This beautiful Spanish Island is named as one of Europe’s best beaches for Brits wanting a slice of paradise without having to travel half-way across the world
With clear water, a blue sky, and hot weather, you’ll have everything you need at this top-rated Spanish beach. A tropical dream without having to spend extra cash flying to the other side of the world or being on a plane for eight hours.
Formentera, known as Spain’s ‘discreet little sister,’ is part of the Spanish Balearic Islands and is just a ferry ride from Barcelona or Ibiza, as it doesn’t have an airport. The island is surrounded by 40 miles of coastline, offering pure, stunning views of the coastline when on its beautiful beaches.
One of the beaches, Playa de Ses Illetes, is rated in TripAdvisor’s Choice Awards for the Best of the Best Beaches for 2025, making it one of the top 20 in Europe. Lonely Planet’s Best Travel has also named it one of the best places to visit in their 2025 guide. According to them, the beach is “as close to a vision of the Caribbean as you could imagine in Europe,” as it is separated from the rest of the islands.
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The island is a dream for beach lovers. Platja Illetes offers shallow, warm waters perfect for swimming, while its soft sand is ideal for sunbathing. The beach is part of the Ses Salines Natural Park, which is a protected area surrounded by flora and wildlife, such as flamingos and rare birds.
It is also known as the “pink beach” due to its crushed coral dust, which sometimes gives sections of the sand a pink hue. Even though the area is quite popular, its seclusion makes it feel like a hidden paradise.
To experience the island in all its glory, it’s best to rent a bike to travel through the small yet popular area, including pine forests, fishing villages, and salt flats. One of the many beauties is Cap de Barbaria Lighthouse, where you can enjoy amazing views of the horizon.
One tourist wrote on TripAdvisor: “Probably the most beautiful beach of Ibiza and Formentera combined. The landscape is more than sublime, mixing white sand and a crystalline Mediterranean sea, giving the impression of the end of the world, at the edge of Europe.
The month of April is perfect to go there—the water is not too cold, the temperature is pleasant, and especially, the tourists are absent from these “deserted beaches.”
Formentera, with its calming atmosphere and scenic landscapes, is the ideal getaway for those seeking peace.
