Formentera, The European Bohemian Beach Dream

The island of Formentera is one of the Balearic islands in Spain, a small island next to Ibiza which for most Americans, was never a destination goal.  It’s known as “Ibiza’s hippy little sister” and the Italians have kept this island almost all to their selves for the past 30 years.  But after reading this guide, I believe that will soon change….

A stunning stretch of flat sand, like a small Caribbean oasis in the middle of the Mediterranean.  Formentera is bohemian beach lovers dream.

Arriving in Formentera

You must come to Formentera on a boat from Ibiza unless you are on a private yacht, and then in that case you should please arrange to come pick me up and I will guide you myself.   Once you get on the island, it’s best to rent a car or a scooter from the harbor.   It’s pretty cheap and it’s the easiest way to get around.  The island is small, but not that small.  I’ve seen a lot of guys with only a bicycle, which is awesome in the day, but after going out at night, I can’t really imagine riding a bike home through the farms.  (This would probably only be normal for Dutch people but hey, I’m from NYC and I live in Italy.  The homes of efficiency and laziness.)

Staying in Formentera

A lot of people come only for a day trip from Ibiza.  I have an Italian boyfriend who has been to Formentera 5 times without ever going to Ibiza.  I vote for doing both with equal amounts of time.  The island is not crazy developed which is exactly what makes it special but because of that, there are not so many places to stay. You need to book a place to sleep at least a few months prior to the summer.  Airbnb is an excellent option.  My favorite budget accommodation is Jose’s chic, beautifully decorated BnB. He has rooms available in his beautiful house or other options to rent your own private apartment.  If top-notch hotel is what you’re looking for, Gecko Beach Club is where you can have a lot of fabulous instagramable moments.

Beaches in Formentera 

Illetes Beach is the picturesque long stretch of snow colored sand and bright aqua sea.  Juan y Andrea is an elite restaurant at the end of the beach where Leo DiCaprio and other supermodels have been seen jumping off their yachts.

Cala Saona is a smaller cove on the west side of the island.  There are 2 beach bars that have great tapas and beer with a stunning view.  I prefer the one to the left, it’s literally called “Bar de Cala Saona”, it’s a proper fantastic beach shack.

Migjorn Beach is where all the action happens around sunset time.  There are a few shacks that make you wish you lived on this island forever.  The best one being, PirataBus.  These shacks I am referring to are called chiringuitos in Spanish which are small huts that serve drinks and tapas. This one was made back in the 70’s by legit Spanish hippies which started as an actually bus that later turned into a shack, and has magically remained almost the same as you will find it today.  The sunset is the real party essence of the island so don’t miss it.

Eating in Formentera 

San Francesc is the cutest town on the island and perfect for breakfast or lunch.  Dining at Fonda is also a dinner scene but it’s simply more beautiful in the daytime. There are tons of adorable restaurants covered in bougainvillea rooftops and hippy boutiques for any boho chic traveler to easily pass the day.

The town of Sant Ferran is another town on the island with busy restaurants for dinner.  Maconda is actually known as a pizza place but it’s energetic atmosphere, live music and great food make it an easy, fun place to eat and drink.  It’s a big mix up of Spanish energy, Italian food, and musicians doing great American covers.

Formentera Tips

Formentera is well-known for being a topless island.  There may be one out of 20 girls that actually have a bikini top on, so I recommend to start mentally feeling comfortable in the nude and get a good pair of briefs.  It’s nothing like America, small natural tits win the game here in Europe.  Hooray for that!