Hotel in Formentera? Here’s why we recommend houses.

Between an apartment and a hotel in Formentera, what should you choose? There are plenty of real estate options and, like any tourist destination, possibilities vary depending on taste and budget.

"Hotel in Formentera? Here’s why we recommend houses!"": because we’re a real estate agency :) you might say! All jokes aside, below we list a series of pros and cons of the various accommodations available in Formentera.
When planning a holiday, no matter the destination, decisions are based on personal needs. Formentera offers a wide range of accommodations, from spa hotels to eco-resorts. From beachfront bungalows to 14-person villas with Olympic pools! Below we’ll detail the best available options.

1. Tourist villages – For convenience when you have children, this type of solution is often chosen. In Formentera the choice is very limited, there’s only one, and it’s not exactly cheap. Important to note: I have nothing against tourist villages, I’ve stayed in one before, but with everything this island has to offer, being locked in a fenced area all week to dance Alligalli at 6 p.m. is something I strongly advise against. Sure, they have tennis courts, pools, and kid-friendly activities—but personally, I’d personally opt for a different solution.
2. Houses and villas – These can be the most interesting solutions to carve out your privacy. And you’re not necessarily forced to rent a villa with a pool for €1,500 a day or a super‑equipped mountain home with sea views! Fortunately there are a variety of options for every budget, including classic Formentereño‑style houses for 8 people for under €500 a night in August—definitely one of the most practical ways to spend a holiday with friends.
3. You’ll also find plenty of apartments, mainly scattered around Es Pujols, Sant Francesc, and San Ferran. There are luxury solutions suitable for families seeking convenience, like Formentera Palace (less than 50 m from the beach and with daily cleaning). Or budget-friendly 2‑bed apartments for young people. Bear in mind that choosing a hotel often means eating out nearly every meal. In an apartment you can cook pasta, and considering average restaurant prices, saving three dinners (€100–150) is nothing to scoff at!
4. Upper-mid and lower-tier hotels are mostly run by tour operators, and staying there often requires you to buy a package flight+transfer+scooter rental+lunch+cookware… :-). Not surprisingly, the slightly higher-end hotels that allow direct online booking are the most popular. Those three or four luxury hotels catering to well-to-do clientele already have waiting lists when they open bookings. It's also worth mentioning that only one or two hotels remain open year‑round in Formentera.
5. Hostels – These are more suited for short stays, weekends, or off‑season getaways. Targeted at younger crowds, typically students on graduation trips or similar. They fall between youth hostels and hotels: single rooms, sometimes with shared bathrooms. I wouldn’t recommend them for families with small children, especially not in Es Pujols.
6. Airbnb, HomeAway, and TripAdvisor – A special mention goes to these new online rental channels. Leaving aside the “scam” issue (a risk that’s mostly been eradicated), most owners aim to maximize seasonal profits, which is understandable. Many hosts go above and beyond to satisfy guests (my New York experience was fantastic!). But sometimes owners live elsewhere and rely on cleaners; they may not be responsive or attentive, which unfortunately can negatively affect the guest experience.
   
   
   Whatever you choose in Formentera—hotels, apartments, or whatever—remember to have fun and enjoy our fantastic beaches!