran Market, Sant Francesc Market and La Savina Market. You’ll discover a unique atmosphere at each of these locations, all of which have something to offer an array of visitors.
Whether you’re looking to explore the pretty towns of Formentera, take home a souvenir to remember your trip or just want to immerse yourself in the history, the hippy markets provide a wonderful day out for all.
Adventure on the Hiking Trails
Formentera is an outstanding destination for those looking to get out and active as there are more than enough incredible places to uncover. Whether you’re looking to scour the sandy shores, hike through the peaceful countryside or wander around historic towns, you’ll find a ton of amazing hiking trails to enjoy.
Hiking in Formentera also provides an excellent opportunity to see more of the island's natural beauty, alongside some of the favoured attractions. We recommend checking out routes such as La Mola to Cap de Barbaria, great for those planning to visit La Mola lighthouse.
The Ses Salines Nature Reserve loop is another popular choice for those looking for hiking trails in Formentera. This is great for those planning to scour the beautiful natural park with its endless flora and fauna and fascinating wildlife.
If you’d prefer to embark on a scenic coastal trail, the route from Es Pujols to Platja de Migjorn is a great option. The hike is about 5 miles in length and comprises sandy beaches, stunning seaside vistas and much more.
Enjoy the Watersport Activities
As there are so many incredible beaches scattered throughout Formentera, there are also a ton of amazing watersports to enjoy. Those travelling here with the whole family will discover an array of excellent activities for all, providing a wonderful way to keep the kids entertained.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy snorkelling, sailing, scuba diving, and more, you’re sure to find activities for everyone when staying in Formentera. We recommend heading to some of the busier beaches on the island including Es Pujols, Ses Illetes, Calo des Mort and Playa de Migjorn.
Summary
With so many incredible things to do in Formentera, it comes as no surprise that this beautiful island continues to attract visitors throughout the year. Whether you’re staying here with family, friends or your partner, there are more than enough activities and attractions for everyone. We hope that after reading this article you now know more about this gorgeous part of Spain, helping you plan your next break here with ease.
If you’re planning to visit Formentera, you’re likely in need of somewhere to stay. Dynamic Lives offers a stunning range of luxury villas throughout the island, providing you with opulent accommodations during your time here. Browse the collection or check out the guides for more information.
Photo by Lawrence Chismorie
