PLAYA DE MIGJORN

Located on the southern side of Formentera, Playa de Migjorn (or Migjorn beach) is a pristine stretch of sand that extends for about 6 kilometers. Situated between the two most extreme points of Formentera, the promontory of Cap De Barbaria and the iconic lighthouse of La Mola, it’s the longest beach on the island, a natural jewel that, with its golden sand and crystal-clear waters, has always enchanted visitors.

Characterized by a succession of coves and hidden inlets, Playa de Migjorn, literally “midday beach” due to its southern exposure, is the perfect place to completely immerse yourself in the wildest and most unspoiled nature, savoring the most authentic and genuine soul of Formentera.

Aerial view of Playa de Migjorn

Due to its length, Playa de Migjorn is commonly divided into four zones:

Ca Marí: the part closest to the village of Sant Ferran, ideal for those seeking a more peaceful environment.

Migjorn: the heart of the beach, characterized by a relaxed atmosphere and a wide range of services.

Es Arenals: the most lively and frequented area, with a very wide beach and shallow waters, perfect for families.

Es Copinar: the eastern end, which precedes the suggestive cove of Caló Des Mort, a true paradise for nature lovers.

How to get there: to reach Playa de Migjorn, simply follow the paved road PM-820. This scenic route starts from the port of La Savina and winds along the entire southern coast of the island, reaching the La Mola lighthouse, one of the 3 lighthouses of Formentera.

If, for example, you’ve rented a villa in Formentera in the village of Es Pujols, once you’ve passed the small town of Sant Ferran, you’ll encounter numerous signs on the right indicating the accesses to the beach.

As you may have noticed, the roads leading to these beaches, mostly dirt tracks, don’t have official names. To find your way around, people refer to the distance from La Savina, the island’s main port. For example, the sign “Km 11” indicates a distance of 11 kilometers from the port. Sometimes, to make it easier to find your way, the name of a nearby restaurant or hotel is also indicated.

After this brief introduction, let’s delve deeper into the different areas of Migjorn beach, analyzing in detail the gastronomic offerings of restaurants and beach bars.

Ca Marí

Ca Marí is the first place you’ll encounter on the Migjorn coast, marking the beginning of a long stretch of pristine beach. To reach it from Sant Ferran, simply follow the main road towards El Pilar de la Mola for a few kilometers. Shortly after leaving Sant Ferran, you can’t miss the signs for Ca Marí on your right.

Immersed in greenery, Ca Marí is an oasis of peace and tranquility, one of the most unspoiled areas of all of Formentera. Here, nature reigns supreme: maritime pines, junipers, and aromatic wild plants create a landscape of extraordinary beauty, perfuming the air with their scents.

In addition to enjoying the splendor of nature, in Ca Marí you will find everything you need for a relaxing holiday: welcoming hotels, restaurants offering delicious local specialties, and characteristic beach bars where you can enjoy a drink with a sea view.

The garden of the Casbah restaurant

In this area, you will find a wide variety of restaurants to suit all tastes. For a refined dining experience, the Casbah is an excellent option: nestled in a lush Mediterranean garden, this restaurant offers sophisticated dishes in an elegant atmosphere.

If you prefer a more casual setting with a sea view, the Sa Platgeta is the place for you. Run by Spaniards, it offers a wide variety of typical dishes.
For a quick lunch break or a drink with friends, the Karai beach bar is ideal, located just a few steps from the beach.

For a truly unique experience, you can’t miss the Pelayo restaurant. In this family-run establishment, a convivial lunch with a giant, freshly made paella is held every Sunday. Imagine yourself immersed in a fresh pine forest, just a few steps from the sea, while you watch this iconic Valencian dish being prepared. A perfect occasion to share a special moment with friends or family.
It is advisable to book well in advance, as places for this special lunch are snapped up quickly. Pelayo is an excellent choice to enjoy a paella in Formentera without breaking the bank.

As for accommodations, we find two completely different realities: Real Playa and Gecko Beach Club. The first is a family-run business since 1982 and offers a welcoming and authentic atmosphere with its seven double rooms and a restaurant overlooking the sea. Here you can savor the flavors of tradition in a relaxed environment. And if you’re not a guest of the B&B, you can still enjoy a day at the beach, choosing between the comfort of sunbeds and umbrellas or the freedom of the free beach.

Gecko Beach Club, on the other hand, represents the most modern and sophisticated face of the island. Both the hotel and the restaurant offer top-level services, designed to satisfy even the most demanding needs. The wellness area, carefully designed in every detail, is the ideal place to treat yourself to a moment of pure relaxation, perhaps with a yoga session that can be booked directly at the reception. If you are looking for a holiday of comfort and well-being, Gecko Beach Club is the perfect choice.

Migjorn

Having passed the area of Ca Marí, we enter a stretch of coast called Migjorn. The numerous dirt roads leading to the beaches are clearly indicated by both kilometer markers and the names of the characteristic restaurants that overlook them. In order, we will illustrate which beaches to visit along this fantastic coastline.

The first detour you will encounter is indicated by signs pointing to the beach bar [A] Mar and the Blue Bar. The first, an absolute novelty of 2024, heir to the famous Lucky kiosk, will offer you a wide selection of snacks and drinks to enjoy in a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The beach in front is very popular and offers ample space for those who prefer to lay out their towel freely and for those who want to relax on sunbeds and umbrellas.

Sea view from the Blue Bar

The Blue Bar, on the other hand, is one of the island’s historic venues. Its walls, entirely painted blue, make it unmistakable. Here you can enjoy delicious dishes, sip a drink, or simply soak up the relaxed atmosphere.

But the Blue Bar is also famous for its lively nightlife. Every Tuesday and Sunday, shortly before sunset, the Alien Show takes place: a giant alien puppet performs wild dances, accompanied by music selected by a DJ and a festive atmosphere. The show, suitable for both adults and children, takes place outdoors, with the beautiful Migjorn beach as a natural backdrop.
Music lovers, on the other hand, can’t miss the Antena Libre concerts, an alternative band that offers a captivating mix of reggae sounds and more, every Monday at 9 pm.

Continuing along the road, at kilometer 8.9, you can’t miss the signs for the Es Codol Foradat restaurant. This true gastronomic institution of Formentera, with its typical Spanish atmosphere, will win you over with traditional dishes revisited in a modern key. Behind the stoves, you’ll find the Michelin-starred chef Nandu Jubany and his son Euldad, who create real works of culinary art with the freshest and highest quality ingredients.
Don’t miss the opportunity to taste their famous “lobster trilogy”: an unforgettable experience for the most refined palates. After lunch, you can relax on the beautiful beach, enjoying the sun and the sound of the waves.

A short distance further on, you’ll find the sign for the Vogamari restaurant. Overlooking the sea, this Spanish-run restaurant will welcome you with attentive and courteous service, ready to satisfy your every request. The panoramic view of the sea is simply breathtaking. The nearby beach, convenient and easily accessible, may not be the most picturesque of Playa de Migjorn.

Es Arenals

Following the directions, you’ll reach a truly wide and inviting stretch of beach, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the crystal-clear sea: Es Arenals.
The first establishment you’ll come across is Beach Club 10.7, a landmark for many island regulars (previously known for its partnership with Patrizia Pepe). Here you can enjoy delicious cocktails and dishes, but we highly recommend treating yourself to a drink on the panoramic terrace: the sea view is enchanting!

A little further on, you’ll find La Fragata, a historic restaurant opened in 1979. In addition to offering flavorful cuisine, it also has apartments for those who want a relaxing vacation. The beach in front is truly enchanting and offers both free areas for nature lovers and equipped areas with sunbeds and umbrellas for those who prefer more comfort.

KM11 beach bar

Just a short distance from these two venues, you’ll find the KM11 beach bar, a 2024 newcomer that has already captured the hearts of visitors. Born from the ashes of the famous Piratabus, KM11 is the perfect place to escape the scorching sun and enjoy a refreshing drink. The tables, nestled in a shaded area, offer spectacular views of the Migjorn coast.
If you’re a mojito lover, here you’ll find one of the best versions on the island: a true legacy of the legendary Piratabus! The beach bar opens for lunch and stays open until shortly after sunset, creating magical atmospheres at dusk.

If you’re looking for a wide, well-equipped beach, we recommend continuing along the paved road that leads to La Mola. At kilometer 11, you’ll find the sign for Insula Beach and Es Arenals beach. Insula Beach is a sophisticated restaurant with a lounge bar boasting a wonderful sea-view terrace.

Just a few hundred meters away, nestled in a landscape of rare beauty, we find Hannah Formentera, a restaurant and boutique hotel. Previously known as Es Arenals, then Casa Pacha, and finally Casa Formentera, this charming Mediterranean-style establishment, under new management, is preparing to welcome an international clientele. The cuisine, curated by chef Alberto Pacheco, is ready to surprise even the most refined palates.

A more informal and relaxed atmosphere awaits you at the Gitana chiringuito (beach bar), located a little further along the beach. Established in place of the La Franja kiosk and inaugurated in July 2024, Gitana is ideal for a lunch break or a sunset drink, representing an unmissable stop during a holiday in Formentera.

Es Copinar

The last stretch of the long Migjorn beach is Es Copinar, a hidden gem reachable by following the signs for the elegant Hotel Riu La Mola. This luxury resort, with its spa, pool, children’s entertainment, and a rich international buffet, offers an unforgettable experience. The beachfront, wide and comfortable, is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the sun.

Overlooking Es Copinar beach, from which it takes its name, the restaurant Es Cupinà has been an institution since 1972. It offers spectacular sea views and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
The menu, rich and varied, satisfies all palates: from fresh fish dishes, prepared according to local tradition, to paella. The service is quick and attentive, making the dining experience even more pleasant. Perfect for a drink while admiring the sunset over the sea.

Chiringuito Bartolo

At the end of Es Copinar beach, an icon stands: the Chiringuito Bartolo. Born in the distant 1976 and once entirely painted a vibrant blue, this slice of paradise has always been a landmark for those visiting Formentera.
Famous for its succulent burgers and fresh salads, prepared with genuine ingredients and original combinations, Bartolo conquers even the most demanding palates. Thanks to its slightly elevated position, you can admire a breathtaking view of the beach and the crystal-clear sea.

Run by a local family, Chiringuito Bartolo is also renowned for its welcoming and familiar atmosphere. Here, between a beer and a chat with the owners, you can breathe the authentic essence of Formentera. And then there’s it, the undisputed protagonist of countless photos: the wish tree, covered in colorful shells. A symbol of hope and good luck, which for years has fascinated visitors and island residents alike.

The long beach of Migjorn, with its alternation of wild areas and equipped areas, is one of the most fascinating in Formentera. Whether you are looking for a trendy aperitif, a relaxing lunch by the sea, or a moment of solitude in nature, here you will surely find what you are looking for.