DISCOVER PLAYA DE FORMENTOR MALLORCA: SUN, SAND AND SEA!
DISCOVER PLAYA DE FORMENTOR MALLORCA: SUN, SAND AND SEA!

INTRODUCTION: DISCOVER PLAYA DE FORMENTOR MALLORCA
Discover Playa de Formentor, one of the most captivating beaches on Mallorca! Found on the island’s northern tip, this spot offers incredible views, pristine waters, and a relaxed atmosphere that draws visitors year-round. Whether you’re looking for sun, nature or quiet, Playa de Formentor wont disappoint. Did you know it’s often seen as one of the most beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean? As someone who has lived in the area for over a decade, I’m happy to share my inside tips and knowledge of this beautiful destination in the Balearic Islands in Spain. Let’s dive into this post on Playa de Formentor Mallorca (or Platja de Formentor) and find out why it should be on your travel radar this year!
(To find out more about the Coast of Spain and The Mediterranean, see our related posts: “Best Things To Do In Mallorca” and “Pilgrimage Ermita de la Victoria“)

WHAT IS THERE TO DISCOVER IN PLAYA DE FORMENTOR MALLORCA?
Playa de Formentor is a beautiful beach located on the northern coast of Mallorca, offering a quiet escape from the bustling city life. The beach is surrounded by thick pine forests and clear waters, making it an ideal spot for relaxing and unwinding. Visiting this beach provides a chance to rest, enjoy the natural surroundings, and soak in the beauty of Mallorca’s coastline. Of course there’s more to the area than just lying on the beach, so we’ve put together a list of some activities that you can do while you are Platja de Formentor. This will give you a chance to discover more of what this area has to offer.

Activities and Attractions at Playa de Formentor
In summer especially, the calm waters are perfect for snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking.
For some activities listed below, consult local tour operators for schedules and fees. Equipment for many activities can be rented at the beach, local shops, or from tour operators. Here are some top outdoor activities and adventures around Platja de Formentor:
- Snorkeling: the water in the area is very clear and offers a perfect opportunity to see some marine life and explore some interesting rock formations.
- Kayaking Along the Coastline: Paddle your way around the coast and enjoy the crystal clear waters and incredible views. It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned paddlers.
- Paddleboarding: Also perfect for beginners and seasoned paddlers, glide effortlessly along the calm waters and beautiful coastline and enjoy the scenery.
- Hiking to Formentor Lighthouse and Explore the Cap de Formentor: Take a scenic hike to the iconic Formentor Lighthouse. The trail offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean, secluded coves and beaches, and rugged cliffs. (TIP: bring a small towel and a swimsuit. You’ll thank me later)
- Sunset Picnic on the Beach: Pack a picnic and enjoy a stunning sunset over the Mediterranean.
- Cycling Formentor Peninsula: Take a thrilling bike ride through the winding roads of the peninsula. This adventure offers a mix of challenging climbs and rewarding views. (Note: the road to the lighthouse is regulated during the summer to limit vehicle traffic and is closed from 10 am to 10:30pm. The only traffic allowed through are buses, cyclists and hikers. Enjoy!)

- Rock Climbing Adventures: For those seeking a thrill, the cliffs around Formentor offer exciting rock climbing opportunities, catering to various skill levels. (visit Rock and Ride Europe for rock climbing tours and courses)
- Photography: For all the activities listed, make sure to bring a camera. With the stunning landscapes and seascapes of Platja de Formentor, this is a photographer’s dream location.
- Boat Tours Around the Bay: Join a guided boat tour to explore the stunning bay and its hidden gems. TIP: look for a boat tour that has snorkeling included to get the full experience. The tour operators usually know the best places to go to see the widest variety of marine life and underwater rock formations.
- Scenic Drives: If you don’t want to hike to the lighthouse, consider a drive along the Formentor road. This road is known for its winding paths and breathtaking lookout points. It’s a must-do for any road trip enthusiast. Note: during peak tourist season, the road is closed from 10am to 10:30pm to vehicle traffic, with the police only allowing busses, hikers and cyclists through to the lighthouse. Go in the mornings or check ahead to avoid disappointment.

Local Cuisine and Dining
Traditional Mallorca Dishes
When in Platja de Formentor, make sure to try the following traditional Mallorcan dishes:
- Ensaimada: Ensaimada is a round pastry crafted from flour, water, sugar, eggs, and lard. It’s baked to a golden perfection and typically sprinkled with powdered sugar before serving.
- Sobrassada: Sobrassada is a cured sausage crafted from ground pork, paprika, salt, and spices. It’s commonly spread on bread or incorporated into various cooked dishes.
- Tumbet: Tumbet is a traditional dish featuring sliced potatoes, eggplant, and red bell peppers. The vegetables are fried and layered, then topped with tomato sauce and baked.

Wine Tours
Here are five top vineyards and wine producers in Mallorca that offer wine tours or tastings:
- Bodega Ribas: Offers guided tours through its historic winery, with wine tastings in the garden or inside the stately home.
- Bodega Son Prim: Known for premium wines, offering tours with wine tastings in a picturesque setting.
- Vins Ca’n Novell: Offers a unique experience with wine sold by the gallon and tastings that include tapas.
- Celler Macia Batle: Provides 45-minute guided tours with wine tastings and local cured ham and cheese.
- Bodega Binigual: Located in the Binissalem district, it offers tastings of its wines along with homemade bread and olive oil.
These vineyards provide a great opportunity to explore Mallorca’s wine culture and enjoy its diverse offerings.

Tips for a Perfect Day at Platja de Formentor
For all of your activities make sure you take some screen, a hat, and lots of water. In the summer especially, it can get very hot and the sun is extremely strong on the islands especially if you are out on the water. For hiking, also remember to wear good sturdy shoes. Save your flip-flops for the beach. And for all of your activities, make sure to bring a camera (waterproof if you take it out on the water). If you were ever thinking of trying your hand at photography, this is the perfect place to start.
Day Trip Suggestions
Visit Palma: Old Town/Royal Palace/The Cathedral
Consider taking a day trip to Palma to explore its “Old Town”, characterized by narrow streets and historic landmarks like the Almudaina Palace, the official royal residence of the Spanish royal family in Mallorca, the nearby Cathedral, and the Arab Baths. With plenty of cafes, shops, and markets to explore, it makes for a relaxing outing.
Tip: If you want to get some good pictures without hordes of people in your shot, try heading to the main sites early in the morning.

Visit Cap Formentor
An ideal day trip idea is to head right to the end of the peninsula to the Cap Formentor lighthouse which is only about 9km from the beach. The end destination is definitely worth it but brace yourself for an exciting trip there as the roads wind through a mountainous area giving stunning views of the coastline and the Mediterranean sea. Bring a camera and make sure to stop at the various lookout points along the way to take incredible photos.
Note: During the tourist high season in summer, the road is regulated from 10am to 10:30, allowing only buses, cyclists and hikers through. If driving is not an option then, consider taking one of the many bus tours to the lighthouse.


Visit Alcudia
The old town has a remarkably well-preserved medieval wall, among the best in the Balearic Islands. Some sections are still accessible for walking, and we walked along a nearly 400-meter continuous stretch. The town features a large pedestrian area with narrow cobblestone streets lined with shops, cafes, and local markets. On Tuesdays and Sundays visit the Weekly farmers’ markets from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. At only 10km from Can Picafort, this is a great day trip destination.

Best Time to Visit and Travel Tips
Peak Tourist Season
The island’s peak tourist season falls in July and August, coinciding with school holidays in much of Northern Europe and Spain. As crowds head to the Mediterranean coast and the Balearic Islands, it can get quite busy. To ensure a smooth trip, make sure to plan ahead and secure your accommodations, rental cars, flights, and tours well in advance.
Tip: For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting in May/June, or in September/October. The weather is still great, and you’ll avoid the large crowds. In fact, we recently hit Playa de Formentor in late September, and with temperatures at 28°C, the conditions were perfect.
Transportation options
- Flying: Platja de Formentor is about 40 km northeast of Palma Airport which serves both domestic and International flights.
- Transport on Mallorca: Taxis are readily available throughout the island, and car rentals are a good option as well. Additionally, the public transport company TIP (Transports de les Iles Balears) runs a network of bus routes connecting major towns, cities, and popular tourist spots across the island.
- Bicycle: Platja de Formentor is within a short distance of several interesting sites and towns, with plenty of paved bike paths in the area. Renting a bicycle is definitely worth considering.

Accommodations
The tourist infrastructure in the Balearic Islands is well developed so there is no shortage of accommodations in the Platja de Formentor area. These range from luxurious beachfront resorts to budget-friendly youth hostels and guesthouses. Check out the link below for places available right now.
Book in Advance
I mentioned it above but it bears repeating, make sure to book well in advance, especially if you are planning to come during July and August. This basically goes for everything. Your best bet is to check online for available accommodations, car rentals, flights, restaurants, activities, and equipment and book as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.

(Note: You can just barely see me in the side mirror, taking pictures from the back seat).
FINAL THOUGHTS: DISCOVER PLAYA DE FORMENTOR MALLORCA
In conclusion, Playa de Formentor offers a slice of paradise that caters to all types of travelers. Whether you’re there for adventure or relaxation, the beach’s natural beauty and vibrant local culture provide a memorable getaway. Don’t wait too long to plan your visit—immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of Playa de Formentor and create lasting memories. Ready to pack your bags for Mallorca?
“Don’t Just Dream It! Do it!”
How about experiencing Playa de Formentor Mallorca and the Mediterranean firsthand? Use the map below to inspire you and plan your next Mediterranean vacation right now!
Reg Auge
Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.