The overlooked Spanish island that’s just as beautiful as Ibiza – but MUCH cheaper and less crowded over the summer

By ESTHER MARSHALL

Published: 01:28 BST, 19 June 2025 | Updated: 01:30 BST, 19 June 2025

With its gorgeous white sand beaches, world renowned clubs and pine-carpeted forests, it’s no wonder that Ibiza is one of Spain’s leading tourist destinations. 

But with more than three million tourists visiting a year, many travellers are seeking something a little more peaceful. 

And luckily, there’s a beautiful Balearic island with stunning beaches that’s much quieter than the White Isle. 

Located off the south coast of Ibiza, Formentera island is just 20km (12 miles) long and 2km (1.2 miles) wide. 

Lonely Planet describes the island as a ‘beautifully pure, get-away-from-it-all-escape’. 

The travel guide adds: ‘Formentera’s pace of life is blissfully languid, designed for lazy days spent lounging on some of Europe’s (dare we say the world’s) most exquisite beaches.’ 

Holidaymakers won’t find Ibiza’s clubbing atmosphere here but they will find a peaceful escape. 

Playa de Ses Illetes is Formentera’s best known beach and it’s even picked up a Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award. 

Located off the south coast of Ibiza, Formentera island is just 20km (12 miles) long and 2km (1.2 miles) wide

Playa de Ses Illetes is Formentera’s best known beach and it’s even picked up a Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award

The beach is located within the Ses Salines National Park and has white sand with bright turquoise water. 

Tourist ‘Niky B’ writes on Tripadvisor: ‘Superb beach worthy of the Caribbean! Take a nice picnic with you and you will not regret.’ 

Another person says: ‘It’s the beach. Listed as one of the best in the world, its crystal clear waters, fine and surroundings make it undoubtedly worthy of five stars.’ 

Platja de Migjorn is also considered one of the island’s prettiest beaches. The longest beach on the island it stretches across 5km.

Traveller ‘Cathy C’ writes on Tripadvisor: ‘The sea here is clean and beautiful. Some areas are rocky but there are plenty of sandy areas with easy access to the sea.’ 

Scuba divers can explore the Don Pedro, one of the world’s most famous shipwrecks. The cargo ship is over 140m long and can be visited on dives.  

Just 3km from the port, Formentera’s capital Sant Francesc has a crafts market and an 18th century church. 

It’s the ideal place to sample some of the island’s local delicacies including frit de polp (fried octopus with potatoes). 

Tourists will need to fly to Ibiza to get to Formentera with direct flights available on British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2

In July and August, the temperature averages 26 degrees on the island with minimal sunshine and sun for around 11 hours a day

How to get to Formentera 

Tourists will need to fly to Ibiza to get to Formentera with direct flights available on British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2. 

They can then catch a ferry from Ibiza. Ferries tend to run frequently and take around 30 minutes. 

What’s the weather like in Formentera 

In July and August, the temperature averages 26 degrees on the island with minimal sunshine and sun for around 11 hours a day. 

The average temperature is usually above 20 degrees in May, June, September and October as well. 

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The overlooked Spanish island that’s just as beautiful as Ibiza – but MUCH cheaper and less crowded over the summer

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