Forget Ibiza, go to Formentera!

Not many people have heard of Formentera, even though it is so close to the well-known Ibiza. Formentera is a small island south of Ibiza, which can be reached by boat and which is wilder and more beautiful than any island in Europe. Modernity has not yet “arrived” here and the beaches are… the beaches are like in the Caribbean! Absolutely sensational!

I saw many incredible and famous beaches, including Navagio in Greece or the famous Nissi Beach in Cyprus. They are beautiful and special. I left a piece of my heart in those places. But  Navagio is difficult to reach and you can only stay there for a limited time. Nissi Beach is modern but crowded.

In Formentera you will find beaches like in the Caribbean! And the water is just as clear! You will also find the possibility of nudism. I’ll tell you about that. Illetes or Pujols or Faro beaches. Magic.

How do you get to Formentera?

Being a small island near Ibiza, it is connected by ferry. Probably the best of them is Baleària. The trip is one hour by ferry or 30 minutes by fast ferry and the schedule has hourly departures. There is free internet on board, a beautiful landscape, and bars too. A round trip starts from 40 Euro if it is on the same day. It is best to make an online reservation, depending on the day, because depending on the time you want to go, the price may differ.

A scooter or bicycle can be transported free of charge on board. You depart from Ibiza and arrive in the port of La Savina, the “biggest” town on the island. In fact, a big village.

What you can do in Formentera

It is a small island — 19 km long. You have two possibilities to visit the island. The first is to rent a scooter or a bicycle from the port. Second option is to use the tourist bus that you can also hop on from the port. There was a queue for renting, but not a long one for the bus. It leaves shortly after the ferry arrives, so you have time to get on.

The L3 bus has three routes on the island and takes you wherever, depending on what you choose to be the most important objectives on the island for you.

• Yellow Route (yellow) – Port La Savina – Illetes Beach – costs 8 euros
• Route Azul (blue) – Port La Savina – Illetes Beach – Pujols Beach – costs 12 euros but if you buy online the discount price is 10 euros
• Green Route – Port La Savina – Illetes Beach – Pujols Beach – Faro la Mola – Mirador- costs 15 euros but if you buy online the discount price on the site is 12 euros. For children under 12 years the prices are 50% discount.

Each route has its customers. The first is for those who will go to beach Illetes and that’s it. The second route is for those who want to compare Illetes beach with Pujols beach and the third one offers you the possibility of visiting other attractions of the island. Some exampels are the lighthouse at the end of the island of Faro la Mola and the viewpoint Mirador. We thank Sonia from Autocares Paya who was receptive and supported us in this project, having and providing us with access to all the above mentioned options. Thank you for everything. In her words,”Enjoy the island”. So we wish that for you if you arrive in Ibiza. You must also visit the island of Formentera.

For more information about routes, timetables and to buy tickets online go here.

The beaches of Formentera

The best known of these is Illetes. Then Pujols and Llevant or Migjorn. But being an island, the beaches are dotted along the shore and a small, deserted cove can be only yours if you are lucky. I was telling you that the beaches are sensational… First of all, there are no modern things. Bars or terraces are missing. On Illetes there is only one terrace / restaurant arranged in a rustic style, there are no locker rooms and only a few sunbeds! The sand is white, the water is incredibly clear and light blue. Dozens of boats and yachts are anchored offshore at 200-300 meters, coming in especially for these things.

The road to the beach is full of dust, not paved. Bicycles and scooters pass by you softly, the strong sun burns you, the vegetation grows wild and you actually forget that you are in Europe. It looks more like a place barely discovered by tourists somewhere in Southeast Asia or tourism in the ’60s. A hipster-ish place that fills your heart with peace. The beach is crowded but it’s not like the crazy crowd in Mamaia. I fell in love with this place and I’m sure I’ll be back !!

Faro la Mola

One of the three lighthouses on the island. Located at the end of the island, on a high promontory that puts the sea at your feet. It is maybe 100 meters high and as big as you can see with your eyes. The brave ones take selfies right on the edge and the pictures come out perfect. The combination of water and height makes you dizzy. Go there. It’s worth it!

Go see Formentera!

A different place. An island untouched by the madness of tourism in Spain. Quiet, nature like 50 years ago. Wonderful water and beautiful beaches.