Camping in Formentera: there’s not, but there are alternatives

If you’ve searched for “camping Formentera” on Google hoping to find a campsite where you can pitch your tent for your next holiday in Formentera, we’re sorry to tell you that there are no campsites in Formentera.

In this article we’ll explain all the details about the regulations regarding camping in Formentera, an interesting story about an attempt to open a campsite on the island in the 1990s that was rejected by the local population, as well as accommodation alternatives that, although not campsites, are similar.

Camping in Formentera: prohibited in all forms

There are no campsites in Formentera and moreover, it’s completely forbidden to sleep anywhere other than in legal accommodation.

This means that:

• Wild camping is not allowed
• Spending the night in a van or vehicle is not allowed
• Sleeping on the beaches is not allowed
• Sleeping rough in wooded areas is not allowed

If you choose to sleep on the beach, in a vehicle or in one of Formentera’s forests you risk fines from the Local Police of Formentera or the Guardia Civil.

The attempt to open a campsite in Formentera that sparked island-wide protests

In the early 1990s, construction was booming and tourism had already become the main source of income for the island of Formentera. (It was during this period that the exploitation of the salt flats came to an end.) The people of Formentera took to the streets several times to protest against what they considered to be attacks on the island’s exceptional natural environment: plans to build a huge hotel complex in the Punta Pedrera and Estany des Peix areas and a campsite in the Ca Marí area.

The local population opposed the opening of such an infrastructure, as they felt the impact on the island would be too great and would jeopardise its sustainability.

The residents of Formentera also complained that all investment and infrastructure decisions were being made from Mallorca and Ibiza, as at the time Formentera did not have its own Island Council, meaning it wasn’t the Formenterers themselves who decided whether a campsite would be beneficial for the island or not.

Neighbourhood pressure eventually caused the developers to abandon the decision to build a campsite in Formentera.

Documentary about the failed campsite project in Formentera: Camping NO!

If you’d like to learn more about this chapter of Formentera’s history and its people’s fight against the installation of a campsite on the island, you can watch the Camping NO! documentary.

Here’s the introduction to this documentary (around fifteen minutes), available for free on YouTube:

Alternative accommodation to camping in Formentera

In Formentera you’ll find companies offering accommodation options similar to bungalows and small apartments, as well as a few simple, unpretentious hostels — perfect if all you need is a place to sleep and rest.

Here are some of the most interesting ones.

Note: if you book your accommodation through the links on our website, AllFormentera.com earns a commission that helps to keep the project running without affecting the price you pay 🙂 Thank you for your support!

Bungalow-style or independent apartment accommodation

In Formentera you’ll find many accommodations offering independent bungalows within a complex featuring shared services such as a swimming pool and/or gardens.

Here are some of the most noteworthy.

Talaya Formentera

Talaya offers independent bungalows/apartments within a beautiful complex near Migjorn beach.

Talaya is pet-friendly and a good accommodation option if you’d like a mini-apartment in Migjorn with all the comforts.

Paraíso de los Pinos

Paraíso de los Pinos is a luxurious apartment/bungalow complex also located in the Migjorn area. Unlike simpler complexes, Paraíso de los Pinos is aimed at visitors looking for more sophisticated guest services.

Aguamar Formentera

Aguamar is a simple complex of independent bungalows in the Ca Marí area.

The complex features shared areas including an outdoor pool with sun loungers in the solarium.

Roquetes Premium Bungalows

This bungalow complex on the outskirts of Es Pujols features beautiful gardens and a private pool. It’s located behind Sa Roqueta beach.

We don’t yet have photos of these bungalows. We’ll try to visit soon!

Casa Amarilla Bungalows Formentera

Casa Amarilla is a small bungalow/apartment for two with private terrace, barbecue and outdoor dining area, surrounded by beautiful gardens. It’s in a very peaceful part of Migjorn.

We don’t yet have photos of this accommodation. We’ll try to visit soon!

Bungalows del Lago Formentera

Small bungalow complex on the shores of Estany des Peix, just minutes from La Savina on foot or by vehicle.

The best feature is how quiet the area is, as the eastern part (Can Marroig estate) is a protected zone.

There are two apartments: one with 1 bedroom for 3+2 guests and another with 2 bedrooms for 4+3 guests.

We don’t yet have photos of these bungalows. We’ll try to visit soon!

Sa Sargantana Bungalows

Sa Sargantana bungalows are located in one of the quietest parts of Migjorn coast: near Es Mal Pas beach at the end of a dirt track. The complex has 3 accommodations: 1 small studio for 2 people, a house for 4+2 and a small apartment for 2+2 guests.

We don’t yet have photos of these bungalows. We’ll try to visit soon!

Can Miquel Martí Bungalows

This small apartment complex is practically next door to the aforementioned “Sa Sargantana Bungalows”, so Es Mal Pas beach is at the end of the dirt track. The complex has 2 apartments/bungalows: one for 3+2 and another for 5+4.

We don’t yet have photos of these bungalows. We’ll try to visit soon!

Lesley Tourist Apartments

Lesley tourist apartments are located on the outskirts of Es Ca Marí residential area, very close to Formentera’s power station in a very quiet location.

These mini-apartments each have a kitchen, small terrace and access to a shared outdoor pool.

We don’t yet have photos of these bungalows. We’ll try to visit soon!

Voga Mari Premium Bungalows

The Voga Mari complex offers 4 bungalows/mini-apartments very close to Es Còdol Foradat beach.

The nearby restaurant is quite renowned, so if you stay at Voga Mari try not to miss it. The bungalows don’t have private kitchens.

We don’t yet have photos of these bungalows. We’ll try to visit soon!

Hostels in Formentera

Formentera also has hostels with prices well below hotels, perfect if you just need somewhere to rest – much like basic campsites.

Hostal Pepe

Hostal Pepe is a Formentera classic and one of the island’s longest-running guesthouses/restaurants.

This unpretentious hostel is in Sant Ferran town centre, opposite the church square.

If you’re looking for basic hostel accommodation for your Formentera holiday, Hostal Pepe is certainly worth considering.

Hostal Bon Sol

Very close to the aforementioned Hostal Pepe you’ll find Hostal Bon Sol’s rooms.

These simple, comfortable rooms in the town centre are perfect for resting after a full beach day in Formentera.

As it’s on Sant Ferran’s busiest street, there may be noise and people dining outside until late. If you seek peace and quiet, bear this in mind.

Hostal Capri

Hostal Capri in central Es Pujols is one of Formentera’s most beloved hostels. It’s also home to one of the island’s most reputable and popular restaurants.

Regarding accommodation, Capri offers simple, reasonably priced rooms in the centre of Formentera’s liveliest town with the most nightlife options.

Hostal Es Pi

Hostal Es Pi is in eastern Es Ca Marí residential area, in a semi-urban location surrounded by fields and pine trees.

This simple, family-run hostel is peaceful and welcoming, offering breakfast and a small outdoor pool for lazy afternoons when you don’t fancy going to the beach.

Hostal Aigua Clara

Hostal Aigua Clara is a welcoming, family-run hostel in Ca Marí, Migjorn.

It offers different room types, beautiful gardens with views of Ca Marí beach, and breakfast service.

Remember our online Formentera directory includes not just bungalows and apartments but also hotels, villas and holiday homes for rent.