Formentera, Spain

Formentera is the smallest and southernmost of the four main islands that comprise the archipelago, collectively known as the Balearic Islands. The unspoiled and almost untouched Formentera beaches are considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of the Spanish Mediterranean.

Tourists to this lush and inviting island experience a tranquil and serene getaway, where relaxation is the order of the day, and it is rarely a question of whether or not the sun will be shining or if the water will be warm. It is the relaxed atmosphere and reclusive setting that often attracts visitors to places such as Ses Illetes, the most popular of all the beaches on Formentera Island.

Formentera is so remote, in fact, that the only way to get there is by ferry from neighboring Ibiza. This is one of the most attractive features of a getaway in the Balearic Islands, that you are within such close proximity of other amazing destinations, including Ibiza, Mallorca, and Minorca (the other three main islands that comprise the Balearic chain). When you arrive in Formentera, be prepared for a virtual onslaught of breathtaking scenery. There are many different beaches on the island, and each of them offers a distinctive nuance that separates it from the rest.

Isolated Arenals on Formentera is covered with white sand, while Cala Codola, although it also has sandy beach areas, has shoreline that is defined by steep and rocky cliffs. The topography of the beaches on Formentera Island is so diverse that any vacation to this remote Mediterranean island will be enhanced by setting some time aside to visit the four corners of the island. You will be awestruck at the combination of sandy shores, mountain peaks, deep ravines, and towering palm trees. Some of the other notable beaches on Formentera Island include Es Calo, Es Pujols, Cala Savina, Platja de Llevant, and Cala Saona.

The most popular beach on Formentera, however, is Ses Illetes. Platja de Ses Illetes provides everyone who visits an amazing vista of the island of Formentera, with the other Balearic Islands in the distance, and mountains rising up above the horizon of the crystal blue Mediterranean. On Ses Illetes, tourists can rent motorbikes, cars, or bicycles, and there is a host of water sports available, including wind surfing, boating, and jet skiing. This gorgeous Balearic Island gem is situated near the port of La Savina, so traveling between the other islands when staying at Ses Illetes is very easy. Many times, tourists will book a trip that includes an exploration of all the Balearic Islands. Many others tour popular destinations on the Spanish mainland, like Madrid and Barcelona, then head to the Mediterranean coast to tour Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera, to wrap up their trip.

Each of the Balearic Islands has its own distinctive appeal, and unique feel. Travelers will not be disappointed with the natural beauty or the variety of things to do on each of the four main islands. For those people, however, who specifically desire a tranquil and relaxing retreat to a lush Mediterranean beach destination, Formentera may be the ideal choice.