Formentera Holidays

The term unspoiled’s bandied around a lot, but Formentera’s one of places that puts a firm tick in that box. It’s a master of stress-busting breaks, and you’ll feel a million-and-one miles from normality. There’s no airport, so the final leg of the journey here’s a boat trip across from Ibiza, in Spain. And when you bob into La Savina’s harbour, the island’s make-up free appearance is like an instant-effect chill pill.

It’s no coincidence that the shoreline here looks like it’s only just been discovered. The island’s bigwigs have put their foot down when it comes to building beside the beaches, in a bid to keep them in perfect nick. The result is some of the most stunning reels of sand in the whole of Europe, where there’s nothing but bumpy dunes to keep the waterfront company. We’re not talking about one or two sandy beaches, either – there’s 12 miles’ worth of sunbathing territory to weigh up. Among the most popular are the Migjorn and Llevant stretches.

This place is the smallest of the Balearic Islands, so it’s no surprise that life pootles along in a lower gear. The biggest town, Es Pujols, is a minnow when mentioned in the same breath as Palma and Mahon. That’s what visitors rate about it, though. Fresh seafood restaurants nudge aside big names and chains, and the town’s hotels are more family-run apartment than super-sized resort.