Formentera has a reputation as an August island, and the truth is the opposite: the best time to go is when it empties out. In October the sea is still warm and the island fills with sporting events and village festivals; in winter, singing rings out in the churches; in spring, people run its length. These are the dated events, from October 2026 to August 2027, that justify taking the boat, and how to get to each one.
Every date has been checked against the official source for each event on 22 September 2026. Each listing links to its own page, with the exact venue and how to get there.
The essentials
- October is the big month for the quiet island: music, a triathlon, races and the Pilar festival in La Mola.
- December brings its most intimate festivals: Sant Francesc on the 3rd and the Caramelles on Christmas Eve.
- Spring is for running and cycling: a lap of the island in April and the half marathon in May.
- Getting there: fly to Ibiza, taxi or bus to the port of Eivissa, then about 30 minutes by boat to La Savina.
October: the island to yourself
From 2 to 4 October, SON Estrella Galicia Posidonia marks its tenth edition with its usual format: 350 people and a secret line-up. On the 3rd, Es Pujols hosts the Triatló Illa de Formentera, and on the 10th, the 15K Formentera Sunset Run, which sets off at 6pm to run with the last light. On the 9th, the Consell brings out the telescopes at Can Marroig for Formentera Mira al Cel: the island is a Starlight Tourist Destination.
On 12 October, La Mola honours the Virgen del Pilar, and that same day the Semanas Gastronómicas begin, running until the 25th. On 17 and 18, the BTT La Mola closes the month on mountain bikes.
December: the festivals from within
On 3 December, Sant Francesc Xavier, the capital, honours its saint beside the fortified church. On Christmas Eve, at midnight mass, ses Caramelles de Nadal are sung in the island’s churches: chants declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, and the night on which Formentera makes the most sense.
Spring: running the island
On 3 April, the Formentera All Round Trail circles the island along the coast: 72 km, starting and finishing in La Savina. On 15 May, the Mitja Marató runs from the La Mola lighthouse to the port, with the course closed to traffic. On 30 May, Sant Ferran honours its patron saint.
Summer, with its festivals
On the eve of Sant Joan, 23 June, La Mola lights its bonfire to the sound of the gaita pagesa. On 16 July, the maritime procession of the Carme sets out from the port; on the 25th, Sant Jaume is Formentera’s own day, the Diada; and on 5 August, Santa Maria. From 1 June to 30 September, bringing a car onto the island requires prior authorisation.
Things to do any day
- Climb up to the La Mola lighthouse, on the edge of the cliff.
- Reach the Cap de Barbaria lighthouse on foot or by bike.
- Cycle to ses Illetes along the salt-flats path.
- Paddle to s’Espalmador with a marine biologist.
- From May to October, the Fira d’Art i Artesania de La Mola, on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Getting there
Formentera has no airport. You fly to Ibiza, make your way to the port of Eivissa — about 8 km, some 15 minutes by taxi or 30 to 35 minutes on the AERO2 bus — and cross by boat with Baleària or Trasmapi to La Savina, about 30 minutes, with sailings all year round. On the island, buses run from La Savina all year, and the green lanes take you almost everywhere on foot or by bike.
The tricky part is the connection between the flight and the boat, especially with luggage or outside normal hours. That is where a door-to-door pre-booked transfer helps. Every detail is in our guide getting to Formentera and around it.
Our criteria
Only dates published by their organiser, or fixed by tradition, make this list, and all were checked on 22 September 2026. Before booking, check the official website linked from each listing.
