A Laid-Back 3-Day Escape to Formentera

You won’t be landing on Formentera directly—this isn’t the kind of place planes frequent. Instead, fly into Ibiza and hop on one of the frequent ferries (Balearia is the most reliable, with a packed timetable). Grab a seat on the top deck, let the wind tangle your hair, and enjoy the Mediterranean views as you sail into the Port of La Savina.

Once you’ve arrived, grab a leisurely lunch at Cala Duo, a harbor-side spot perfect for fresh seafood and a cold glass of something crisp. From there, stroll or rent a bike to hit Es Cavall d’en Borràs or Platja de ses Illetes—two of Formentera’s most iconic beaches, both with powdery white sand and shallow turquoise water.

Keep it simple on your first day: Swim, nap, and let your shoulders drop a few inches.

For dinner, treat yourself at Can Carlitos, where authentic Mediterranean dishes are crafted with love (and local ingredients). Grab a table by the water, order the catch of the day, and watch the sun sink behind the horizon.

Now that you’ve settled into island mode, it’s time to explore. Rent a moped—the quintessential Formentera ride—and head to Sant Francesc Xavier, the island’s charming main town. Start with breakfast at Antonio Café y Cocina, famous for its crispy croissants and prime views of the lively main plaza. Wander the streets afterward, browsing local boutiques and artisan shops. If your visit falls on a Tuesday or Saturday, don’t miss the flea market, where you can snag unique crafts and vintage treasures.

Next, rev up the moped and follow the winding roads to Cala en Baster. This secluded cove is a snorkeler’s dream, with crystal-clear waters, natural caves for shade, and rugged rock formations that feel like something out of Star Wars (Tatooine, anyone?).

When hunger strikes, head south to Calo de Sant Agustí, a postcard-perfect spot where traditional fishing boats bob in the shallows. Grab a table at Can Rafa Restaurant, order their famous arroz con bogavante (lobster rice), and sip a glass of wine as you watch the celebrity yachts drift in for lunch.

Cap off the day by heading up to the Far de la Mola lighthouse on the island’s southern tip. The drive itself is stunning, but the cliffside Mediterranean views will make you forget every care in the world.

By night, if you’re lucky enough to be visiting during one of its biannual dates, dive into the Sa Flower Festival in Es Pujols. It’s a throwback to the island’s hippie heyday—a wild ‘60s–‘80s themed party with flower crowns, bell-bottoms, and a free open-air concert that electrifies the town square. Dress up, dance barefoot, and channel your inner free spirit.

After a night of boogying under the stars, sleep in and ease into your final day. If you need a pick-me-up, swing by NDK Kebab for their much-loved kapsalon (the ultimate post-party snack).

Spend your last hours soaking up the sun at whichever beach feels right for your mood. Want a lively scene? Platja de ses Illetes is the place to be. Craving something quiet? Platja de Llevant or Cala Saona offer serenity with stunning views. For those near Es Pujols, the local Platja des Pujols is always convenient for a final dip.

The beauty of Formentera is that nothing is far—the whole island is small enough to explore in a single day, but spacious enough to find your own hidden slice of paradise.

By afternoon, it’s time to board your ferry back to Ibiza, carrying a bit of Formentera’s barefoot, flower-powered spirit with you.