As we launch our Green Traveller's Guide to Formentera, Rhiannon Batten features a range of places to stay on this laid back island.
Places to stay in Formentera
Can Toni Mateu
A vision of Balearic chic, this stylish whitewashed villa is in Can Parra, a corner of the island known for its traditional low-rise architecture and shady pine, juniper, olive, almond and fig trees. For guests keen to get out and explore the local scenery on foot, bike or horseback, Can Parra is also home to one of the island’s Green Routes. Originally built in 1800, but enlarged and renovated in recent years, the single-storey property takes an indoor-outdoor approach. Its four bedrooms, four bathrooms, kitchen, dining and living areas are linked by a central courtyard while the tree-lined garden is fringed by a series of porches, sun terraces and a swimming pool. cantonimateu.com
Hostal La Savina
This much-loved seaside hotel, an easy walk from the island’s ferry port, has been under the ownership of the same family for almost 70 years. The present owner’s great-grandmother began the guesthouse side of the business in 1959 and it evolved into a simple but fully-fledged hotel in 1980, now also with a popular restaurant (Formentera-caught fish is a highlight). Its location, close to spectacular Illetes and Llevant beaches, is a big draw. The hotel is also a member of Booking.com’s Travel Sustainable programme, meaning it is committed to reducing waste, minimising the use of water and energy, supporting local communities and protecting nature. hostal-lasavina.com
Es Pas Formentera Agroturismo
The farm-to-fork approach stands up to scrutiny at Es Pas, a 200-year-old country house surrounded by 20 acres of olive groves. Guests at this eight-bedroom, terracotta-tiled agriturismo can enjoy breakfasts laced with the estate’s own extra-virgin olive oil and jams made with homegrown apricots, figs and blackberries. You can even buy them to take away with you for a taste of Formentera back home. Not that you’ll be eager to leave. Set within a nature reserve, just a few minutes from Es Caló and Mijorn beaches, there may be a swimming pool on site but Es Pas is also in prime walking and cycling country. espasformentera.com
Hotel Es Mares
Sleek and serene, this small, wood-and-white hotel sits in a quiet, pedestrian street in the historic heart of Sant Francesc Xavier, the largest and oldest town in Formentera. Named after the sandstone that gives the island its chiselled topography (and was also used, for centuries, to build local houses, churches and towers), the smart, modern hotel has 18 bedrooms, and a refined atmosphere. Wake up to a locally sourced breakfast before taking a dip in the pool then head out for a ride on one of the hotel’s free bicycles or book a treatment in the spa before enjoying dinner in the restaurant; the wine list includes a particularly strong selection from local vineyards. hotelesmares.com
Gecko Hotel & Beach Club
A boutique hotel and beach club on Playa de Migjorn, on the island’s southern coast, Gecko sets a pitch-perfect holiday vibe, from its outdoor yoga classes to its roster of beachside DJs spinning uplifting Balearic beats. Beneath the slick surface there’s an admirable focus on sustainability, too. In addition to a zero-plastic commitment, staff uniforms have been redesigned by ECOALF, which made its name by turning marine debris into yarn for clothing, and charging stations have been installed for electric cars. The hotel also supports the island’s Save Posidonia Project, raising funds for the conservation and regeneration of the surrounding seagrass meadows by doubling contributions made by guests. geckobeachclub.com
Apartments Es Clot des Forn
Surrounded by junipers and ancient dry-stone walls, this cluster of simple apartments in Punta Prima makes the most of its rustic surroundings yet is just a couple of kilometres from the island’s main beachside tourist enclave, Es Pujols. A Booking.com Travel Sustainable badge-holder, Es Clot des Forn’s apartments sleep two, four or six people. While each one has its own outdoor terrace, guests also have shared access to a saltwater swimming pool. For those who prefer to keep their emissions down, bicycles can be hired for the five-minute ride into town. formenterarenting.com
Hostal Bella Vista
Set just behind a small run of shops in La Savina this cheap and cheerful three-star hotel is popular among foot passengers arriving at the neighbouring ferry port. As the name suggests, some of its rooms have lovely views out to sea over the jingling masts of boats moored in the adjacent marina. The terrace of the on-site restaurant also makes the most of those views. Enjoy them while feasting on traditional dishes from the island - fresh lobster and crab, simple fish stews and rice dishes. hostal-bellavista.com
Can Tres
A 10-minute walk from Migjorn beach, adults-only Can Tres has a breezy, barefoot vibe about it. Stays here are all about experiencing a slower, gentler pace of life. Natural materials take centre-stage in its three apartments, with kilim-style cushions adding a pop of colour among neutral woven furnishings and whitewashed walls. Also adding to the tropical feel are hammock swings, sunken concrete bathtubs and showers with skylights. Outside, beyond the apartments’ shady terraces, is an old orchard which the owners are bringing back into use as a kitchen garden. Kite-surfing and yoga can also be arranged. cantresformentera.com
Hostal Illes Pitiüses
The location is a highlight at this small, family-run budget hotel. In Sant Ferran de Ses Roques, a village in the heart of the island which was embraced by the counter-culture community in the 1960s (and remains home to a renowned guitar workshop), it’s well-placed for visitors looking to explore the island from a central base. While some of the hotel’s bedrooms come with balconies, all guests can make use of its outdoor terraces at mealtimes, when the hotel’s restaurant, Sa Panxa, serves dishes rich with local flavours. formenterapassport.com
Casbah Formentera
The name may conjure the hustle and bustle of North Africa’s souks but all is calm and serene at this leafy hotel, less than 10 minutes’ walk from Migjorn beach. Set within a pine grove, Casbah Formentera’s beautifully landscaped gardens are home to a swimming pool, and a gazebo set up for outdoor massages, while sweeps of bougainvillea and hibiscus line the paths between its bedrooms. The restaurant is a destination in its own right; diners come to linger over octopus croquettes or expertly cooked steaks in its magical indoor-out setting. hotelcasbahformentera.com
Can Vicent Puig
It’s all about light at this villa on Formentera’s eastern tip. Not only can guests stargaze from the terrace’s hot tub (the secluded location means light pollution tends to be low) but family legend has it that the property’s foundations were built with stone left over from the construction of the neighbouring Faro de la Mola lighthouse. Inside there’s an open-plan kitchen, dining room and fireside living area as well as three double bedrooms and a further annexe suite. Guests are welcome to buy the owners’ homegrown olive oil, harvested and produced by hand. Simple local breakfasts can be delivered by basket. canvicentpuig.com
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The google map below shows the location and details of all the places to stay, local food and drink, nearby attractions and activities in our Green Traveller's Guide to Formentera:
Green = Places to stay Blue = Local food & drink Yellow = Attractions Purple = Activities
