During the summer months the beach has an inseparable companion on the sand: the beach bar.
The chiringuito is an inseparable part of the summer culture of our country. The word chiringuito was used for the first time in 1913 in Sitges (Barcelona) to baptize a place that was located on the beach of that city (a place that is still in operation).
Today it is a term commonly used to refer to those beach bars that save us from the inclemencies of hunger and heat during the summer.
The beach bars of Formentera by zones
In Formentera there are several beach bars that have even become famous for themselves: Kiosko62, Kiosko Bartolo, Piratabus… Surely you have heard of these chiringuitos (or Kioskos, as the locals call them) even if you have not yet visited the island.
Although the term chiringuito is a bit ambiguous and sometimes also includes beachfront restaurants, or chiringuitos that look more like a beachclub both for its size and for the volume of its music, the truth is that In Formentera you have beach bars for all tastes:
- Chiringuitos (beach bars) to watch the sunsets while enjoying your favorite beverage
- VIP-style beach bars with higher-than-average prices but in privileged areas.
- Hippie beach bars, where the atmosphere is totally relaxed and laid back.
- Chiringuitos ideal for children and families, where you can breathe a calm and familiar atmosphere.
Here we are going to list the different beach bars that you can visit in Formentera classified by the different areas of the island where they are located.
Beach bars in Illetas
In Illetas you will find the most exclusive beach bars, restaurants and beach clubs in Formentera.
If you spend the day on one of the beaches of Illetas and want to enjoy a cool drink you will have to pay the price of what it means to have a beach bar in such an exclusive area, but you will enjoy an enviable environment and the best sunsets in the world (no exaggeration).
The most famous and visited area of Formentera has beach bars to match it.
Although when we refer to Illetas the term “chiringuito” is a bit of an understatement (since some of these places are more like restaurants, or beach clubs, or all at the same time), we are going to list all the beach bars that you can find in this area.
- El Tiburón, halfway between beach bar, beach club and restaurant, is located (hidden we would say) under a thick and enigmatic forest of junipers. El Tiburón has been located on the dunes of Es Cavall d’en Borràs beach for more than 25 years and is a classic of Illetas and Formentera. If you want to have a table at Tiburón we recommend that you call in advance to make your reservation.
- El Pirata is located in front of Ses Xalanes beach, at its southern end. This is a well-known restaurant/chiringuito. In the evening the restaurant becomes more lively, with music and mojitos circulating everywhere.
- Beso Beach, oriented more as a beach club than as a beach bar, is one of the local reference in the area of Illetas. Located in a forest of junipers on the beach of Es Cavall d’en Borràs in the afternoon, its parties are a meeting point.
- Tanga Beach restaurant/chiringuito is located at the opposite end of Illetas, on Levante Beach. This beach bar/restaurant has a beautiful wooden pergola and is one of the classics of this area of Illetas: it has been here since 1978.
You also have beach restaurants in Illetas, which are a meeting place for celebrities and onlookers alike. Some of the best known and most exclusive restaurants in Formentera are located in Illetas and are the following:
- Restaurant es Ministre is located at the far end of Illetas. It has a large terrace overlooking the Platja de n’Adolf.
- Es Molí de Sal is an exclusive restaurant located in the building that used to be the mill that refined the salt extracted from the salt mines d’en Marroig.
- Juan y Andrea is the most famous of all the restaurants in Illetas. What started as a small beach bar in 1971 is now a classic of Illetas and Formentera.
Beach bars in Es Pujols
Es Pujols is the nerve center of Formentera’s nightlife and the meeting point for much of the Italian community visiting the island. In Es Pujols we can find a couple of beach bars and some other places where “going barefoot” is allowed.
- The Chiringuito People, located on the beach of Es Pujols, serves you at the bar itself or in the hammocks they have on the sand.
- Kiosko s’Abeuradeta, hidden behind a forest of junipers, is a simple kiosk where you can enjoy a cool drink while in Es Pujols.
- The Tahiti beach is located in front of the large beach of the Bay of Es Pujols. The tables on the Tahiti Beach terrace are located on the sand.
- Can Vent is a restaurant/cafeteria located on the seafront, with a carefully decorated and has an outdoor terrace where the tables are on the sand.
Beach bars in Migjorn
The coast of Migjorn, for its length and the large number of bathing spots it hides, is one of the places where we find more beach bars. Some of them are among the best known of Formentera:
- Chiringuito Pelayo is one of the best known beach bars in the quietest part of Migjorn. Located in the shade of a thick pine forest, its Sunday paellas are very popular.
- Kiosko 62, a simple wooden kiosk or beach bar located in the Ca Marí area. Kiosko 62 is frequented by locals and island workers to enjoy its homemade hamburgers and pomadas.
- Kiosko Ca Marí, located in the urbanization of the same name, is an unpretentious beach bar and restaurant, offering Mediterranean and local food at a good price.
- The Piratabus is a classic of the Migjorn coast. The name comes from the bus that was abandoned in the area in the mid 80’s after a breakdown and where the first bar was located.
- Kiosko Lucky is located on the beach of Es Racó Fondo, a few meters from the well-known Blue Bar. This white bar has a delicious menu of Italian food that will not leave you indifferent.
- Kiosko La Franja is a family-run, friendly and unpretentious chiringuito that offers delicious food at a good price. It is located on the beach of Es Arenals.
- Kiosko Bartolo is one of the best known beach bars in Formentera. The classic blue color of Kiosko Bartolo is as famous as its delicious and well-known hamburgers. It is on the beach of Es Copinyar.
Other premises in Migjorn
In addition to the classic beach bars, there are several restaurants and bars on the beach on the coast of Migjorn. The most noteworthy are the following.
- Restaurant Sa Platjeta, located a few meters from the Chiringuito Pelayo, in Restaurant Sa Platjeta you can enjoy rice and fish dishes under the shade of a pine forest.
- The Sol & Luna restaurant, a Mediterranean restaurant where there is, with quality food and proximity. If you want to enjoy a good fish this is your place.
- South Beach Club, the only modern beach club on the coast of Migjorn. Its large covered terrace, with hammocks and umbrellas, is the perfect place to relax.
- El Real Playa is a 100% family-run beach restaurant that has been on the Migjorn coast since 1982. Homemade food, at a good price and friendly service.
- Blue Bar, one of the classics of Formentera. Chiringuito and restaurant by day, and music bar by night, the Blue Bar awaits you with its doors open at any time.
- Restaurant 10.7, if you are looking for tranquility, quality Italian cuisine and an idyllic setting and views, 10.7 is the restaurant to go to.
- La Fragata is a restaurant offering market cuisine and local specialties. If you want to enjoy seafood and Mediterranean food this is your place.
- The Flipper & Chiller is a beach restaurant, lounge bar and beach bar all at once. It is located on the beach of Es Arenals.
- Es Cupiná Restaurant, located a few meters above the beach Es Copinyar, the sea views and the sunset from the lounge area of this place will not leave anyone indifferent.
Beach bars in Cala Saona
Cala Saona is one of the most popular beaches and loved by locals and tourists seeking tranquility and flee from the hustle and bustle. In Cala Saona you have a beach bar and a couple of restaurants.
- Chiringuito Saona, located on the cliff of the beach of Cala Saona, from the Chiringuito Saona you can enjoy a drink from the balcony with visits to the sand.
Other locals in Cala Saona: you can also find a couple of restaurants on the beach if you are in the mood for rice and a bottle of fresh white wine. These are:
- The Sol Restaurant is located right on the beach. It has been open since the 70’s and on its terrace you can enjoy a rice dish overlooking the bay.
- The Chacala, located at the entrance of Cala Saona, elevated a few meters above the beach, offers Mediterranean and market food under the shade of pine trees.
You said beach bar? Then check the beaches of Formentera
A beach bar is nothing without a beach to shine on, so if you’re interested in finding out more about Formentera, take a look at its beaches and coves.
Here are two links to the complete lists of beaches and coves in Formentera:
