Much like a pesky, under-developed second-born, the tiny Balearic island of Formentera hunches quietly beneath the bright, brazen shadow of its bigger sister, Ibiza, just off the coast of Spain.
The smallest of the four main Balearic islands, Formentera’s understated, makeup-free existence is easy to overlook next to Ibiza’s array of spectacular restaurants, unique shops, and world renowned nightlife. With not even an airport marring its ancient surface, Formentera might as well be the redheaded stepchild of the Kardashian clan next to the archipelago’s more socially networked islands.
But, depending on who you ask, lack of accessibility doesn’t necessarily mean “not worth it” — in fact, it might just make it more exclusive.
Natural Beauty
From its transparent, aquamarine waters to its craggy, volcanic shores; richly golden fields of grain to towering shady forests of pine, nowhere else on Earth have I experienced such a vastly diverse array of scenery and interlacing microclimates across such a small expanse of land.
Formentera’s 32.14 square miles (83.24 sq. km.) offer little in the way of cultural attractions, oversized hotels, and typically touristy party scenes, so this laid-back island’s main appeal is its rustic, relatively unmarred beauty.
Exercise & Detox
Formentera is relatively simple to navigate by bicycle. Vespas and bicycles with small electric motors are available to rent, but my group opted for the solely human-powered kind because we were fit and strong and only slightly hungover from our previous night’s water party on Ibiza. Our chosen mode of transportation allowed us to breathe the unpolluted air, and stop at any number of breathtaking vistas and scenic beaches.
While most of the island is flat, a considerable exception is the road to La Mola Lighthouse on the easternmost tip of the island. Situated on a cliff at the end of a high plateau, getting there required climbing a steep series of switchbacks, down which a steady stream of motorcycles, cars, and buses whizzed past at stomach-wrenching speeds.
Despite feeling half of the time like I might die — either from sheer fatigue or from a tour bus knocking me off the side of a cliff — leaving behind the rocky volcanic vistas and soft sand beaches below was well worth the effort to experience the golden wheat fields, blissfully shady pine groves, and of course, La Mola lighthouse at the very end of the road.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The expanse of water between Ibiza and Formentera, part of ses Salinas National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its prairies of Posidonia, or “seaweed fields.” These underwater plants are incredibly important to the island’s ecosystem, since they act as filters for pollution and sediment while allowing the finest of sands to deposit along Formentera’s shore.
This is why the water is so incredibly clear and beautiful!
Seclusion
While the larger Ibiza offers many stunning secluded beaches and breathtaking natural landscapes in which to escape its tub-thumping clubs, those with less willpower might need to get a little further from temptation in order to truly relax. Formentera is perfect for this because unless you have the swimming prowess of a world-renowned triathlete or an underwater jet pack a la Mission Impossible, you have to take a 45-minute ferry ride just to get to the relatively tiny island. Fewer tourists combined with expanses of crystalline waters inspired a sense of freedom from inhibitions I’ve experienced nowhere else in the world.
View of Ibiza Town from the ferry to Formentera.
Getting Nekkid
The seclusion has other perks as well. Many of the island’s beaches are designated naturist beaches, where it’s completely acceptable to let those inhibitions — all of those inhibitions — fly completely free.
About the author
Katie Gard is the burgeoning food snob behind the popular lifestyle, culinary, and travel blog, Domestiphobia.com. She began blogging (and subsequently working in a wine bar, a real estate office, and a sandwich cafe) after her boss at the military installation gave her a nearly permanent eye twitch. Oh, and she’ll never be a food snob — she loves hot dogs too much. You can follow along on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google+.
Well I feel silly, I do Sporcle so much and I have never, ever heard of Formentera – although it’s part of Spain so maybe that’s why it hasn’t ever figured on my Sporcle quizes. Anyhoo, it’s definitely an option to consider for next summer, I’m all about unspoilt scenery and what not.
I can’t get over that first picture! I recently returned from spending two glorious weeks in Spain and I’m already dying to go back. Great post, thanks for sharing.
Happy travels 🙂
Wow. I hadn’t heard of it, but I am in love with the photos! How gloriously serene.
Thanks!! It really was a stunning place — and riding bicycles around (instead of cars) made it feel even more serene. I highly recommend getting over to Formentera — even if just for a night or two — if you’re ever in the Balearic Islands!
How awesome is the color of the water! Seems like an exotic place, untouched by the maddening crowds!
I’ve visited Spain many times, and I love to visit the North with those spectacular landscapes that you can hardly see on the South, but I admit I haven’t visited any of the Spanish islands yet! Formentera seems a good choice to begin with, thank you very much.
Wow!! Really awesome. Thank you Katie Gard for shearing this. Its really a amazing place. According to your description i think tourists should have visit this place. The natural beauty, the sea, and the sunshine are really nice.
Its really amazing place. Love it
Formentera looks like a lovely retreat that isn’t as crazy as Ibiza. Those waters sure are crystal clear!
What’s fascinating about the Canary Islands is that so many different types of scenery abound… so many different World exist there. But one should better do some island-hopping for maximum enjoyment!
With the colour of the water, one might be excused for thinking this island was located in the tropics … totally want to visit this place next summer!
The sea is so beautifully blue in all these photos! Gorgeous 🙂