Something different in Formentera

An island for the whole year

Formentera is one of the loveliest, most idyllic places in the world. This enchanting Mediterranean island, the smallest inhabited island of the Balearic archipelago which can only be reached by boat, is one of those places travellers wish they could stay in forever. Maybe it’s the turquoise water coves, the peace and quiet, the human scale, the picturesque lighthouses, the artisanal markets, the lagoons, the technicolour sunsets… Although it might seem like a summer destination, Formentera is a great place to visit at any time of year. Here are a few reasons to go.

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Official Formentera Tourist Board website

Lighthouses from books and films

The island’s two most notable lighthouses are well worth a visit. First, at the eastern end, is La Mola lighthouse. We’re told that Jules Verne was inspired to write “Off on a Comet” by Formentera and this lighthouse. There is a monolith next to it in honour of the writer.Second, to the south-west, is the Cap de Barbaria lighthouse. The image of the lighthouse at the end of a narrow road, silhouetted against the cliffs, is incredibly beautiful and poetic. It became more famous after featuring in the film “Sex and Lucia”, and you can see the world’s most wonderful sunsets from this spot.

Let’s walk

There are more than 30 green ways for exploring the island on foot or by bicycle. You can stroll around idyllic scenes like the lagoon at Estany Pudent, the perfect spot for birdwatching and watching the water turn pink and violet as the light changes. You can take photographs of the iconic old mills and groves of fig trees, or wander the endless beach of Ses Illetes…

Couple walking the green ways of Formentera

Trying Formentera wines and traditional dishes

Did you know there are nearly 80 hectares of vineyards on the island? You can visit the wineries of Terramoll and Es Cap de Barbaria, which organise guided tours. These may include a walk around the vineyards, wine tastings, and some of the local foods.For lunch or dinner, if you want to try the island’s specialities, you could choose peix sec (dried fish) in a rustic salad, or frit de polp (fried octopus). If you’re there between May and October, you’re in luck - there are “Culinary Weekends” when the island’s best restaurants offer special menus.

Memorable sunsets

One of the best spots for watching the sunset is the Blue Bar, which has been on Migjorn beach since the 1960s and has become famous for its sunsets accompanied by music, ranging from chillout to reggae, jazz and electronic…Another fun way to see the sunset is from a kayak. Just contact one of the island’s nautical centres and join an excursion from La Savina to Cala Saona.

To market

From May to October, you can visit the many arts and crafts markets held on Formentera. Two of the best known are La Mola market (Wednesdays and Sundays) and Sant Ferran market (every day except Wednesdays and Sundays). Everything here was designed and made in the island’s workshops. It’s easy to have a good time at these markets, with live music and a fun atmosphere in the nearby pavement cafés. And you can find unique souvenirs, like jewellery, works by resident artists, traditional espadrilles, baskets, and so on.You can also find other options, such as the Sant Francesc flea market, which also has its second-hand version, the Es Pujols or La Savina flea markets.

Move to the music

We hear a lot of stories about musicians like Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd and Bob Marley enjoying Formentera in the 60s and 70s. That spirit is still alive in the Formentera Jazz Festival, usually held in May or June, including percussion workshops, singing classes and other activities.In September, Sant Ferran hosts the Guitar Festival, two nights of live music and a jam session with all the musicians at the end of the performances. For decades the creator of this festival, Ekkehard Hoffmann, has been welcoming musicians into his workshop to show them how to make their own guitars. If you fancy a wilder experience, summer in Formentera is famous for its Flower Power festivals with outdoor music and dancing.