Formentera is, without a doubt, the most famous destination to enjoy an unforgettable holiday with your children. The calm, warm turquoise water and the perfectly conserved environment are an authentic paradise for the whole family.
A typical island building in the reserve Reserva Natural de Las Salinas, or lodging in one of the small towns no more than 20 minutes by car from the farthest point of the island, enables us to enjoy all kinds of activities both on land and in the sea, a peaceful bike ride or a walk on the numerous rural paths, enjoying nature at its purest and the rich cultural heritage. You can also admire this by taking part in one of a wide range of water activities such as windsurfing, paddle surfing, kayaking, diving or simply relaxing on one of the idyllic white sand beaches or in a cove with crystal clear water.
Light and color
The beautiful weather on Formentera year-round allows us to enjoy every nook and cranny of the island and swim in the sea in any season. In the spring the island is at its best with its magnificent light and incredible color. Far from the high-season crowds, a sunset or a simple gaze up into the sky or over the sea becomes a unique show that, in itself, justifies a visit to the island. The active tourism offering makes the island a perfect place combining sports, and land and sea activities.
When planning a trip we should always take into account the physical limitations of our children. The unmatched beauty of the coast, the lack of construction in the area, and the untouched dunes distinguish Formentera from other Mediterranean destinations. You can enjoy beaches of paradisiacal beauty with all the services and safety you need.
Walking or cycling
The 12 cycle tourism routes are very varied. If you are going with children we recommend taking the 30-minute routes without slopes so they won’t get too tired. Cycling and hiking allow us to enjoy beautiful landscapes, where we can see defense towers from the era of the pirates which fascinate kids. Along the way there are places with a wide variety of birds and plants, definitely a ride in contact with pure nature. The greatness of the lighthouses at the edge of the majestic cliffs or the old windmills will appeal to the little ones.
Crystal clear water
At the beach you can rest on bright white sand or bathe in water so clear that you can see your shadow on the sandy seabed. A seabed that is alternately dominated by the beige of the sandbanks, the green of the posidonia prairies and the dark brown of the rock formations, invites snorkeling. Formentera boasts a sea with almost no waves, thanks to the large barrier of posidonia surrounding the island that not only filters the water leaving it with no impurities and crystal clear, the posidonia also absorbs the power of the waves. A great variety of colorful fish come near the shore and swim close to us, giving adults and children a host of unique experiences.
Water activities
On the island there are several active tourism companies offering activities and courses for children from four years, such as kayaking, windsurfing, horse riding and sailing.
Sailing can be a unique experience thanks to the marked relief of the cliffs and vertical walls. You can share all this with your children since, while the little ones participate in beginner sports courses, parents can join in and learn together with them – a perfect holiday for everyone. The facilities of the sailing school Escuela Municipal de Vela are at the Estany des Peix, one of Formentera’s two lakes, near the Savina harbor. With a small connection to the sea, it’s a perfect place for the little ones because the shallow depth and the warm temperature of the water provides the feeling of security and tranquility you want for your children.
Sports, animation and shows
Formentera also has a sports center with a heated 25m competition pool and a small pool where children can have their first contact with the water. You can share this experience with your children and teach them yourself. It’s free for kids under four. Tennis courts, basketball courts and multipurpose rooms are available to the public for children’s events and for rental to organize birthday partys, etc.
If you are lucky, some of the local festivities will take place during your stay (view the calendar of events at www.formentera.es) where the kids can enjoy entertainment and shows, scavenger hunts, costumes and many more activities designed especially for them. On Saturdays in August and September there are activities for children at the market Mercado de Sant Ferran including performances by clowns, storytellers, circus shows and workshops. The outdoor cinema is another pleasant option on a nice summer night.
Much more for families to enjoy
Throughout the summer the craft markets serve as meeting points on the island, offering musical performances and the opportunity to stroll through the market with the family.
Formentera shares with Ibiza the traditional gastronomic culture. Fish is the main ingredient and appears in many of the island recipes, such as the guisat, a stew made with potatoes, or featured in any number of rice dishes or, just as delicious, simply prepared on the grill. The salad Ensalada de Peix Sec, another typical island dish, is made in the traditional way with fish that has been dried in the sun.
A new Smartphone application offers the possibility of a scavenger hunt that takes the user to different attractions on the island of Formentera, where a virtual passport is stamped and fun pictures of the family can be taken at Formentera’s landmarks. At www.formentera.es you can also download an audio guide in one of seven languages to obtain more information about the cultural heritage of Formentera.
For accommodation you will find more than 150 options offering visitors a wide range of possibilities. You can choose between hotels, small hostels, guesthouses, tourist houses or apartments, well-suited for families (more information at www.formentera.es).