Family vacation in Formentera: top 5 activities to do

Don't panic, just pack!

Finally, time off for vacation and you’re dreaming of spending time with your kids somewhere nice, quiet and surrounded by nature. That place is a paradisiacal island for a family vacation and it is called Formentera. So, are you ready to spend some quality time with your family while exploring secret coves and blue lagoons?

See here the list of the top 5 family outdoor activities in Formentera:

  1. Bike around the island
  2. Discover Formentera's fascinating underwater world
  3. Go on a boat trip
  4. Explore the Ses Salines Natural Park
  5. Family kayaking on the coast of Formentera

The crystalline waters of the Cala Saona beach in Formentera, Spain

The stunning beach of Cala Saona with turquoise waters in Formentera

1. Bike around the island

Are you in for lighthouse hunting with your family while pedaling? Put your helmets on and let’s cycle around Formentera to explore its outstanding views! Start your bike tour from the beautiful town of El Pilar de La Mola and take the road to the Faro de La Mola. The oldest lighthouse on the island counts almost 161 years of life. 

From there, head towards Faro de es Cap de Barbaria. It’s about 20 km away from the Faro de La Mola. Not that close, right? Don’t worry. There are many amazing places in between for a stopover such as the magnificent cove of Caló Des Mort. Golden sand and turquoise waters will put a spell on you and compel you to stay there forever.

But, the show (the lighthouse hunting) must go on! After grabbing a bite and drinking some water, take the road to the Faro Es Cap De Barbaria. While enjoying the view from the most southern point of the Balearic Islands, you will get the chills while hearing of the pirate battleships.

Tip: if you’re a fan of Jules Verne and the Faro de La Mola rings a bell with you, then read the “Adventures of Hector Servadac” and find out how the imposing lighthouse is tied to this book.

The imposing Faro de la Mola lighthouse in Formentera, Spain

Bike riding and enjoying the stunning view from the Faro de La Mola lighthouse

2. Discover Formentera's fascinating underwater world

Are you ready to explore the magic of the underwater world in Formentera? Hop on one of the boats leaving every morning from the port of La Savina. The snorkeling experience takes about 2-3 hours including fins, snorkels, masks, and 2 instructors for guidance and safety. If your children are over 2 years old, then you are good to go! 

Large Posidonia meadows, anemones, starfish, octopuses, and groupers are only a few of the amazing creatures lying underwater. Can you picture your children’s eyes wide open glistening with this awe-inspiring sight?

The colorful underwater world of the Formentera sea in Spain

Snorkeling with the fascinating underwater world of Formentera

3. Go on a boat trip

For this sailboat excursion, you will need the whole day. Picture yourself aboard the boat setting sail with your family for a magical day out in open waters. On your trip, you will cruise past stunning beaches, lighthouses and old towers.

The first stop is to the mesmerizing beach of Es Pujol and then to Ses Illetes beach in Formentera. Then, you will head towards Ibiza and the pristine islet of Espalmador for deep dives and snorkeling, and stop at Playa d'en Bossa’s stunning coastline for delicious paella.

Tip: alternatively, you can go on a day trip to Ibiza and take the ferry to Formentera from Ibiza late in the evening as there are many daily crossings between the islands taking about 30 minutes.

A wooden platform leading to the beach of Ses Illetes in Formentera, Spain

Picturesque wooden walkway at the Ses Illetes beach

4. Explore the Ses Salines Natural Park

The Ses Salines Natural Park extends from the north part of Formentera to southern Ibiza, including the sea between the islands. The natural park boasts a magnificent representation of the Mediterranean’s rich biodiversity. 

Can you imagine playing hide and seek with flamingos? Take your binoculars and go bird-watching with your family in this amazing nesting area for more than 210 different species of migrating birds. 

You will see beautiful flamingos, white-throated nightjars, the impressive black-necked grebe, and the Balearic shearwater with its brownish armpits flying around. Watch the astonishing blue Pityusic lizard avoiding the sun and the garden dormouse hiding between glasswort beds.

Tip: before you leave the park, take a walk near the pink-hued salt lagoons surrounded by lush forests.

Pools of water for the saltworks at the Ses Salines Natural Park in Formentera, Spain

Pools of saltwater at the Ses Salines Natural Park in Formentera

5. Family kayaking on the coast of Formentera

Very little is needed to make a happy life. One of these little things is paddling in open waters. Go on a sensational kayaking tour in Formentera, paddle with your family over crystal-clear waters into hidden bays, see imposing rock formations, explore secret caves, and have fun!

Tip: you can also discover here what to do in Formentera with your family, besides the fun activities.

A family kayaking in Formentera, Spain

A family kayaking on the coast of Formentera

The greatest legacy you can leave to your family is happy memories and a summer family vacation in Formentera, filled with fun activities, is sure to create them! Book your ferry tickets to Formentera on Ferryhopper and get ready for your summer getaway!