There is a backstory to this post. I heard an elderly couple trying to ask in Spanish ” donde es Aeroporto Formentera” or roughly translated where is Formentera Airport, when we were in the lounge once in Alicante airport. After the sixth person gave them blank stares, I went over to explain that there isn’t an airport on the island.
Imagine planning a trip to a picturesque island, only to find out there’s no airport to whizz you there directly. That’s the charm and challenge of Formentera. Unlike its bustling neighbour Ibiza, Formentera remains an unspoiled gem accessible primarily by ferry. You’ll need to sync your travel plans with ferry schedules from places like Ibiza, Denia, or Barcelona. It might seem like a hassle, but this unique aspect of travel adds to the island’s allure. Curious about how to navigate this journey seamlessly? There are some key tips you shouldn’t miss.
Does Formentera have an airport?
Formentera doesn’t have an airport, so you’ll need to take a ferry from Ibiza or other mainland ports like Denia, Valencia, or Barcelona to reach the island. This makes ferry schedules essential for planning your trip.
Formentera transport options mainly revolve around these ferries, with the Balearia shipping company providing direct routes, especially during the high season. Formentera Island access is straightforward but requires punctuality and familiarity with ferry schedules.
Formentera travel tips include booking your ferry tickets in advance, particularly during peak tourist periods. Formentera visitor information is readily available online, ensuring you have the most up-to-date details on travel times and ticket prices.
This unique transport method helps maintain Formentera’s unspoilt charm.
How to get to Formentera
Despite the absence of an airport, reaching Formentera is straightforward and efficient. First, fly into Ibiza Airport. From there, take a shuttle bus for a 20-minute ride to the port of Ibiza.
You’ll find frequent ferry schedules, with transfers to Formentera’s La Savina port every 30 minutes. For best travel tips, book your tickets in advance to avoid peak times.
Once on the island, explore various transportation options, including bicycles and scooters, ideal for island excursions. Don’t miss out on the local cuisine; try fresh seafood at rustic tavernas.
Whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer stay, traversing Formentera is seamless, ensuring you spend more time enjoying this idyllic destination.
Villages On Formentera
When exploring Formentera, you’ll find several key villages that offer unique experiences.
La Savina serves as the main gateway to the island, while Sant Francesc Xavier is the administrative hub.
Other notable villages include El Pilar de la Mola, Sant Ferran, and Es Caló de Sant Agustín, each providing distinct cultural and scenic attractions.
La Savina
La Savina, the primary transportation hub on Formentera, seamlessly blends historical significance with modern amenities, serving as the island’s gateway for both supplies and visitors.
Established in the late 19th to early 20th century, La Savina’s history as a shelter for boat owners and salt export point has evolved to prioritize La Savina tourism.
Today, you’ll find a marina, vehicle rentals, and various La Savina dining options along the promenade.
Enjoy La Savina activities like sailing, cycling to the Natural Park, and exploring scenic walking paths.
The vibrant La Savina culture is evident through bustling markets and community events, making it an essential stop for experiencing Formentera’s unique charm.
Sant Francesc Xavier
Sant Francesc Xavier, Formentera’s capital, serves as the administrative and cultural heart of the island, housing the Island Council and key services.
Explore Sant Francesc history with a visit to the parish church, completed in 1738, and the Fossar Vell cemetery.
Experience local cuisine at charming eateries offering traditional dishes. The town’s cultural heritage shines through community events like the Feast of Sant Jaume and the Feast of Saint Francis Xavier.
Artisan crafts are showcased at the Centro Antoni Tur Gabrielet, where you can see local craftspeople at work.
Don’t miss the flea market in Jardí de Ses Eres, offering unique handmade items.
Sant Francesc Xavier is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and community.
El Pilar de la Mola
When you visit El Pilar de la Mola, don’t miss the iconic La Mola Lighthouse, located just a few kilometers from the village.
This lighthouse not only offers breathtaking views from its cliffside perch but also holds historical significance, inspiring Jules Verne’s novel ‘Hector Servadac.’
Its strategic position provides a unique perspective of Formentera’s rugged coastline and maritime heritage.
La Mola Lighthouse
Perched majestically at the eastern end of Formentera, the La Mola Lighthouse offers not only stunning panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea but also serves as a hub for cultural and historical exhibitions.
Explore the lighthouse’s rich history and maritime heritage, enhancing your visitor experience.
Perfect for scenic photography, the site also hosts engaging cultural exhibitions, enriching your appreciation of Formentera’s unique legacy.
Sant Ferran
Nestled at the heart of Formentera, Sant Ferran serves as a vibrant crossroads connecting Sant Francesc, Es Pujols, and Pilar de la Mola.
The town’s rich history dates back to its establishment as a parish in 1785, with its iconic church inaugurated in 1889. Sant Ferran’s architecture, featuring a Latin cross floor plan, highlights its cultural legacy.
You’ll find lively markets from May to October, offering local crafts and art. The nightlife is enriched by the ‘Music in the Squares’ program, delivering live performances every Friday during summer.
Sant Ferran’s music scene reaches a peak with the annual Guitar Festival every September, making it a hub of cultural and artistic expression.
Es Caló de Sant Agustín
Explore Es Caló de Sant Agustín, a traditional fishing village renowned for its unique natural harbour and cultural significance.
You’ll find Es Caló’s charm in its fishing traditions, with wooden boathouses protecting small boats from salt water. Savor the local cuisine at traditional restaurants, where fresh seafood takes center stage.
For those seeking adventure, set out on scenic hikes along the green route 25 or the Camí de Sa Pujada, which offers panoramic island views.
The village is a declared site of cultural interest and showcases a rich cultural heritage. Don’t miss the nearby Can Blai Roman Castle, an archaeological treasure revealing ancient Roman fortifications.
Es Caló seamlessly blends natural beauty with historical intrigue.
Formentera Viewpoint
Rising to the island’s highest point at 192 meters, the Formentera Viewpoint offers unparalleled panoramic views that capture the island’s stunning geographical diversity.
It’s a prime location for panoramic photography, especially during Formentera sunsets when the landscape is bathed in reddish tones.
You’ll find nature trails that lead you through the island’s unique coastal features, where contrasting sea conditions are sculpted by coastal winds.
Visiting in the evening provides tranquility and fewer crowds, enhancing your experience.
From this vantage point, you can see both Migjorn and Tramuntana beaches, as well as the scenic road to Port de La Savina.
This viewpoint is a must-visit for anyone looking to fully appreciate Formentera’s natural beauty.
Things To See & Do On Formentera
When you visit Formentera, make sure to explore its vibrant festivals that celebrate the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Savor the exquisite local gastronomy, featuring fresh seafood and traditional dishes at charming tavernas.
Festivals
When you visit Formentera, you’ll find a vibrant cultural scene with festivals that showcase the island’s unique charm.
St John’s Day, the Formentera Tango Festival, and the Festival of Sant Jaume are standout events that draw both locals and tourists.
These festivals provide a rich mix of traditional celebrations and artistic performances, making them must-see attractions during your stay.
St John’s Day.
On St John’s Day, Formentera’s midsummer solstice celebrations illuminate the island with flickering bonfires and bring its hippie roots to life.
Embrace midsummer traditions with vibrant bonfire rituals and engaging wish-making practices.
Local celebrations turn the island into a hotspot for summer festivals, offering an unforgettable experience.
Write down a wish, toss it into the fire, and immerse yourself in the festivities.
Formentera Tango Festival
After celebrating the fiery midsummer traditions of St John’s Day, you can keep the festive momentum going by partaking in the Formentera Tango Festival, a week-long celebration of dance that showcases both sultry performances and engaging tutorials across the island.
The festival highlights tango origins and various dance styles, emphasizing its cultural significance and diverse music influences.
It’s an immersive experience you shouldn’t miss.
Festival of Sant Jaume
The Festival of Sant Jaume, Formentera’s most significant annual event, transforms the capital city of Sant Francesc into a vibrant hub of folk music, dance, and evening fireworks every 25th of July.
Sant Jaume celebrations highlight local traditions with festival activities that include community involvement through singing and dancing.
This event is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the island’s cultural heritage.
Gastronomy
When exploring Formentera’s gastronomy, you can’t overlook the local wines.
The island’s unique climate and soil conditions produce exceptional wines, particularly red and rosé varieties.
Be sure to visit local vineyards for a tasting experience that showcases the island’s commitment to quality and tradition.
Don’t Forget The Wine
Formentera’s wine culture, deeply rooted in tradition and almost unaffected by the phylloxera plague, offers a unique tasting experience with its ungrafted vines and meticulously crafted wines.
Explore Formentera vineyards to investigate local winemaking.
Don’t miss guided wine tours at Terramoll and Es Cap de Barbaria, where you can savor traditional varietals and immerse yourself in exceptional tasting experiences.
Formentera Beaches
When you explore Formentera, you’ll find that its unique coastline offers some of the best beaches in the Mediterranean.
Llevant, Cala Saona, and Migjorn each provide distinct experiences, from secluded coves to expansive sandy shores.
These beaches are perfect for activities like snorkeling, sunbathing, and scenic photo opportunities, ensuring you make the most of your visit.
Llevant
Nestled on the Trucadors peninsula, Llevant Beach offers a stunning 1,450-meter stretch of fine white sand and crystal clear blue waters, perfect for those seeking a less crowded alternative to Illetes.
Its sandy shores and high ecological value create a tranquil atmosphere ideal for beach activities.
Footbridges provide easy access, making it a prime spot for sunbathing, walking, and observing local flora and fauna.
Cala Saona
Explore Cala Saona on the west coast of Formentera, uniquely positioned as the only sandy beach among the region’s rugged cliffs.
Take advantage of Cala Saona’s accessibility via paths and roads, making it perfect for cycling or driving.
Engage in Cala Saona activities like snorkeling and kayaking.
Capture the mesmerizing Cala Saona sunsets, and appreciate the beach’s rich history tied to traditional fishing practices.
Migjorn
Why not start your exploration of Formentera’s stunning beaches with a visit to Migjorn, the island’s longest beach spanning five kilometers along the south coast?
Engage in Migjorn activities like swimming and snorkeling.
Capture the picturesque Migjorn landscapes and wildlife through your lens.
Discover Migjorn’s history and enjoy sunset views.
This beach offers ample opportunities for Migjorn photography and relaxation.
To Wrap This Up
Now, you might have heard that this is a jewel in the Balearic Islands, and that Aeroporto Formentera does not exist. But fear not, sun-seekers! This hurdle is easily hopped over. A short ferry ride from Ibiza whisks you away to this picture-perfect island paradise. The lack of an airport actually adds to Formentera’s charm. It means fewer crowds, a more laid-back atmosphere, and a pristine natural beauty waiting to be explored. So, embrace the extra leg of your journey; it just adds to the magic of discovering this hidden gem.
Jumping on a plane, grabbing a quick drink and snack then touching down 30 minutes later is the quick and easy way to travel, but sometimes, not having an airport is lovely. Many years ago I went to Greece to a little island called Aegina and you had to get a ferry or boat from Piraeus in Athens and the trip took about an hour, if I recall.