Formentera island is one of the most popular destinations for families with children. Thanks to its small size and crystal-clear sea, the island is easy to experience and explore even when traveling with your children.
Between walks in the green and horseback riding on the most beautiful beaches of the island, it will become one of your favorite destinations with the little ones.

In this article we will give you numerous tips, useful for relaxing you parents and of course to entertain your children on the magical island of Formentera.

How to get there

Getting to Formentera is very simple: all you need to do is book a flight to Ibiza (Formentera does not have an airport) and then take a comfortable ferry to reach it. In just 30 minutes of sailing you will arrive at the pearl of the Balearics.
These two journeys usually already involve great enthusiasm in the little ones. Flying above the clouds is an experience that always creates great anticipation and, not infrequently, many airlines allow a quick foray into the cockpit. Involving the little ones helps them to feel part of the aerial adventure.

Once landed in Ibiza, if you do not immediately take the ferry to Formentera, you can take a short trip that will allow you to amaze your children once again: a visit to the old town and the castle.
Venture out from the charming entrance with the drawbridge (Portal de Ses Taules) and imagine yourselves as pirates conquering the fortress! The visit to Dalt Vila (old town) starts right near the port. Once finished you can easily embark for Formentera.

Where to stay in Formentera

Finding a hotel or house in Formentera is not difficult, but depending on your needs, it is a good idea to find out the exact location of the accommodation. Despite the small size of the island, there are some very isolated areas that may not be suitable for families with children in Formentera.

If you choose to stay in an apartment, we can tell you that Es Pujols, in addition to being on the seafront, is definitely the best equipped area and full of services. Shops, supermarkets, a pharmacy and much more are all concentrated in a very small town center. Staying here, you will only use the car (or a moped if you have older children) to go to the more remote beaches during the day.
The nightlife and most of the restaurants are all located on the seafront. In addition, in the evening there is a very lively hippie market. Ideal for a family walk.

If you are a nature lover and are looking for a bungalow or cottage (with private patio and garden) the Migjorn area is full of very charming accommodation. The most beautiful ones have sea views. The downside is that whenever you need something, you will have to get around with your own vehicle.

For those who prefer to stay in a hotel, the most beautiful facilities are always located in Migjorn. If you are looking for a holiday where you don’t have to lift a finger, some hotels offer “all inclusive” solutions.

Getting around the island

Renting a scooter on Formentera is definitely the best way to get around the island, but as you know, carrying a person on the back seat is only allowed if they are 5 years old or older. However, we advise you to carefully consider this choice even if your children are of the age allowed: the roads are often bumpy and it is not very safe to venture out with a small child behind you.

The car is the most popular choice for families with children in Formentera. Renting a car online will allow you to take advantage of a discounted price and you can pick it up at the port on your arrival or at the office located in the most convenient location.
The cheapest car is the Fiat Panda while one of the most expensive but certainly charming is the Mehari, a symbol of the island. You could also choose to rent both of them and split your week. If you want iconic photos in Formentera with your children, the mythical “spiaggina” will be the perfect car.

The most child-friendly beaches

Most of the beaches are sandy in nature, therefore easily accessible. Among the most beautiful is Playa de Ses Illetes, located between the port of Formentera and the town of Es Pujols. To access it you have to pay a toll, as the area belongs to the Parque Naturale di Ses Salines. Try to be early in the morning when you decide to go there, as access is limited. What awaits you will exceed your imagination: a stretch of fine sand and a postcard-perfect sea. Children can have fun with sandcastles and enjoy the always warm and calm water. You will be amazed at how you can walk for meters and meters and still have it up to your ankles.

If you are a lover of comfort and want to rent an umbrella and sunbeds, don’t delay in doing so. There are not many establishments that allow this, in general on all the beaches of Formentera.
In fact, the island was born as a hippie place and “DIY”, as far as beach accommodation is concerned, is very much in vogue. Often umbrellas and cool bags are left at guests’ disposal in the apartments. Finally, the only negative side of Ses Illetes are the restaurants: there are only three and all decidedly very expensive.

Another wonderful beach is Es Arenals, which corresponds to the last stretch of the long Migjorn coast. The beach is decidedly large and behind it has the beautiful bar/restaurant Casa Formentera open from morning to evening. Spending your day here you will have little to worry about and, above all, it will not be difficult for your children to meet their peers.

The beach of Es Pujols as announced before is the one with the most services. On the waterfront you will be spoiled for choice between the places to have lunch or dinner. Here too the water is shallow and calm for a long stretch and there are slightly more frequent establishments that rent umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach.

On the west side of the island, there is Cala Saona, a crescent-shaped beach much loved by families. There are two comfortable restaurants and even a charming chiringuito overlooking the sea.

The only beaches we do not recommend if you have small children are those of Ses Platgetes, located near the village of Es Caló. Beautiful, but with rocks that do not make it easy to enter the water.

As for your children’s games, it will not be necessary to bring them in your suitcase as many supermarkets are stocked with them. However, remember the clothing that protects them in the hottest hours. The temperature in Formentera, in the months of July and August, can exceed 35 degrees!

The green routes

The island boasts 20 green routes designed by the Consell Insular de Formentera. These paths, which allow you to get in close contact with nature, are of varying lengths and cover a large part of the territory. They are not recommended in the hot months such as July or August but, if you choose to visit Formentera in September or the low season, they will prove to be one of the most popular activities.

These trails, in some cases with slight slopes, will make you discover the ancient beauty of rural Formentera. Immersed in the greenery and surrounded by suggestive landscapes, your children will surely be attracted by the numerous lizards present on the island. Stop with them to observe them because many of these have decidedly unusual shades of color.
Another animal that can be admired on the island is the goat: located in the various fields, they often approach humans. Do not disturb them and tell your children about the precious milk they provide. Goat cheese is indeed one of the basic foods of island cuisine.

Some routes can also be cycled: you can rent them from one of the many offices that rent scooters. There are many families who follow the beaten tracks in search of true contact with nature.

Water activities

Formentera is famous for its sea and its caves, so there could not be missing dedicated activities. There are several centers that offer qualified instructors with whom you can go kayaking or try windsurfing or paddle surfing. The little ones will be able to do all this accompanied by their parents while the older ones will start on their own, always followed by a professional.

Snorkeling can also be done independently: equip yourselves with a mask and snorkel and admire the many fish of Formentera. Alternatively, thanks to the clear waters, even the smallest children who are not yet comfortable underwater can observe the seabed.

Where to eat with children

If you are a lover of good food, you should know that there are many restaurants in Formentera. From Italian to Spanish to sushi, you can find everything on the island. There are many restaurants that offer special meals for the little ones, you just need to consult the menu which is often displayed outside.
If you have children who are not too small, we suggest you have lunch in the beach restaurants: in this case, when they have finished, they can have fun a short distance from you without interrupting the adults’ lunch.

And if your children want pizza? Don’t worry, you can eat it in Formentera and it’s also very good. We recommend going to the Quartieri Spagnoli, a pizzeria located in Sant Ferran. Here you can enjoy the classic Neapolitan pizza as well as some delicious fried appetizers. In case the pizza is only your children’s desire, the restaurant is also an excellent restaurant where you can enjoy fish dishes and more.
At the entrance there is a work of art that will surely capture the attention of the little ones: Schoppy’s frog. Colorful and unusual, take a picture of it to have your children draw it later when you return to Italy.

Also in Sant Ferran, for lovers of Roman pizza, that is low and crispy, there is the Macondo restaurant. The atmosphere is Spanish and it is impossible not to be overwhelmed by the energy of this decidedly informal place.

Aperitivo: a must even with the little ones

Formentera is the homeland of aperitifs and even those with children should not miss out. In this case, the island, thanks to its beach bars, allows you to combine a good cocktail at sunset with the carefree energy of the little ones. Among the most beautiful places to see the sunset are the Piratabus and the Kiosco Lucky.
Both on the beach and located on the Migjorn coast. So you will not be tied to a real restaurant, but you can play with your children until the last ray of sunshine.

An alternative and very entertaining aperitif is the one that takes place every Tuesday and Sunday evening at the Blue Bar. The dancing alien show is in fact the most scenic show that takes place on the whole island: a very tall puppet with alien features, dances and entertains an audience that is always in plain sight. Located in a truly suggestive location, the Blue Bar is joyful and fun by nature.
It is a large bar that also serves as a restaurant, entirely painted blue. The Alien Show is the show that attracts many families with children to Formentera and, according to those who have seen it many times, we can assure you that it is always very entertaining.

On horseback on the beach

An original way to discover Formentera and admire its beauties is to do it on horseback thanks to Rutas Es Boixets. This activity, suitable for not very young children, offers various itineraries to be followed at different times of the day.

You will be able to choose whether to admire the sunrise on some wonderful beach or to trot at sunset, wrapped in the last rays of the sun. There are also small excursions through rural Formentera: always accompanied by a teacher, you will discover new and timeless trails.

Visit to Formentera’s hippy markets and lighthouses

A nice walk is to do among the hippy markets. They are located in the various towns of Formentera, but one above all is full of a decidedly festive atmosphere. We are talking about the La Mola market, which takes place from May to October every Wednesday and Sunday from late afternoon until late in the evening.

The fair, the largest on the island, is characterized by the singing performances that take place in the pretty square where the stalls are housed. In the center there is a beautiful dove, a symbol of peace and freedom, decorated with the mosaic technique. Around this, many artists perform who entertain adults and children for free. Sitting on the ground and in the company of their little ones, it is not uncommon for the latter to let themselves go to the overwhelming energy of the music. Look for some videos on Youtube to get a taste of what awaits you.
The craft markets are an excellent opportunity to tell your children the history of Formentera and, why not, dress them up as hippies for a day.

Another visit that cannot be missed during your holiday on the island is to the lighthouses. The Cap de Barbaria lighthouse is located in the westernmost point and to reach it, a walk of about 1.5 km is necessary. Equip yourself with strollers or baby carriers if you have very young children.
The other lighthouse is easily reachable by car or scooter and is located on the La Mola promontory. On this occasion, for those with school-aged children, we suggest a visit to the museum that is located at the base of the lighthouse. Thanks to these decidedly unique places, there will be no shortage of opportunities to tell pirate adventures and stories of solitary guardians!

Practical Advice

Practical advice refers to those habits or activities that are usually carried out with small children. For example, all supermarkets in Formentera sell baby food, powdered milk and diapers, but don’t expect a wide choice. If you are used to specific products, we suggest you pack them in your suitcase.
Pharmacies also sell these items, but the range is still not as wide as what can be found in Italy.

Temperatures in July and August can be scorching, so we recommend UV-protective clothing and, for those who choose to go to the beach, in addition to the classic umbrella, beach tents are widely used. These create a decidedly larger shaded area.

Another useful tip for your days at the beach is to always have a cooler bag with you. It will help you keep food and drinks fresh. Sunscreen is on sale both in pharmacies and supermarkets.
The car seat can be rented upon collection of the vehicle.

If you decide to rent a house or bungalow during your vacation, make sure they can guarantee you a cot or crib for your baby. Another detail not to be underestimated is the accessibility of your accommodation: make sure there are no steep stairs or at least that there is a lift if you are staying in an apartment building.

Pack light: you won’t need a lot of clothes in summer. In Formentera you will spend 90% of your time in your swimsuit.
Plan the details of your trip: flight, ferry departure and save the phone number of the Formentera taxi, the company from which you rented the car or scooter, the landlord or the hotel reception on your mobile phone. In this case, for any need, you will be ready when needed.

We have come to the end of our article. Now you will be ready for a holiday in Formentera with children!