Eating out in Formentera is also fantastic. The island offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes where you can taste the island’s traditional cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean diet., mostly in Es Pujols. You can enjoy the excellent gastronomy of the island, local cuisine, traditional tapas, international dishes and fresh seafood.
Gastronomy on the island
Seafood is a staple in Formentera’s gastronomy. The island’s location surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea offers fresh and delicious seafood dishes, such as grilled octopus, fried squid, and paella.
But Formentera’s cuisine is not limited to seafood only. You can also enjoy meat dishes, like lamb or pork roasted in a wood oven, or the famous sobrasada, a cured sausage made with pork and paprika.
One of the best ways to experience Formentera’s gastronomy is by visiting its local markets. The most popular one is the Mercat de la Mola, which takes place every Wednesday and Sunday in the town of Pilar de la Mola.
Here you can find local products, like cheeses, honey, olive oil, and wines. The market is also a great place to try some of the island’s typical dishes, like the flaó, a sweet cheese pie, or the greixonera, a type of bread pudding.
Restaurants & Beach Bars
Formentera also offers a great variety of restaurants, from beach bars to high-end gourmet restaurants. Many of them focus on using fresh, local, and organic ingredients. Some of the most popular restaurants in Formentera are Juan y Andrea, located in the beach of Illetas, serving fresh seafood and paella, and Can Carlos, located in Sant Francesc, offering Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist.
No Regrets Booking Advice
If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, you can visit one of the island’s many beach bars. They offer a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a refreshing drink and some tapas while admiring the stunning sea views.
What to Eat? Top Dishes
Formentera’s gastronomy scene offers a wide variety of delicious dishes that are heavily influenced by the Mediterranean diet. The island’s location surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea allows for fresh seafood to be the star of many traditional dishes. Here are some of the must-try dishes when visiting Formentera:
- Paella: One of the most famous dishes in Spain, paella is a rice-based dish that can include seafood, chicken, rabbit, and vegetables. In Formentera, seafood paella is a must-try dish.
- Bullit de Peix: This is a traditional fish stew that includes a variety of fish and seafood, served with rice and alioli sauce.
- Sobrasada: A cured sausage made with pork and paprika, typical from the Balearic Islands. It can be served on its own, spread on bread, or used as an ingredient in other dishes.
- Arròs de la Terra: A rice-based dish made with local ingredients such as mushrooms, peppers, and tomatoes.
- Fideuà: A dish similar to paella, but instead of rice, it is made with noodles, and usually includes seafood.
- Flaó: A sweet cheese pie made with goat cheese and aniseed, often served as a dessert.
- Ensaimada: A typical pastry from the Balearic Islands made with flour, sugar, and pork lard, often served for breakfast or as a snack.
- Hierbas Ibicencas: A traditional liquor made with a blend of herbs, typically served as a digestif.
In addition to these dishes, Formentera also offers a wide variety of fresh seafood, including fish, lobster, octopus, and squid.
