When we think of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Ibiza and Mallorca come immediately to mind. Yet it’s time the spotlight shone on Formentera; a little slice of off-the-beaten-track heaven and only a mere 20 minutes from Ibiza. You’ll find a great range of accommodation here too from luxury hotels to fabulous camping on Formentera.
Here is why we love Formentera holidays….
Natural Beauty
The saying goes that Formentera is the last Mediterranean paradise; visit and you’ll know what the locals mean. The same stunning beaches and crystal clear seas that neighbouring Ibiza offers, yet the islanders have fought hard to ensure environmental conservation. The island boasts over 20 kilometres of pristine beaches; if we had to choose a favourite it would be Illetes with a selection of charming, rustic beachside restaurants.
Bohemian Vibe
For decades, it has been artists and artisans who have appreciated the charms of Formentera and have contributed to the relaxed, bohemian vibe which the island is renowned for. They have also created a strong art and design heritage which can be explored in the islands shops and at daily hippy markets in Sant Francesc, the unofficial capital, or the bi-weekly Artisans’ Market at El Pilar de la Mola.
above: copyright Chiara Catizzone, creative commons
Escape the Crowds
There’s no airport in Formentera; the only way to reach the island is by boat, but don’t let that put you off a Formentera holiday. There is a regular ferry service from Ibiza and this inaccessibility means that, even in the height of summer, the island offers sweet respite from the crowds of tourists which invade the larger islands in the Balearic chain.
above: copyright Sonja Pieper, creative commons
Gourmet Cuisine
As can be expected, Formentera’s location means seafood features regularly on the menu and there’s nothing quite like feasting on the freshly caught daily selection. It tastes even better when served right next to the water with your bare feet resting in the sand – such is the setting at one of the islands premier restaurants, Juan y Andrea on Illetes beach.
above: copyright Kathryn Burrington, TravelWithKat.com
Luxury accommodation
The island may feel like it’s a little off the beaten track, yet that relaxed and peaceful vibe doesn’t mean that your accommodation choices are limited to beachside camping. Far from it.
Luxury villa specialists Dynamic Lives offer a lovely selection of villa rentals on Formentera, set in stunning surroundings to take advantage of the natural environment and to offer full privacy, but a stone’s throw from the coast and the island’s unforgettable beaches.
Budget Accommodation
Although if you are looking for camping or more budget-friendly hotels, there’s also plenty to choose from here, budget accommodation on Formentera.
So what are you waiting for? Book your Formentera holiday today!
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Featured image: David Sim, creative commons
Author: Kate Snesareva, luxury lifestyle writer
Kate, is an avid traveller, regularly making good use of her passport to explore new destinations. She is a writer for various yachting and luxury lifestyle publications and also a passionate photographer.
Everything about Formentera looks and sounds like paradise! I’d love to visit in 2016. I’ll bookmark this, thanks for sharing.
Happy travels 🙂
Nice post! I visited Formentera at the beginning of August and I totally recommend it. Such an amazing island. LC x
Thanks for sharing this post. I really like this place from my last visit. The one thing I am never going to forget about this place is their seafood.
Formentera is my choice of the Balearics. Smaller, more personal and away from the maddening crowd.
I love Formentera! I live in Ibiza but visiting Formentera is like going on holidays for me 🙂 Nice blog!