The Balearics have long been a holiday favourite with British and Spanish travellers. With their guaranteed sunshine, glorious beaches and crystal clear waters, the islands offer a holiday paradise to which tourists can escape. What’s not to like?
However, whilst most people are familiar – at least by name – with the three largest Balearic Islands of Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza, the fourth island of Formentera is often neglected or simply unknown.
Peace and Quiet
Formentera is the smallest and most secluded of the Balearic Islands. Unlike the other islands, which have fully mature tourism markets with regular cheap flights to and from Britain and mainland Spain, Formentera is only accessible by boat. To get there you’ll need to fly to Ibiza and then take a 40 minute ferry across to the island. The bonus of this is that Formentera is quieter than its Balearic sister islands and much less crowded in beaches and restaurants, offering an idyllic and tranquil holiday. There is a high season, around July and August, but still you can find some special places that you’ll have all to yourself.
Authentic Balearic Experience
Unlike some of the more popular islands, Formentera remains a truly Spanish destination unspoiled by the demand for British cuisine, pubs and culture. The exquisite local seafood dishes and beach markets provide an authentic Balearic magic, which has been lost slightly in the overcrowded and over-commercialised spots in Ibiza and Majorca. Most beaches have small chiringuitos (beach bars) that serve fresh local fish. Another Formentera speciality is paella; Juan y Andrea is probably the best and the most well-known paella.
Great for Family Holidays
You can find some top cheap holidays in Majorca to enjoy with all the family but Formentera offers that little something extra which you won’t find on the other islands. As the island is considerably smaller than the other Balearics, there is a closer tight-knit feel to the island atmosphere that’s often absent in the club-lands of Ibiza or even Menorca. Crime is virtually non-existent in Formentera and kids are safe to wander the bazaars at night without concern from parents. Formentera is extremely family friendly and a wonderful place to take children for the summer holidays.
Jelly Free
No, not that kind of jellly! One of the downsides of the beautiful Balearic beaches is that they are an ideal breeding ground for jellyfish. The problem was so prolific in Ibiza that fishermen were paid €600 a kilo for hauling jellyfish out of the waters. Fortunately this is not the case in Formentera, which is totally jelly free. Swimmers and sunbathers can enjoy the beaches with no fear of being stung by a jellyfish. You can’t go wrong on Ses Illetes or Cala Conta, two of the top rated stretches of shore.
Naturism
Naturism has been a part of Formentera’s culture for many years and those who prefer to enjoy the beaches in their birthday suit can do so at a number of Formentera’s secluded spots. There are designated family areas where clothing is required along the coasts, but many areas are relaxed about naturalism and allow people to be free to enjoy themselves as nature intended.
If you don’t want to strip down to your birthday suit, then another great option for “feeling free” is to rent a bicycle – it’s a great way wander, explore, and find your own serendipity on Formentera.
Photo credits planeta_roig, alfvet, frankipanki, maurice_flower, nicoatridge, Formentra Tourism Board
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
wow beautiful!. Have to visit formentera
Very useful insights!