While many travelers use Formentera in the Balearic Islands of Spain as a day-trip destination, this quieter place has plenty to offer for a full vacation. In fact, Ibiza and Mallorca’s little sister, Formentera is less crowded, offering a quieter stay in beautiful surroundings. Read on to find out more about Formentera and why it is a great place for an island vacation.

Visit Formentera in the Balearic Islands of Spain

Nestling in the Mediterranean Sea, Formentera is the smallest of the Balearic Islands of Spain. The island can easily be reached by ferry and is considered a great day-trip destination. However, as it is much quieter than Ibiza or Mallorca, it is also the perfect island for a restful vacation, away from the crowds. Its clean stretches of sandy beach, overlooking crystal-clear waters, and backed by pine trees are the perfect place to relax.

For those wishing to stay longer than just one day, there is an excellent choice of hotels on the island, as well as luxurious villas to rent. Meanwhile, the island has excellent restaurants serving both traditional local cuisine and international tastes. Moreover, Formentera has a number of attractions worth visiting, as follows.

Calo Des Mort Beach

While Formentera is a quieter island, the beaches can still get crowded during the summer months. However, for those seeking a more tranquil spot, with beautiful scenery and crystal-clear water, Calo Des Mort is the perfect place.

Located in Maryland, between Platja de Migjorn and Es Ram, Calo des Mort also offers some of the best views on the island. Meanwhile, the cove is shaped like a smile and features clean sand and clear waters, as well as dry docks for small boats. As there are no amenities here, pack a picnic and cool drinks and head to the beach.

La Mola Lighthouse

Close to the village of El Pilar de la Mola, La Mola Lighthouse was built in the 1880s and is a viewpoint offering panoramic views over the island and the sea. On a clear day, it is possible to see the island of Mallorca on the horizon. When up at the lighthouse, it is wonderfully quiet and you are likely to spot peregrine falcons swooping over the cliffs where they nest.

Fans of science fiction will be interested to note one fascinating aspect of La Mola Lighthouse. There is a monument stating that the lighthouse had inspired Jules Verne to write his novel, “Off on a Comet” or “Hector Servadac” in 1877. Meanwhile, the lighthouse is still working and guides ships passing to the south of the Balearic Islands.

Ca Na Costa – Megalithic ruins

For history lovers, Ca Na Costa is a funeral monument to people from the early Bronze Age. The ruins, from somewhere between 2000-1600 BC are located in northern Formentera, between Estany Pudent and Es Pujols.

The site was discovered in 1974 and has made a major contribution to Formentera’s history. Up until then, historians had believed the oldest human settlements on the island were from the Punic era. Meanwhile, when excavating the site, human remains were found, as well as ceramic and lithic artifacts used by them.

Have a quieter vacation this year in Formentera in the Balearic Islands of Spain. Find out more about the island on the official tourism website here.