La Savina (Port de Formentera)

The port area is fairly compact and is within walking distance of bars, restaurants, supermarkets, pharmacies, and rental companies for any kind of outdoor activity you are in the mood for while you're in Formentera. The main streets, which loop around the port, are Avinguda Mediterrània and Polígon de la Marina. Other key streets in this area include Carrer de la Mare de Déu del Carme closer to the port, and Carrer Ponent which lies between the main avenue and Ses Salines. There is one hotel at the port itself, while the rest of the accommodations in this area are either hostels or short-to-long-term apartment rentals.

Ses Salines and Es Pujols

Ses Salines means "the salt flats" in Catalan, and you will of course notice that the water in the bay separating La Savina and Es Pujols is very salty indeed. In fact, before the rise of tourism, one of Formentera's main industries was salt production. The saltworks of Formentera are protected by the national government as a natural park and are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The areas surrounding the bay stretch up to the northernmost points of the island. Beaches from the tip of the island down to Es Pujols, in order, are Platja de Ses Illetes, Platja de Llevant, Platja des Trucadors, Platja de Sa Roqueta, and Platja de Ses Canyes. The Ses Illetes and Sa Roqueta beaches are particularly recommended for those with families as these do not allow nude sunbathing. There are no accommodations along the northeastern coast, with most options situated closer to Sa Roqueta and across the Salines d`en Marroig near Platja des Cavall d`en Borràs.

Platja des Pujols is situated on a small bay, with a tiny headland in the middle in essence splitting the beach into two sections. At the western end of the beach there is a larger headland, Punta Alta, where there is a hotel and cafeteria. On the eastern end, you will find the vast majority of tourist activity. This area is sometimes referred to as the "tourist zone" as the bars, restaurants, and accommodations are almost exclusively geared toward vacationers and not locals. The Avinguda Miramar and the Carrer d`Espardell are two streets where the most action is. Four and five-star accommodations can be found behind the beach up to Carrer de s`Espalmador.

Sant Francesc Xavier

Sant Francesc Xavier is Formentera's sleepy capital. If you are looking for a "hippie experience", you might want to consider Sant Francesc Xavier. Also, when Formentera has music festivals, the headliners typically perform in Sant Francesc Xavier, so keep that in mind as well.

There is one luxury hotel and spa in the center of town; otherwise for luxury accommodation, you will be staying outside the town. You will get lost in the maze of streets, which offer plentiful clothing and souvenir shopping options. If you're hungry, you're in luck here as well, as the streets Carrer de Santa Maria and Carrer des Pla del Rei in particular have many shops as well as restaurants and cafés.

Cala Saona and Southwest Formentera

White sands are at a premium on Formentera compared to other Balearic Islands, and Cala Saona is renowned for its beautiful sand. Even though it is a small beach, it is one of Formentera's most popular, so keep this in mind when visiting. The Hotel Cala Saona sits just off the beach, and other than that accommodation option, you will be staying farther inland at hotels or apartment rentals. Cala Saona is also a perfect place to watch the sun set while you're on the island. You can walk to the nearby vantage point at Punta Rasa for Instagram-worthy shots! Apartment rentals stretch southward down to Cap de Barbaria on the southwestern portion of the island.

Platja de Migjorn and the Southern Coast

Resort-style beach clubs meet apartment rentals on the trendy southern coast, where all classes of traveler rub elbows with each other. The Camí Vell de la Mola and the Avinguda del Ca Marí, before and after the towns of Sant Ferran de ses Roques on the PM-820 road, respectively, take you down to the southern coast and the resort areas around Platja de Migjorn. The beaches to the east, Es Migjorn, Es Códol Foradat, and Es Arenals, are connected to the PM-820 road via their own private entrances closer to Es Caló.

Platja de Migjorn is one of the wider beaches on the island and very sandy, making it quite popular with beachgoers. The waters are tranquil, crystal-clear and fairly shallow, making it great for both families and those without kids. (Nude sunbathing is only allowed at secluded portions of this beach.) The Vénda des Pí des Catalá and the Camí de Can Simonet are the two roads that lead you to the beach. Most of the accommodation, bar and restaurant options in this area will be found directly to the beach's east. The Avinguda del Ca Marí is the road that will take you directly from Formentera's main road to the apartments and resorts in this area. Beach bungalows and apartment rentals are the name of the game at Es Migjorn, Es Códol Foradat, and Es Arenals, the beaches to the east.

Es Caló and the Northern Coast

The waters of the northern coast are as quiet as the south, because the land curves inward in this region, creating quiet and secluded nooks such as Cala en Baster, Platja Carme, and Platja de Tramuntana. Platja es Caló and Ses Platjetes are the most popular beaches in this area, and you will find all of the accommodations, bars, and restaurants on the eastern side of the beach, close to the Es Caló marina. There are also a number of accommodation options, from hotels to rentals, along the PM-820 as you head toward El Pilar de la Mola.

El Pilar de la Mola

El Pilar de la Mola is the easternmost town on Formentera. The land is wide open on this part of the island, meaning you have your choice of accommodations either directly in town or somewhere on the headland. If you like to hike, consider staying north of the PM-820. If you want a more rural vacation, stay to the south.

Basic restaurant and self-catering options are available in El Pilar de la Mola, which also is home to a "hippiemarket" (flea market) for those who wish to shop there. Make sure you visit the lighthouse, Far de la Mola, at the very edge of the island on Punta des Far.