Formentera is one of the idyllic Balearic Islands off the east coast of mainland Spain. It’s often seen as just a day trip destination from nearby Ibiza, but this amazing island deserves a couple of days of your time all on its own.
Formentera has some of the best beaches in all of Spain, countless incredible restaurants, and it tends to be a bit cooler than the peninsula in summer.
And, whilst the island is easy to get around on a bike or scooter, it’s really important to choose where you stay carefully to get the most out of your trip. Do you want shops and bars nearby? Or do you want to be the first on the beach in the morning? Or maybe a bit of both?
This guide to where to stay in Formentera is going to help you choose the perfect beach, village, or remote location for your ideal Mediterranean getaway.
Best Places to Stay in Formentera – Villages and Hotels
1. Es Pujols – Best for Amenities, Beaches, and Location
Es Pujols is a small town in the north of the island. It has a bustling yet relaxed atmosphere which is perfect for a family holiday or romantic trip. There are small supermarkets, bars, and restaurants and there’s more nightlife than in other parts of the island.
But, don’t go thinking this is Ibiza. Everything is much more chilled and you’re unlikely to find Ibiza-style beach clubs.
Es Pujols is one of the best places to stay in Formentera because of its great location. Nowhere is very far away on an island the size of Manhattan, but many of the best beaches, beautiful villages, and top viewpoints are just a short cycle ride away.
In Es Pujols, you have the perfect mix of beach and village life. You can easily buy food to cook in your apartment or go for a cocktail and dinner. In many of the other areas of the island you’d have to choose one or the other.
Things to Do in Es Pujols
- Go to the beach! There are two amazing white sand beaches with crystal clear waters in Es Pujols. You can easily walk to Playa de Ses Canyes too. Ses Illetes is one of the most famous and best beaches in Formentera but it’s not really a place you’d stay. Es Pujols is just a short ride away and the perfect location to base yourself.
- Try one of the amazing restaurants. La Casanita is great if you fancy Italian food and Chezz Gerdi is renowned in the village.
- Go snorkeling. Illa des Fonoll Marí is just off the main beach in Es Pujols and is the perfect spot for observing marine life.
- Enjoy the market. In summer there’s a market every evening along the main front in Es Pujols. It’s the perfect place to buy jewelry and decorations.
The Best Places to Stay in Es Pujols
Luxury. Mar Suites Formentera offers beachfront accommodation just a short walk from the center of town. It has a wonderful swimming pool plus a chill-out area to relax in. The suites are all beautifully stylish with typical Balearic decorations and colors. For the ultimate luxury experience in Formentera, book the Sky Suite to get your own hot tub! Book your stay at Mar Suites Formentera here.
Mid-Range. Hotel Tahiti is one of the best boutique hotels in Formentera. It’s located to the north of Es Pujols, between Es Pujols Beach and Playa de Ses Canyes, and is the perfect place for a relaxing or romantic getaway. It’s located right on the beach and has a good-sized swimming pool too. Many of the rooms have a balcony with ocean views and there are lots of restaurants and bars nearby. Book your stay at Hotel Tahiti here.
Budget. Can Granada is a great accommodation option, offering one and two-bedroom apartments with a balcony or terrace. The apartments are 300m from the center of town and close to the beach. Each has its own bathroom and there’s a garden and swimming pool to enjoy as well. Book your stay at Can Granada here.
There are so many beautiful hidden-away places to stay in Formentera.
2. La Savina – Best for Boat Trips, First-Timers, and Location
There’s only one way to reach Formentera and that’s by boat. This means that unless you have your own private yacht, you’ll probably be arriving in the port town of La Savina.
As you’d expect, the area around the port itself can be a busy and touristy, with many of the shops renting scooters and bikes and tourists trying to navigate the local transport systems.
If you step a couple of streets back from the port, you’ll find a relaxed village with beautiful walkways and plenty of places to stop and look at all the boats bobbing on the water. La Savina is also where many of the fishing boats come in, so there are plenty of excellent seafood restaurants to enjoy.
Things to Do in La Savina
- Watch the boats. Formentera is only a short trip away from Ibiza so, as you can imagine, there are some seriously impressive boats around. Enjoy a sunset drink in one of the beautiful bars and watch the super yachts go back and forth.
- Visit the market. La Savina also has a great market selling clothes, hand-crafted objects, and unique jewelry. There’s one in the port which is a little more touristy and one by the beach too.
- Take a day trip. You can easily get a boat across to explore the best things to do in Ibiza from La Savina. Many leave early in the morning and return late at night so you can spend the whole day on the bigger island.
- Visit the salt flats. These bright pink salt lakes are great to explore from La Savina. You can buy salt to take back as a souvenir!
- Walk along to the lighthouse. It’s such a relaxing walk from the village along the shore to the lighthouse. You get a great view over the water when you’re there too.
The Best Places to Stay in La Savina
Luxury. Apartamentos Vista Vedrá are located a little out of La Savina but, on an island the size of Formentera, nothing is ever very far away. It has an amazing swimming pool with views of the ocean and Ibiza and it’s incredibly private. Book your stay at Apartamentos Vista Vedrá here.
Mid Range. Sabina Suites are beautiful apartments right on the beach in La Savina and they’re one of the best places to stay in Formentera. The views of the port and coastline are amazing and you’re literally a stone’s throw away from Estany des Peix beach. The rooms are modern yet charming and restaurants are close by. Book your stay at Sabina Suites here.
Budget. Cheap places to stay in Formentera aren’t easy to come by, but Hostal la Savina is one of the best. It’s located in the heart of the village, is right on the beach, and has a wonderful garden to relax in too. Rooms are well-equipped and stylish and many have an ocean view. Book your stay at Hostal la Savina here.
Wander the white-washed villages and sun-soaked streets wherever you stay in Formentera.
3. Sant Francesc Xavier – Best for Experiencing Island Life and Culture
One of the best things to do in Formentera is visit the amazing inland village of Sant Francesc Xavier. In typical Balearic style, the village is made up of beautiful whitewashed stone buildings that are adorned with bright pink bougainvillea and dark green cacti.
There aren’t many roads in Formentera and you’re likely to pass through Sant Francesc on your way around as it’s really central. It’s the perfect place to stop off for a coffee, look in the boutique shops, and visit the wonderful church.
But it’s also one of the best places to stay in Formentera, especially if you want shops and supermarkets and easy access to the rest of the island.
Things to Do in Sant Francesc Xavier
- Enjoy the artisanal shops, there are some particularly great ceramic ones.
- Visit the 18th-century church. It’s in the main square and hard to miss. There are often beautiful art exhibitions in the room next to the church too.
- Taste local food. Es Mal Pas is a fabulous restaurant for Mediterranean dishes.
- Enjoy the Jazz Festival. If you go to Formentera in June, you’ll be lucky enough to attend the Jazz Festival in Sant Francesc. It’s a great celebration of music, dancing, and lights.
- Take a boat trip. Sant Francesc is close to La Savina and the perfect place to take a boat trip to S’Espalmador, a deserted island between Formentera and Ibiza.
The Best Places to Stay in Sant Francesc Xavier
Luxury. La Masía de Formentera is a stunning, converted house offering suites with sea views and terraces. The buildings are surrounded by olive groves and lavender fields and there’s a beautiful pool to relax in too. Book your stay at La Masía de Formentera here.
Mid-Range. Hotel Es Marès is a bright and spacious hotel in the center of Sant Francesc. It’s perfect for spending your day exploring the town or island and there’s a spa to relax in in the evenings too. There’s a restaurant on site and breakfast is included. Book your stay at Hotel Es Marès here.
Budget. If you’re wondering where to stay in Formentera, which is cozy, well-located, and well-priced, then Residence Can Confort is ideal. The bungalow has a great terrace, is very clean, and is excellently equipped. It’s a little further out of Sant Francesc but with that, you get a garden and tranquility. Book your stay at Residence Can Confort here.
Formentera is small enough to explore by bike in a few days, so where you stay doesn’t necessarily dictate the rhythm of you trip.
4. Platja de Migjorn/Es Arenals – Best for Families and Beach Days
Platja Migjorn and Es Arenals are two beaches that run along the southern side of the thin stretch in the middle of Formentera. They’re two of the most amazing beaches on the island and there’s accommodation dotted all the way along.
Because Es Arenals is a fairly long and wide beach, it’s popular amongst families and there are excellent resort-style hotels nearby. It’s a beautiful area to stay in Formentera if you imagine spending most of your time on the beach, enjoying the water.
Things to Do in Migjorn/Es Arenals
- Enjoy the beach. After all, you’re staying on one of the most incredible ones on the island. It’s worth taking the time to walk further along Migjorn beach to find your own little, private cove.
- Go to Caló d’Es Mort. This little beach is tucked into the mountain, not far away from Es Arenals. It’s one of the most picturesque places on the island but it’s small, so get there early before the crowds come.
- Visit Es Caló. This is another great and very small fishing town close by. Can Rafalet is one of the best restaurants on the island too!
- Soak in the view from Far de la Mola. You can get one of the best views of the Mediterranean from this lighthouse, but you’ll need a scooter or car to get there from Migjorn.
The Best Places to Stay in Migjorn/Es Arenals
Luxury. Teranka is a beautiful beachfront accommodation featuring an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and garden. There’s a terrace, bar, and excellent restaurant too. It’s roughly in the middle of Migjorn Beach, so it’s perfect for exploring or heading to Es Arenals if you want somewhere softer to lie down. Book your stay at Teranka here.
Mid Range. Hotel Maysi is the perfect option for families looking for an excellent location with style. It’s right on Es Arenals beach, is clean and the staff are very friendly. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool and a quality restaurant with views over the ocean. Book your stay at Hotel Maysi here.
Budget. Viviendas Los Olivos is an excellent apartment with a large terrace in a secluded location. It’s traditionally yet stylishly decorated and there’s a restaurant close by. There’s free parking on site so it’s a perfect base for exploring the island. Book your stay at Viviendas Los Olivos here.
Staying in one of these four areas of Formentera will mean you’re close to some of the best beaches and some great restaurants on the island.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Formentera
Formentera remains the hidden gem of the Mediterranean. It’s small, so if you rent a scooter, bike, or car, you’ll be able to explore all of the island and its best beaches in a few days. Some parts of the island are more remote and others are small towns and villages.
So, where you stay in Formentera really depends on your needs and wants. If you want top beaches and the sounds of cicadas in the evening, go for Migjorn.
But if you want restaurants and bars to choose from, go to one of the bigger villages. Wherever you stay, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time in Formentera.