Formentera Weekend Escape

Best time to go: Formentera is definitely a beach destination so the summer is obviously the best time to go. However, it has become a very popular Spanish destination and the months of July and August are very crowded. Therefore, ideally try to organise your trip for June or September.

General advice: Formentera can work either as bank holiday escape or a week long beach destination. However, take into account that Formentera doesn’t have an airport and you will have to fly to Ibiza and take a boat from there. Check and book in advance the ferry transfers from Ibiza to Formentera. If your flight lands late in the evening it is better to stay at least the first night in Ibiza.

The recommended hotels to stay are "Paraíso de los Pinos" and "Five Flowers Hotel & Spa Formentera”, as the island is very small make sure that you book your trip well in advance as there are not that many hotel options.

What to do? Formentera is famous for their paradisiac beaches and the hippy shops and markets. So here you go…

Beaches:

The island has 3 different coasts but everything is very close by, so the basic thing to do before choosing a beach is to check where the wind is coming from. You have to go to the beach where the wind goes from the interior of the island to the sea so you will find the sea water very quiet.

The best beaches of the island are:

1. Illetas: one of the most beautiful and famous with the best bars and beach restaurants. Here you can find “El Pirata”, “Juan y Andrea” and “Es Ministre”.

2. Cala Saona: near Illetas but one the other side of the port.

3. Calo Des Mort: small beach backed by rocky cliffs and amazing panoramic views.

4. Mitjorn beach: this is the longest beach of the island that is 5km long and it is full of bars and beach restaurants. A few good ones are: “Sa Platgeta” this beach restaurant is really authentic so having lunch here is recommended. Don’t miss the lemon and vodka sorbet for dessert. “Gecko” , “Es Códol Foradat” and “Vogamari” are also good options.

Shopping:

After a long day at the beach the best plan to do before dinner is to go exploring the hippy shops and the island markets.

1. Sant Francesc: great for walking around, admiring and browsing in shops and markets. You will find a variety of handmade hippy clothing and accessories like jewellery and leather goods.

2. Es Pujols: the idea is to visit during the night to have a walk around the market that is located in the pedestrian area that separates the beach from the village.

3. La Mola: this is an artisan market that you shouldn’t miss. It only runs Wednesdays and Sundays but it is definitely a must visit.

Restaurants:

At the end of the day you are in Spain where the food is the centre of everything. In Formentera you can enjoy fantastic Mediterranean restaurant that not only offer good food but also amazing locations.

• Es CupiÑa (Mitjorn) – a very nice mediterranean restaurant at the beach

• Es Codol Foradat (Mitjorn) – another great Mediterranean option. Order the Senyoret rice

• Ca Na Joana (Sant Francesc) - you can find this romantic restaurant in one of the oldest houses of Formentera

• Gioviale (Sant Francesc) - a very nice Italian restaurant

• Chezz Gerdi (Es Pujols) – this restaurant also has a great chill-out space and cocktails zone

• El Capri (Es Pujols) – great for fish and seafood

• Can Forn (Sant Ferran de ses Roques) - offering Catalonian cuisine

• Can Carlitos (La Savina) - the balance between traditional and modern cuisine

• Fonda Rafalet – order “pa amb coses” it is a big plate with toasted bread with tomatoes and a variety of cured meats and cheese. The views are just beautiful