Complete guide to the markets of Formentera
Retail therapy heaven!
The Balearic Islands have become popular destinations, not only for their unique beauty but also for the shopping experience they offer. If you thought, however, that Ibiza’s hippie markets were retail therapy heaven, wait until you visit Formentera.
Ibiza’s sister island has 5 markets usually held from May to October. There, local artists sell products designed and produced in workshops on the island such as jewelry, textiles, glass, ceramics, leather, and paintings. This makes it impossible to leave Formentera without some special souvenirs.
In this article, you can find all the information you need to know about Formentera’s 5 main markets:
Multi-colored handmade bags and bracelets on a market stand
1. La Savina
From the moment you step off the ferry from Ibiza, you’ll find yourself in La Savina, immersed in Formentera’s port market.
Once you start walking along the harbor front, you can find many bars, cafes and restaurants and, in summer, a long line of seafront stalls selling clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and hand-crafted goods.
The La Savina market takes place every day from 10:00 until midnight and even though it is the most commercial of Formentera’s markets, it is full of charm and has many handcrafted items available for purchase at very accessible prices.
Tip: before or after your visit to the market, visit the stunning beaches of Playa Illetes and Playa de Levante to cool off. And if you’re seeking an adrenaline-rush adventure, check out our relevant blog post on the best water sports in Formentera.
Handmade wind chimes selling at an outdoor market
2. Sant Francesc Xavier
The Sant Francesc market takes place at the beautiful homonymous village and the capital of Formentera every day except Sundays from 10:00 to 14:00 from May to October.
In the heart of the beautiful village, just behind the Sant Francesc Xavier church, locals and visitors stroll through the market in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere to find lots of handmade items, arts, crafts, and clothes. You can take something home as a souvenir or gift for your loved ones.
Thanks to its close proximity to the main square, you can enjoy various gastronomic and leisure activities before or after visiting the market, whether it’s a breakfast, an aperitif, or lunch.
What better way to spend your Saturday morning than to visit the Sant Francesc market in Formentera?
The charming Sant Francesc Xavier church at the capital of Formentera
3. Es Pujols
Es Pujols is located on the north coast of Formentera and due to the combination of beach, hotels, shops, and restaurants in the area, it has become one of the most famous destinations on the island.
And no wonder why its night craft market is one of its most significant sights. This hippie market takes place on the Es Pujols seafront from May to October, from 20:00 until midnight. The street is filled with more than 40 stands with various creations of local artists from handbags, T-shirts, baskets, hats, and ceramics to necklaces and earrings.
Taking home with you a souvenir from this small Balearic town is a fantastic way of keeping it in your memory forever.
Tip: if you find yourself visiting Formentera in July, make sure to attend the last of the 3 Flower Power festivals, which takes place at the Es Pujols beach. Colorful lights, colorful clothes, DJs, and the best music of the 60s, 70s and 80s characterize this summer festival, a true tribute to the island´s hippie past.
Long feather dreamcatchers hanging at a market stall
4. Sant Ferran
The Sant Ferran markets are held at the small inland town of Sant Ferran de Ses Roques every day, except on Wednesdays and Sundays, from June to September. Τhe best artists of the island transform the Calle Mayor (Main Street) into a large open-air art gallery by exhibiting their art inspired by the island. In fact, this is where the hippy movement of the island began. Live music and food are also on offer.
Furthermore, a visit to the Sant Ferran market is a great idea for the whole family, since every Tuesday throughout August, workshops for children are held by the artists at the market.
By purchasing a small item from the Sant Ferran market you will always carry a piece of “isla bonita” with you.
The church of Sant Ferran, one of the main villages of Formentera
5. El Pilar de la Mola
If you want to travel back to the 60s and 70s and embrace your inner hippy, then the market of La Mola, which was founded in 1984, is definitely worth visiting!
With around 50 stalls, this is Formentera’s main market and one of the most authentic and visited on the island. This colorful market consists exclusively of certified craftsmen selling authentic works of art.
From the beginning of May until Pilar Day (12 October), on Wednesdays and Sundays from 16:30 to 22:30, El Pilar de la Mola is transformed into a vibrant, creative and cultural hub where local designers and artists meet to exhibit their creations. Here, someone can find textiles with wool from the island, accessories, jewelry, and other products created with natural materials such as wood, silver and leather.
In its central square, there is usually live music and you can also enjoy various gastronomic offerings at the food stands.
People strolling through a market with many small shops
Souvenirs are the best way to keep your memories from your magical trip to Formentera alive. Are you ready for shopping? Book ferry tickets online and pack your bags!
Tip: planning your trip to Formentera and looking for the best way to travel to the island? Check out our complete guide on how to get to Formentera.
