A Pocket Guide To Formentera
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
One of Formentera’s buzziest restaurants is Chezz Gerdi – you might see its statement red VW from the water. It has its own jetty where visitors are dropped off from boats, making it a great option if you’re staying in Ibiza and want to see Formentera’s beautiful scenery. Amid colourful interiors and a fun atmosphere, there are classic Mediterranean dishes, seafood platters and freshly baked bread sodden with olive oil. There’s also sushi and sashimi to enjoy alongside cocktail pitchers or champagne.
With a similar vibe, Beso Beach is slightly more upmarket. The beach club and indoor/outdoor dining room has typical Balearic design, with rattan umbrellas, bohemian details and an outdoor bar made from reclaimed wood. A typical meal here might feature grilled anchovies, chargrilled octopus and jamon croquettes, followed by lobster paella or whole grilled fish. Cocktails are at the reasonable end of the spectrum (for Formentera) and there’s an excellent Spanish wine list.
10punto7 is another elegant beach club, owned by a husband and wife. A laid-back atmosphere and soundtrack of soft Balearic beats make it easy to spend a whole day here, hopping from sun lounger to sea to restaurant. A pan-Asian menu offers sushi, sashimi and other Japanese-inspired dishes, while zingy cocktails include yuzu margaritas.
Then there’s Casa Pacha, a relative newcomer where advanced booking is a must. One of the chicest spots in this guide, the hotel has an earthy colour palate and a minimalist aesthetic. If you’re not staying overnight, visit its Mediterranean restaurant, where locals and tourists head to the beach at sunset to enjoy cocktails on the sand. The latest menu highlights include spaghetti with clams, fried eggs with lobster, and grilled lamb chops with salsa verde.
UNSPLASH/FERRAN FEIXAS
For something more casual, El Tiburon is a relaxed restaurant and beach bar with its own private stretch of beach to the northwest of the island. Diners can watch fishing boats bobbing in the bay, while enjoying generous sharing dishes, mezze platters and seafood delivered daily by local fishermen. Owner Arnold makes a mean mojito.
For great brunch dishes, Blat Picat is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant doing acai bowls, avocado on toast and egg dishes, along with coffees, pastries and juices. Come lunchtime, the queues are around the corner for its sourdough sandwiches.
If you try one new restaurant, make it Pecador. Headed up by famous Catalan chef Nandu Jubany, it has a farm-to-table ethos that showcases typical Catalan dishes, from tapas to larger sharing plates like grilled lamb and beef txuletón. There’s also a tasting menu for €125pp.
WHERE TO STAY
Formentera isn’t just a great day trip destination. It has a great hotel scene. Dunas de Formentera only opened its doors in June. Among the sand dunes of Mijorn beach, the hotel’s low-key, chic interiors are by the Palma-based studio Antonio Obrador, whose work graces hotels including Cap Rocat in Mallorca. The large rooms and suites – some in the main building, some in private bungalows – are connected by pathways and boardwalks through the dunes. They have been designed with friends and family in mind – some are large enough to add beds for kids.
Teranka Formentera is a boutique hotel accessible by boat. In the south of the island, it’s surrounded by white-sand beaches and pine trees. There are 35 rooms, from self-catering suites to double rooms with private terraces or balconies – all are light and bright with decorative accents made from local materials. Guests can relax on the spacious pool deck, explore the sculpture garden, and dine at the rooftop restaurant and bar.
Gecko Hotel & Beach Club is tucked behind the pristine Migjorn beach. It’s a place for those who take wellness seriously. Guests can wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy classes on the outdoor yoga deck, choose from healthy dishes at the restaurants, relax at the spa, and book Eastern-inspired massages, reflexology, facials and other treatments.
For group and family trips, Punta Rasa Charm Homes is a collection of luxury villas and holiday homes dotted around Formentera. Each home is designed with privacy in mind and has spacious interiors, private terraces and lush gardens.
WHERE TO VISIT
Formentera restricts the number of cars on the island, so one of the best ways to get around is by bike. You can hire e-bikes from Formentera Natural to explore the picturesque landscapes. Start your visit with the beaches of Illetes and Llevant, known for their white sands and turquoise waters. The beaches are part of a protected natural park, making them some of the best spots on the island for snorkelling and swimming. The quieter Platja de s’Arenal has gentle waves that are ideal for kids – or couples looking for a slice of R&R. Plus, don’t miss Cala Saona, a small bay surrounded by red cliffs and pine forests that’s famous for its sunsets.
The salt ponds of Ses Salines are another must visit. This Unesco World Heritage-listed site is home to 8km of oceanic posidonia, a unique marine plant that plays a crucial role in maintaining the clarity and quality of the surrounding waters. These underwater meadows are vital for the ecosystem, supporting diverse marine life and helping to protect the coastline from erosion.
From May to October, wine enthusiasts can book tastings at family run Winery Terramoll. Try wines made from indigenous grape varieties, and book tours of the vineyard to learn about the winemaking process.
GETTING THERE
Formentera doesn't have its own airport, so travellers typically fly into Ibiza, which is well-connected with major cities across Europe. From there, it’s a short taxi or bus ride to the port of Ibiza, where regular ferries depart for Formentera. The journey takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the ferry operator. Look out for companies like Baleària, Trasmapi, Formentera Lines and Aquabus. On arrival at Formentera, you can take a taxi or bus to your accommodation.
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