Formentera offers a variety of reasons to visit: shallow coastal waters and water sports, wetlands with waterbirds, historic buildings, crafts and local cuisine. To plan your trip, it is worth first considering which aspects of the island interest you most. Getting there is also part of the plan: Formentera has no airport.
Getting There and Finding Your Way
The island is accessible by sea, usually via Ibiza. The crossing from Ibiza to La Savina takes about 35 minutes; schedules and operators may vary. Check the timetable before your trip. La Savina is also the starting point of the Ruta entre salinas: the 4.5-kilometre route goes around the saltwater lagoon Estany Pudent.
Salt Flats, Lagoons and Coastlines
The Ses Salines Natural Park extends from the north of Formentera to the south of Ibiza. Salt flats, ponds and islets form an important Mediterranean wetland. On Formentera, Salina de Formentera, Estany Pudent and Estany des Peix are among the wetlands especially rich in waterbirds. Bird numbers vary with the season.
Posidonia also shapes the underwater landscape: this aquatic plant, endemic to the Mediterranean, forms extensive underwater meadows around Formentera and is considered a World Heritage site. At Ses Illetes, you can expect shallow, turquoise waters. There are also areas there to protect the dunes, access boardwalks and designated parking zones. Practical visitor facilities may be adjusted by the park administration, so check the latest information before visiting.
Water Sports and Island Views
At Formentera’s water sports centres, visitors can go kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, catamaran sailing and wingfoiling. Individual providers may change. Water sports offer ways to explore places such as s'Estany des Peix, the cliffs of Cala Saona, the waters of Illetes and Espalmador, and the south coast of Migjorn. These places give an impression of the variety of the coastline and waters, although not every activity takes place at every one of them.
Buildings and History
The Iglesia de Sant Francesc, an 18th-century fortified church, stands in Sant Francesc Xavier. In 1996, it was designated a cultural property of special interest. The Faro de la Mola combines a striking location with a cultural theme: it stands on a cliff 120 metres above sea level and offers views of the Mediterranean. Since 2019, it has housed a cultural and interpretation centre dedicated to Formentera’s maritime heritage, with exhibitions and smaller cultural events. The programme and opening arrangements may change.
Other sites reflect different periods. The Naveta des Cap de Barbaria is a Bronze Age tomb dating to around 1700 BC. Castellum Can Blai, a Roman fortification from the 4th century, lies between Sant Ferran and Es Caló. Torre des Pi des Català is near Migjorn Beach and is the only defensive tower on Formentera whose interior can be visited.
Crafts and Local Cuisine
Formentera’s living craft traditions include gold and silver filigree, basket weaving, esparto grass crafts, jewellery and trencadís ceramics. These crafts are showcased and shared at markets and fairs. Held in spring, the Fira de la Mola brings together artists and craftspeople from Formentera. The La Mola craft market offers island products such as baskets, espadrilles, jewellery, textiles, and glass, ceramics and paintings. Live music, storytelling and dance round out the programme; the season and offerings may change.
A local delicacy is peix sec: after being dried, the fish is roasted over a fire, crumbled and preserved in olive oil. It is a key ingredient in ensalada payesa and can be sampled at numerous restaurants across the island. Check availability before your trip. Formentera’s gastronomic weekends take place in May and October, with participating restaurants offering special menus. Check dates and participating restaurants in advance.
Discover more destinations: Es Pujols, La Savina, Platja De Migjorn, Es Caló, San Francisco Javier, Pilar De La Mola, San Ferrán De Ses Roques.
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