Formentera: The Balearic Island That Is Only 30 Minutes From Ibiza

Formentera is a paradise for beach lovers.
There are several reasons why Formentera is referred to as the Spanish Maldives. First and foremost, the unrivaled quality of the aquamarine water and white-sand beaches, which are the island's most obvious draw, but this tiny strip of land off Spain's Mediterranean coast is also a honeymooners' paradise with its barefoot luxury vibes and chic hotels. In many ways, quiet Formentera is the opposite of her famous sister island, the white-hot clubbing mecka of Ibiza, just 30 minutes away.
Formentera's fame can be traced back to the 1960s when it became a destination for hippies and artists, attracting musicians like Bob Dylan, Pink Floyd and Bob Marley. While some of that energy is still present—not least in the vegan cafés and boho fashions sold at the island's market and local stores—Formentera has become significantly more high brow in recent years.
The Ses Illetes natural park is home to some of the most beautiful natural beaches in Europe–if not the world.
The smallest and most unspoiled island in the Balearic archipelago, Formentera measures just over 32 square miles (including its various offshore islets) and has a population of around 11,000 permanent residents. Tourism is the main source of income, although Formentera has avoided the over-tourism issues seen in many other parts of Spain. The number of visitors and cars is strictly limited, and construction is tightly regulated on the island, 43% of which is classed as a nature reserve. No wonder arriving here feels like stepping back to a quieter, slower and less polluted era.
If you have only ever seen Formentera in pictures, you might have assumed the color of the water had been Photoshopped. In fact, the waters here owe their otherworldly hue–which shifts from bright white to turquoise, cobalt and ultramarine–to a mineral-rich marine plant called Oceanic Posidonia that maintains the quality and oxygenation of the Balearic Sea by filtering the sediments. A meadow of Oceanic Posidonia can be found swaying beneath the water's surface off the coast of Ibiza and Formentera. It is home to a delicate marine ecosystem of more than 400 species of marine plants and 1,000 animal species—and it currently finds itself under threat, due to climate change and tourism-related activities, like the anchoring of boats, water sports and marine pollution.
Underwater image of the beautiful marine environment and the Posidonia sea meadows and fish species of Formentera.
The Save Posidonia project is a local initiative that promotes sustainable tourism, and seeks to protect and preserve the seagrass meadows. As a visitor to Formentera, you can help too, by choosing to spend your money with the businesses that dedicate a portion of their profits to Save Posidonia. These include the Trasmapi ferry company, Beso Beach Club, and the stylish Dunas de Formentera and Gecko Hotel & Beach Club hotels.
The only way to get to Formentera is by sea. If you don't have a boat of your own, this means catching a ferry from Ibiza Town.
Trasmapi is a Balearic ferry company whose air-conditioned ferries (some of which just carry passengers while others are also adapted for cars), travel back and forth between Ibiza and Formentera once or twice hourly in the high season. A champion of sustainability, Trasmapi supporting initiatives like Save Posidonia and has implemented a variety of climate-conscious technologies—from renewable biofuels to enhanced engine efficiency and waste management systems.
Dunas de Formentera is the first luxury regenerative resort in Formentera.
Dunas de Formentera
Formentera's first luxury regenerative resort, Dunas de Formentera is a 45-room, luxury resort for those looking to recharge and relax in a stylish natural setting. Set among the wild sand dunes on Formentera's west coast, the ultra-chic hotel is the epitome of barefoot luxury on the island (no seriously, leave your heels at home!), only 300 feet from the beach. Dunas de Formentera is the new sister hotel of Gecko Hotel & Beach Club, which has been setting the standard for stylish, eco-conscious accommodation on the island for more than two decades.
While Formentera's main resort towns are an easy 15-minute drive away from Dunas de Formentera, this part of the island—and this hotel in particular—feels like another world. This is a place that invites you to wake up early to watch the sun rise over the Mediterranean, to practise yoga in the morning before spending the entire day reading by the infinity pool or on the beach, stopping only for an exquisite lunch of seafood tapas, or pizza made with local ingredients, from the all-day restaurant.
A suite at Dunas de Formentera.
Dunas de Formentera has implemented a wide range of sustainability initiatives, which include the use of aerothermal heating, LED lights and solar panels, seawater desalination and rainwater harvesting, regenerating all the water consumed at the resort, and endeavor only to make purchases from local producers, not to mention matching all the donations made by its guests to the Save Posidonia program.
The road to go to Ses Illetes beach.
Ses Illetes is a postcard-perfect beach located at the northern tip of Formentera, not far from La Savina port and the resort town of Es Pujols. Platja de Ses Illetes, which translates as the beach of islets, is in fact made up of a series of islands connected by a sand bar, and you won't find more pristine white sand or more crystalline water anywhere in Formentera (or possibly anywhere in Spain).
Even though access is restricted (you have to pay to bring a car here so you are better off arriving by bike or taxi), the beaches tend to get very crowded in the high season.
Formentera maybe only 12 miles long but if you want to explore it beyond the main towns and beaches, you are better off getting some wheels. Cars can be rented in La Savina, although those with a more outdoorsy disposition tend to prefer the freedom of a two-wheeled solution, especially as parking can be a challenge.
La Mola lighthouse. (Photo by Raquel Maria Carbonell Pagola/LightRocket via Getty Images)
One of the most magical spots in Formentera can be found on the island's eastern tip. La Mola lighthouse is perilously set on the edge of a cliff almost 400 feet above the waves below. Keep climbing and you'll reach the island's highest point, Sa Talaïassa, 630 feet above sea level. Needless to say, the views are breathtaking.
The opposite side of the island from La Mola, meaning the west coast, is the best place to catch the sunset in Formentera. Bag a spot on the beach at Cala Saona or the kick back with a cold caña (beer) at the chiringuito (beach bar).
Formentera sunsets have to be seen to be believed.
From May to October, you can shop for souvenirs from the arts and crafts markets that pop up around Formentera. La Mola market is open on Wednesdays and Sundays, while Sant Ferran market opens every day except Wednesday and Sunday. Everything here—from clothes to jewelry, artworks, and traditional espadrilles—is handmade by local artisans.
Casa Natalia's fairy-lit patio is the place to be in Formentera.
The latest opening from celebrated Barcelona chef Carles Abellán may be his most personal project yet. Casa Natalia (Natalia's house) is technically run by Abellán's wife Natalia Juan, the hostess and soul of the restaurant. The food, meanwhile, is where fans of Abellán will recognize his work. From the classic tapas dishes inspired by his many years in Barcelona, like the truffled bikini (or toastie) and the Russian salad topped with grilled shimp instead of tuna, but also in new recipes inspired by the island, like the melt-in-your-mouth grilled sting ray with beurre noir, capers and lime, or the grilled eggplant topped with with tangy sobrassada sausage from the island, La Mola sheep's cheese and honey. Casa Natalia's fairy-lit open-air patio is the place to while away your summer evenings in Formentera.
The bone marrow and caviar paella is one of the best-selling dishes at Fandango Formentera.
Another hot new addition to the Formentera food scene is Fandango. You only need to take a look at the names behind this project—the kitchen is led by Luis Arrufat (formerly of elBulli, Mugaritz, and Quique Dacosta) and Vicente Monfort, while the whole concept was created by the Vintae group of "revolutionary wineries". Don't be fooled by the beachfront setting, Fandango is so much more than just another chiringuito. A place to feast on fresh oysters and grilled seafood, tender red tuna tartare, whole grilled fish (the turbot is to die for), and moreish rice dishes like the "senyoret" rice topped with squid and pre-peeled shrimp. Wash it all down with a light, fresh Riojan red from the most elevated wine list you will find on the island.
Enjoy a toes-in-sand lunch of fresh seafood at Beso Beach Formentera.
Turn up the volume at Beso Beach Club, one of few spots that bring the party vibes to the island. Expect DJs spinning tunes, young vacationers serving looks, great drinks and some rather excellent food too! From the caviar-topped red shrimp croquettes, to the Formentera lobster with homemade potato chips and fried eggs, the vast majority of the dishes are made from fresh, locally sourced produce. All this with the white powder sand of the Ses Salines natural park between your toes, and the brilliant blue of the water literally steps away.

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Travel + Leisure

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But to get a more local perspective, I tapped two of the coast's best-connected insiders: Francesco Sersale, who runs Positano's iconic hotel Le Sirenuse, and Mariella Avino, owner and managing director of the legendary Palazzo Avino in Ravello. Here are our picks for the 10 best Amalfi Coast towns to visit and what to do in each of them. Beach scenes in Positano. Laura Itzkowitz/Travel + Leisure Once a humble fishing village, Positano has become one of the most visited towns on the Amalfi Coast. Built into the mountain, it's a jumble of stairs and narrow lanes lined with shops selling linen clothes, jewelry, and much more. It's also home to a spectacular Roman villa covered in ancient frescoes hidden under the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. 'If you're staying at Le Sirenuse, my biggest tip is: don't rush. Take your time to enjoy the morning light on your terrace, a long breakfast, a dip in the pool,' Sersale says. 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Travel + Leisure

an hour ago

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I Island Hopped in Greece for 2 Weeks—and I Didn't Check a Bag Thanks to These 15 Packable Fashion Pieces

Greece will always hold a special place in my heart. It was the very first international destination my (now) husband and I visited, nearly a decade ago—and, just last year, it's where we went on our honeymoon. On the former trip, we visited Athens, Santorini, and Crete; on the latter, we spent two gorgeous weeks island hopping from Paros to Milos and then on to Sifnos. Visiting three Greek locales requires a foolproof packing list to ensure that every activity, terrain, and climate is accounted for. I also highly recommend sticking to a carry-on bag if you can (at least, that's my preference, especially when navigating the narrow streets of Greece). Below, explore the 15 non-negotiable travel clothing and accessory essentials I relied on that deserve a spot in your suitcase when visiting the Greek Isles this summer. A solid button-up blouse — ideally in linen, cotton, or silk — is at the top of my summer vacay list. I personally packed this Quince Washable Stretch Silk Blouse on my trip, and it's one I often take on any vacation because it's so versatile and easy to wear. Not only is it super lightweight and breathable (a must in a warm climate like Greece), but it also takes up virtually no space in your suitcase. Plus, this top is the ultimate clothing chameleon: Pair it with casual shorts and sneakers, wear it with a skirt and heeled sandals, or toss it over your swimsuit as a classy cover-up. I personally own it in white (and find that's the most versatile), but it also comes in a number of other lovely colors. For days of visiting beaches or exploring Cycladic towns, I always reach for an easy-to-wear pair of shorts. On extra warm days, I'm a fan of wearing a loose-fitting linen option like these Quince European Linen Shorts, which I packed for my last trip to Greece. I own them in black, but they're also available in a number of pretty colors and patterns to suit any preference. For something a bit more structured, you could opt for these classic Madewell Bermuda Shorts. Either of these neutral options could easily mix and match with any of the tops in your luggage, so there's no need to pack more than one pair in your carry-on. A gorgeous pair of linen pants is a must for any Greek vacation. I've been obsessed with the Australian fashion brand Dissh's elastic linen trousers for travel, but if you're looking for something at a lower price point, you can't go wrong with this $40 wide-leg pair from Halara. Whichever route you choose, you'll have a wrinkle-free, space-saving option that goes with everything, whether you're exploring the city or hanging by the beach. Let's be real, when we're packing for vacation—especially somewhere as scenic as Greece—you're going to want to bring at least one standout, picture-worthy outfit. My personal favorite: a statement dress, like this stunning floral one from ASTR the Label. It's worth noting that while a maxi dress may take up a bit more space than its shorter counterpart, it's a one-garment outfit, which is ultimately a space-saver. Any dress with a vibrant pattern or unique design will make you feel like an ethereal Greek goddess, in my opinion. However, you can still go bold with something understated like this smocked maxi dress from Amazon-loved brand PrettyGarden. Personally, I packed this Favorite Daughter linen dress on my last trip to Greece, and it was a chic hero piece for my vacation wardrobe. On a trip to Greece, you're going to need sandals that are well-suited for wearing to the beach, walking along cobblestone paths, and maybe even hiking down into secluded coves (yes, this came up while I was in Milos). For that reason, I'd recommend packing a pair of sandals that are well-suited for any active adventure, like the Teva Hurricanes or Merrell Speedfusions. When I'm headed to a coastal destination like Greece, I love packing a simple dress like Dissh's Lotus Linen Dress that I can toss on with a pair of sneakers and head out for a day exploring, or slip over my swimsuit before heading to the sea. It embodies that effortless Greek style, hardly takes up any packing space, and creates a complete outfit with just one easy-to-wear piece. For something a bit more budget-friendly, I found this linen dress at Amazon that achieves the same vibe at a fraction of the price. $90 at Amazon $90 at Nordstrom While you'll most likely spend your days ambling around Greece in a pair of sandals, it's always a good idea to bring at least one pair of closed-toed shoes on any trip (especially for when the temps drop at night). For the purposes of a Greek vacation, I'd keep it simple with a pair of white sneakers. On our trip, I opted for classic Reebok Club Cs, whereas my husband packed a pair of white and navy Nike Killshot leather shoes. Pro tip: I'd wear these on the plane to save space in your bag. A trip to the Greek Isles means plenty of time swimming in pools and the sea; therefore, a chic swimsuit is a must. For lounging by the pool at Andronis Minois Paros, I packed the LSpace Hazel Ribbed Bikini Top and matching bottoms, which I adored because both are super comfortable, offer a decent amount of coverage for a two-piece, and also the white piping gives the classic black bikini a more unique design. However, if you're not a fan of bikinis, then check out the Baewatch Colorblock Trim Ribbed One-piece Swimsuit, which has a similar style, or Cupshe's ultra-flattering one-piece that's only $40 at Amazon. Hopefully, your Greek isle itinerary includes plenty of time at the beach and on the water, which means your valuables might be in danger of getting wet or sandy. That's where a waterproof bag like this one from Amazon (which has thousands of five-star reviews) can come in handy. Simply slip in your phone and then enjoy the Aegean Sea stress-free. While you can get away with dressing pretty casual in Greece, I like to have at least one pair of sandals that feel elevated enough to wear to a nicer dinner, which is why I packed the Nisolo Platform Sandals for my trip and absolutely loved wearing them. Not only do they have incredible support for long days on your feet, but they also work just as well with a pair of shorts as they do with a more elegant dress. $198 $158 at Even though Greece gets quite warm in the summer, temperatures can drop at night, especially if you're visiting one of the windier islands like Milos. I recommend packing at least one jacket, like this insulated option from Vuori, which is one of my go-tos for just about any trip—it features a lightweight yet warm construction and neutral colorway that goes with everything. Speaking of layers, a cardigan is another great option for when the temperatures dip come nightfall. A few of my favorites include the Jenni Kayne Murphy Cardigan, which you can wear on its own as a sweater or draped over a dress (it came in handy when we ferried over to Sifnos, where we experienced the incredible cuisine and meandered about the breezy cliffside towns). Over at Amazon, you can achieve the same look with the Verdusa cropped cardigan ($30) or the Amazon Essentials V-neck Cardigan Sweater that's on sale for $17. One of my favorite accessories to pack is a silk scarf. It takes up virtually no room in your luggage, but can completely transform an outfit by adding a splash of color to an otherwise simple ensemble. Most of the scarves in my collection are either passed down from my mom or sourced vintage, but I spotted a couple that would be a great addition to anyone's collection, like this pretty blue and white option from Kurt Geiger, bold printed Nordstrom one, or even this silky floral-adorned option from Amazon that's on sale for $13. An iconically shaped pair of sunglasses is a great space-saving accessory that can elevate your entire outfit while also protecting your eyes. I packed these fun cat-eye sunglasses from Maui Jim for my last trip to Greece, and I love these sunnies for their vintage style, along with the fact that they feature polarized lenses, a must when walking around Greece or relaxing by the pool at our sophisticated yet understated hotel, Verina Astra. For a lower price point option, I'd recommend Goodr's no-slip, no-bounce Circle G shades for $25. When I'm enjoying a dreamy adventure abroad, I want my sleepwear to rise to the occasion. I am currently obsessed with the silky-smooth pajama sets from Eberjey, which feel truly luxurious on my skin. The breathable fabric also stays fresh and clean after multiple wears, reducing the need to pack excessive sleepwear. My other favorite summery shorts sets (both on vacation and at home): Cozy Earth's bamboo PJs, Quince's 100% European Linen PJ set, and Old Navy's $40 Poplin Pajama Short Set. Another small accessory that can make a big impact: jewelry, of course. For a Grecian vacation, I love this Pavoi coin necklace at Amazon, which only costs $17, or this layered set from Aritzan Joyeria, both of which help upgrade even a simple outfit. I'm also a fan of these lovely Gorjana braided earrings for the same reason. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

CNN

2 hours ago

• CNN

This country has the best wines in the world for 2025

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Nonstop flights between Hong Kong and London are now two hours longer, for example, and short-haul flights between Central Asia and the Persian Gulf are particularly affected. Three-year-old Australian girl Kinga might not speak Japanese, but she's loving her time in southern Japan's Wakayama Prefecture. Her family joined a preschool exchange that's giving them a kid-first window into Japanese culture. A viral video has prompted a mass cleanup of caves near China's famed 'Avatar' mountains. The astounding footage shows a decade of garbage buildup. An 80-year-old man drove down Rome's Spanish Steps and got stuck. He told police he'd taken a wrong turn. And there are more international awards that people have been going crazy for. The world's best airline for 2025 was named by Skytrax. Lastly, a European capital stole Vienna's crown as the world's most liveable city for 2025.