Formentera

A few miles South from Ibiza’s capital is the blissful island of Formentera. Together, Ibiza and Formentera make up the Pitiüses; the name originating from the islands’ abundant pine trees. Formentera is the fourth and smallest Balearic Island, with only 7,000 inhabitants in the winter and measuring less than 20km from top to bottom. Although it’s only a 40 minute boat ride from Ibiza, I somehow only got round to visiting last weekend.

Despite being Ibiza’s neighbour, Formentera has a strikingly different landscape. Unlike the steep rolling hills of its partner, the majority of the island is totally flat, making it a popular place to explore by bike.  Reserving a hotel for a night and hiring two mountain bikes, my mum and I decided to give it a go for ourselves.

The ferry ride over was effortless (although the tickets were very expensive, even for residents!) and allowed you to admire Ibiza’s impressive marina and surrounding coastline from the water. In no time at all, we arrived at Formentera’s small port and were on our bikes. After getting conflicting advice about whether cycling was a good idea, I was rather apprehensive about biking for two days in the sweltering summer heat. However, I soon found it was pain free as Formentera really was completely flat! Moreover, the distances were nothing; we managed to get to the southern tip in half an hour! It was a fantastic way to experience the island, taking in the colours of the countryside and the wonderful smell of pine trees.

Formentera has a very unique character. It is even sleepier and laid back than Ibiza as the majority of the island is pure wilderness. The beaches are unspoilt by hotels, most of them protected as nature reserves, which make them breathtakingly beautiful. The inland is divided up by ancient, low stone walls, marking land boundaries. The country houses are built differently to the white Ibicenco bungalows, as most have pointy, tiled roofs and are painted in shades of yellow and orange.  Despite being close to home, it was a surprisingly different environment.

Here are the top places we saw during this very relaxing minibreak:

Cala Saona

Similar to the Ibizan style calas, (cove style bays) Cala Saona is a beautiful beach. With traditional wooden boat houses and small restaurants tucked away on either side, it has Ibizan characteristics but in a calmer style. Many luxurious yachts had moored close to the bay and we saw families come in by motor boat to pick up freshly cooked paella. Not a bad life!

Cap de Barbaria

This is the wildest and southern most point of the island. A barren, shrub land surrounds the view point, making the lighthouse stand out prominently; the only building for miles. The pure nature of this place is unique, practically untouched by man. The cliffs offer spectacular views of the endless horizon and are a famous point to watch the sunset.

Lago Dorado

Five minutes from the port, this was where we found our simple but sweet hotel.  Built on a shallow sea inlet which shimmers in the sun has given its name ‘The Golden Lake.’ This was a perfect, peaceful location to stay, offering breath-taking views at dawn and dusk. The accompanying restaurant was very popular, built right on the water’s edge. During our stay, we even managed to fit in a swim in the lakes very shallow, warm bay.

Platja de Illetes

Found at the Northern tip of the island, this is Formentera’s most famous beach. The land up here is so narrow that you can see the beach from both sides, and cross it in a matter of minutes. Illetes found on the calmer side and is popular for a reason. I had never seen a beach like it. The colour of the water was out of this world; a transparent turquoise that glimmered endlessly.  The pure white sand and quality of the water make it the clearest sea out there.  If you think Ibiza’s beaches are special, think again. Formentera is a true paradise.

Platja De Mitjorn

Mitjorn is Formentera’s longest beach, stretching over the islands central area. It is like Illetes but on a bigger scale; a vast white sand beach, so big that you can always find a sizeable spot. And again, crystal clear water, unmatched by anywhere else. A boardwalk allows you to meander up and down the long beach, which has the occasional restaurant.  Here we ate a delicious fideuá, a paella style dish made from short pasta-noodles rather than rice. Further down are some charming chiringuitos, beach bars, with their own unique style. Here people enjoy live, outdoor music, sipping cocktails while watching the sunset. Utter bliss!

So, after discovering this gem of an island far too late, I urge all coming to Ibiza to visit Formentera too! Even just for the day, it’s too special to be missed!