Formentera with Kids: The Complete Guide for Families (and Future Parents)

Formentera, the pearl of the Balearic Islands, has always been synonymous with Caribbean-style beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a laid-back atmosphere. But is it only a destination for couples and groups of friends looking for nightlife? Absolutely not. Living in or visiting Formentera with kids is not only possible but can turn into an unforgettable experience—an opportunity to reconnect with nature and embrace slower, family-friendly rhythms.

This guide is designed for all families dreaming of moving to the island, or simply wishing to plan the perfect vacation with their little ones. From the safest beaches to unmissable activities, essential services, and the local school system, here’s everything you need to know to experience Formentera in its most family-friendly version.

The Best Family-Friendly Beaches and Areas: Where Safety Meets Beauty

When traveling with children, choosing the right beach is fundamental. In Formentera, the good news is that most of the coastline offers shallow, calm waters, thanks to the natural barrier created by Posidonia Oceanica, a true underwater treasure that keeps the sea transparent and safe.

Must-Visit Beaches for Families

Playa de Ses Illetes: Despite its worldwide fame, this beach is surprisingly suitable for children. Its shallow waters stretch for many meters from the shore, creating natural pools where little ones can play in total safety.

Playa de Migjorn: As the island’s longest beach, Migjorn offers wide open spaces where children can run and play without disturbing anyone. It combines equipped areas with wilder stretches, allowing families to choose what best suits their needs. Its golden, shallow waters make it an excellent choice for families.

Cala Saona: This charming bay, sheltered from winds and waves, is a family favorite. Its calm, shallow waters and nearby facilities make it a safe and convenient choice. Its small size also allows parents to keep an eye on their kids at all times.

Es Pujols: This spot comes alive mostly in summer: the beach of the island’s most touristy village offers the convenience of bars, restaurants, and shops within walking distance. The calm waters here are also child-friendly, making it a perfect base for families.

Estany des Peix: More than a beach, this shallow saltwater lagoon is like a natural swimming pool. Its calm, slightly warmer waters compared to the open sea make it perfect for babies and toddlers.

Recommended Residential Areas for Families

If you are considering relocation, choosing the right area to live in is crucial. Sant Francesc Xavier, the capital, is an excellent option thanks to its centrality and the presence of schools, shops, and services. Sant Ferran offers a more bohemian and relaxed vibe while remaining well connected. Es Pujols, though tourist-oriented, can be a good choice for those seeking convenience with everything close at hand. More secluded areas like La Mola or Cap de Barbaria offer priceless tranquility, but require better organization for daily commuting.

Useful Services: Everything Families Need at Hand

Relocating or spending a long holiday with children requires the reassurance of having essential services available. Fortunately, Formentera is well equipped.

Playgrounds and Sports Facilities

The island offers several playgrounds, such as the shaded one in Es Pujols or those in Sant Francesc and La Savina. The sports complex in Sant Francesc is open year-round and features a heated swimming pool (with a smaller pool for kids), tennis courts, volleyball courts, and skating rinks.

Padel: The Perfect Sport for the Whole Family

In recent years, padel has become the sport of the moment in Formentera, captivating both adults and kids. It is fun, easy to learn, and promotes social interaction—making it perfect for families. The island has several courts, both private and public, where you can book a session or enroll your children in specific courses. Many clubs organize classes for kids and teenagers throughout the year, making it an excellent option for long-term residents. Playing a family match outdoors is also a fantastic way to spend quality time together, even during Formentera’s mild winters.

Pediatricians and Healthcare

The Formentera Hospital, located in Sant Francesc, includes a pediatric department and a 24-hour emergency service. Healthcare services are also accessible with the European Health Insurance Card. In addition, there are private medical centers and pediatricians who offer home visits—a valuable service for families.

Babysitting Services

For parents who wish to enjoy a night out, it’s possible to find qualified babysitters through different agencies and online platforms.

The School System in Formentera

For families deciding to move, schooling is a top priority. The Balearic Islands’ school system follows Spanish national guidelines.

From Nursery to High School

Escoletes (0–3 years): Equivalent to nurseries, paid and non-compulsory.
Early Childhood Education (3–6 years): Free but not compulsory.
Primary Education (6–12 years): Compulsory and free; the first official stage of formal education.
Middle and High Schools: Formentera has three public nursery and primary schools, one private school, and one public high school (IES Marc Ferrer). It’s important to note that the only high school mainly focuses on tourism-related studies; for other academic paths, students must travel to Ibiza.

Enrollment in public schools requires “empadronamiento”—official registration as residents with the local municipality.

A Strong Commitment to Healthy and Natural Food

One aspect that positively surprises many families moving to Formentera is the outstanding quality of school meals (comedor escolar) in public schools. The island has embraced a philosophy of healthy eating, which is truly a source of pride. Menus are designed by nutritionists and based on the principles of the Mediterranean diet, with absolute priority given to:

• Local Produce (Km 0): Fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients come, whenever possible, from local producers.
• Fresh Cooking: Meals are prepared daily in school kitchens, avoiding pre-cooked, processed, and fried foods.
• Food Education: Beyond nutrition, the school canteen has an educational purpose—teaching children the importance of a varied, balanced diet. This attention to quality and food sourcing is an invaluable asset for raising healthy children.

Formentera with Kids: Choosing Family, Nature, and Simplicity

Choosing Formentera to raise your children means gifting them an upbringing full of freedom, nature, and simplicity. With the right planning and a bit of adaptability, the smallest Balearic island can become the perfect place to set down roots and create precious family memories.