Formentera Travel Guide: Top activities, Instagram-mable spots & restaurants - Spain
- Authentic Chica
- May 8
- 7 min read
Updated: May 10
Formentera, Spain’s smallest Balearic Island, is a true slice of paradise with endless quiet beaches, some of the brightest blue waters you've ever seen and a chill vibe that’s unique. Unlike party island Ibiza, Formentera island is all about relaxing, enjoying nature’s beauty and authentic villages and coves.
The name Formentera comes from the Roman word for “grain” because in the past the island was used as a giant farm. In the 1960s, hippies and artists flocked here, giving it the free spirit that can still be felt.
I'm happy I got to rediscover it end of April 2025 on a third visit, this time for 4-day press trip with Visit Formentera, who showed us all the most Instagram-mable spots, fun activities and the nicest authentic restaurants.
Formentera's Ses Salines Natural Park is a UNESCO reserve, which makes the island extra unique, and super photogenic with its reflective pink salt pools.
And the Posidonia seagrass keeps the waters around the island super clear. Unique in Europe, making the waters in some spots even brighter than in the Caribbean and feels like you're swimming in an aquarium!
How to get to Formentera
Formentera has no airport, but regular ferries go there from Ibiza in just 30 minutes, making it easy to combine both in 1 trip.
Or just go straight to Formentera for a few day getaway, like we did.
Getting to Formentera is quite easy: once you’ve flewn to Ibiza and get to Ibiza’s Ferry Terminal you can buy Trasmapi Fast Ferry tickets to La Savina on Formentera, running hourly.
In this guide, based on our trip, I'm spilling all the local secrets, with the best photo spots, most fun things to do and unique places to eat for your own authentic chic Formentera adventure.
Formentera Travel Guide - Instagram-mable spots & fun activities
Sightseeing road trip
Although the island is quite small, it's also diverse in its landscapes and there's much to explore. Therefore a road trip around the island is certainly a must and can easily be done on a day tour.
Our guide Lorena took us around the island to the following spots, that should not be missed:
Sant Francesc de Formentera: The capital with a beautiful 1700s church, authentic architecture, atmospheric shops, terraces and bougainvillea all around, all highly Instagram-mable.
Parc Natural de Ses Salines: A protected park with reflective pink salt flats and plenty of birds. In season you might even spot flamingos here.
El Mirador: Make sure to stop by this viewpoint on the way to La Mola for photogenic coastal views.
El Pilar de La Mola: from May- Oct. there’s a craft market here on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Molí Vell de La Mola: A windmill from 1778 that’s very Instagram-mable and quiet.
La Mola Lighthouse: The island’s highest point with epic cliff views. Fun fact: This lighthouse inspired a famous Spanish novel!
The cute fishing village of Es Caló was one of my favourite stops and has been a cultural treasure since 2002, with its old “varaderos” and fish still hanging out to dry. This serene cove has the brightest turquoise and crystal-clear waters I've seen on the island. The traditional fishing huts, tranquil setting and authentic boat ramps create an Instagram-mable setting with some nice restaurants on the rocks as well.
Sunset Cap de Barbaria
A visit to the island’s most southern tip, the closest Balearic spot to Africa, should not be missed either.
This lookout point feels like the edge of the world with a stunning sunset from the lighthouse and surroundings!
Don't forget to take a look in La Cova Foradada nearby, climb in and walk on to the end for this super photogenic sea view (recommended to wear good shoes).
Fun fact: This spot’s so cinematic that it’s been in movies!
E-Bike adventure
If you want to explore more of the countryside and see the real Formentera, a tour with Formentera E-bikes is the way to go!
With electric mountain bikes you can access paths through the dunes and countryside, bringing you to the most authentic spots. Like this authentic fig tree of 20 meters wide, iconic for the island and the Baleares!
Formentera’s flat terrain makes cycling pleasant and easy with more than 30 different trails.
Boat trip
In my book, a boat trip around the island is always a good idea. And also very Instagram-mable, especially by private charter!
We jumped on a yacht with MOBS from La Savina Marina for a day of relaxing, snorkeling and paddleboarding, with a delicious lunch on deck.
We cruised along Formentera’s northeast and northwest coast, past the deserted beaches of Ses Illetes National Park with white sands and water so clear that you can even spot dolphins, if you're lucky.
Winery tour & tasting
Terramoll Winery is the only wine factory on Formentera open to the public and located in the southeast 200 meters above the sea.
Here you can stroll through the vineyards, get a tour of the winery, and taste their organic wines, together with local snacks and Balearic cheeses. True delight and quality that can be tasted.
Fun fact: Formentera’s salty air gives its wines a unique zing!
Kayak to Espalmador island
Experiencing the most pristine beaches of the island, also known as the Maldives of Formentera, will take some effort!
You can either rent a boat and pay a fee to enter the protected waters around Ses Iletes.
Or do a kayak tour with White Sand Surf, like we did, and paddle to Espalmador Island in just 30 minutes to have these white deserted beaches all to yourself.
On the way you can clearly see the Posidonia seagrass that keeps the sea so crystal-clear, the turquoise color will take your breath away!
Top beaches
Playa de Ses Illetes: Turquoise waters and soft sand, several postcard-perfect beaches in a protected nature reserve with authentic boardwalks.
Cala Saona: rugged cliffs with calm bays, underwater caves and bright blue waters.
Playa Migjorn: Long, quiet stretch of sand, ideal for chilling and beach walks.
Espalmador’s beaches are located on a private island, open to the public, yet so untouched and a favorite among nudists!
Es Pujols beach: has tranquil waters and nice restaurants along the boardwalk, ideal for swimming and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Es Caló: a serene cove with crystal-clear waters, traditional fishing huts and authentic boat ramps amidst rocky cliffs, making it extra photogenic.
Where to stay & eat on Formentera
Blanco Hotel
We stayed for 3 nights at this stylish hotel, located centrally in Es Pujols.
Although it has four stars, as there's just 1 five star hotel on the island; namely Five Flowers, where I stayed last time (read all about that here).
This affordably luxury hotel has everything you need, located just a few steps away from the beach.
Blanco Hotel Formentera has a modern and clean look with Ibiza-style decor and all white interior and plenty of facilities.
With a restaurant, extensive pool, pool bar and an excellent breakfast.
It’s the perfect spot to relax after a day of exploring and just a 5-minute walk from the restaurants and nightlife on Es Pujols boulevard.
The beach of Es Pujols has soft sand and clear waters, ideal for swimming and enjoying the lively boardwalk atmosphere.
For more beaches and other hotspots you can also check my earlier Formentera blog with even more tips!
Authentic restaurants on Formentera
Capri Restaurant, Es Pujols
Laid back spot with delicious Mediterranean food, to be enjoyed inside or in the extensive garden. Capri is famous for its fresh fish and homemade pasta, but they serve a good paella too.
Fun fact: Their desserts are a local legend!
Can Rafalet, Es Caló de Sant Agustí
Very authentic and Instagram-mable spot located on the rocks in the cute fishing village Es Caló.
This family-run restaurant is renowned for over 30 years, serving great food with direct views over the bright turquoise waters. Fun fact: The chef’s family has fished here for generations!
Sa Palmera, Es Pujols
The perfect place for tapas and affordable local food, right on the Es Pujols boardwalk, with plenty of in-and outdoor seating.
Do note that they don't take reservations and it can get quite busy.
Fun fact: Locals love this restaurant for their big portions!
Can Pasqual, Es Caló
This hip restaurant has an amazing interior and atmospheric in- and outdoor seating in a lush garden.
Known for their fresh seafood and homey dishes with top-notch ingredients.
Fun fact: It’s a favorite for celeb sightings!
Café del Lago, La Savina
We wrapped up our trip with lunch at this Café looking out over the calm s’Estany des Peix lake. Their Mediterranean bites and cocktails were the perfect goodbye.
Fun fact: The lake’s flamingos might photobomb your pics if you’re lucky!
Travel tips
Go at least 3-4 nights or a full week to be able to really soak in the relaxed vibe and also explore more of the island.
Although lesser-known, Formentera can get busy in high season, so if possible, visiting in the months May-June and Sept.-Oct. is recommended, when the weather is already or still good too!
Book Trasmapi ferry tickets early on already and look for deals.
Reserve restaurants in advance, especially at Can Rafalet and Capri.
Wear comfy shoes for cave and rocky beach exploring, bring a hat and pack sunscreen.
Do note that permits are needed for car and scooter rental between 1 June - 30 September, check Formentera Eco for all details.
Formentera’s relaxed vibe, authentic landscapes, pristine beaches, bright blue waters, unique history, and amazing food truly make it a must-visit, yet still a hidden gem. The perfect mix of Caribbean and Spain in the Mediterranean, in my opinion;)
For practical tips to prepare for your own Formentera trip check Visit Formentera. And for even more inspiration you can also take a look on my Spain page.
This Formentera travel guide mixes adventure, history and authentic restaurants to hopefully get the most out of your own trip to this lesser-known island of Spain.
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