Formentera viewpoints: the best places to see the island from above

Formentera is famous for its beaches and crystal-clear water, but the island hides other treasures that are just as impressive: its viewpoints. From these high spots you can take in the whole shape of the island, long and narrow, with the sea on both sides. And to round off the experience, you can combine the views from land with a trip by sea thanks to boat hire in Formentera, to see the cliffs of la Mola or Cap de Barbaria from below.

Why visit a viewpoint in Formentera?

Climbing up to a viewpoint is one of the best ways to understand Formentera: from up high you can see how the beaches on both coasts come together, along with the pine woods, the fields and the white houses, and on clear days Ibiza and the islet of es Vedrà on the horizon. And if you are after the perfect photo or a special moment at sunset, they are unmissable stops.

The best viewpoints in Formentera

La Mola viewpoint (es Mirador)

This is the best-known viewpoint on the island. It is on the road up to la Mola: past es Caló de Sant Agustí, just before you reach the plateau, you will find a west-facing restaurant where you can stop. From here you can see almost the whole of Formentera: the north and south coasts at once, Migjorn beach on one side, Tramuntana on the other, and the road that crosses the island all the way to la Savina. The best time is sunset, when the landscape turns red.

Views from the Camí de sa Pujada. Photo: Joan Gené, CC BY-SA 4.0

La Mola lighthouse

At the island’s eastern tip, La Mola lighthouse (opened in 1861) stands on the edge of a cliff some 120 metres above the sea. Beside it there is a monument to Jules Verne, who mentions this spot in his novel Hector Servadac, and the building houses a cultural space with an exhibition (closed on Mondays and from 1 December to 11 February; check opening times on formentera.es).

Cap de Barbaria lighthouse

At the island’s south-western tip, Cap de Barbaria lighthouse towers over a sheer cliff in an arid, almost desert-like landscape. It is one of the best places in Formentera to watch the sunset. About 2 km away is the 18th-century torre des Garroveret.

Watch out for access rules: from 15 May to 15 October, cars and motorbikes cannot drive all the way to the lighthouse. You have to leave your vehicle in the car park by the barrier and cover the last stretch, about 1.7 km, on foot or by bike. If you go near the cave next to the lighthouse, the one that appears in the film Sex and Lucía, take great care.

Sunset at Cap de Barbaria. Photo: Beni Marull, CC BY-SA 4.0

Punta Prima tower

Next to es Pujols, on the cliffs of Punta Prima, stands the Punta Prima tower, built in 1762 and the largest of the island’s defence towers. You cannot go inside, but the surrounding area is open to the public and offers spectacular views towards Ibiza and the cliffs. It is a good spot for both sunrise and sunset.

Sa Punta Prima tower. Photo: Joan Gené, CC0

Cala Saona viewpoint

Above the reddish cliffs surrounding Cala Saona, on the west coast, this viewpoint looks out over the whole cove, the pine woods running down to the sea and the open horizon to the west. It is one of the best places on the island for sunset, when the rock turns even redder. You get there via the Cap de Barbaria road and the signposted turn-off for the cove. In summer, it is worth arriving in good time.

Cala Saona from the sea. Photo: Isla Azul Formentera

Tips for visiting Formentera’s viewpoints

• Choose your time well: sunrise and sunset are the best moments for light and colour.
• Protect yourself from the sun: bring sun cream, sunglasses and a cap, especially in summer.
• Wear comfortable shoes: some viewpoints are reached along dirt tracks or after a short walk.
• Take care on the cliffs: keep away from the edge, especially when it is windy.
• Respect the environment: take your rubbish with you and stay on the paths.

Viewpoints and walking: the perfect combination

A good way to see several viewpoints is to follow one of the island’s signposted green routes, on foot or by bike. Two recommendations:

• Route 25, Camí de sa Pujada: climbs from es Caló to the la Mola plateau along the old path, with some of the best panoramic views on the island (4 km, hard).
• Route 8, Sant Francesc – Far de Barbaria: crosses the Formentera countryside to Cap de Barbaria lighthouse (9.6 km, moderate).

Visiting Formentera’s viewpoints is about much more than looking at the scenery: it is a way to understand what the island is like and to take home some of the best memories of your trip. Make sure you include them in your plans!