Summer in Formentera wouldn't be the same without its traditional festivals. Every July and August, the smallest of the Balearic Islands fills with music, tradition and colour for two unmissable dates: the Fiestas de Sant Jaume, on 25 July in Sant Francesc Xavier, and the Festes de la Terra, or Santa Maria festivities, on 4 and 5 August. Both celebrations are organised by the Formentera Island Council and are well worth marking on the calendar if you're planning a getaway to the island this summer.
Fiestas de Sant Jaume: Formentera's Day (25 July)
On 25 July, Formentera celebrates its own "Diada", in honour of Sant Jaume, the island's patron saint. Through its Culture department, the Formentera Island Council puts together a programme that runs for more than a week, with activities for all ages centred on Sant Francesc Xavier.
The programme combines street theatre, exhibitions, sports tournaments and live music in Plaça de la Constitució, with jazz concerts and performances by both emerging and established artists. The main day begins with the Sant Jaume mass at the church of Sant Francesc, followed by the traditional "ballada popular" performed by the local folk groups Es Pastorells and Es Xacoters, along with tastings of orelletes, the sweet pastry typical of these festivities. As tradition dictates, the day closes with music, dancing and fireworks.
Festes de la Terra / Santa Maria (4 and 5 August)
Just a few days later comes the second major date of the Formentera summer: the Festes de la Terra, also known as the Santa Maria festivities. Over these two days, Sant Francesc Xavier and other villages on the island host cultural, sporting and musical activities in their streets and squares.
4 August kicks off with a night of concerts, while 5 August, the Diada de Santa Maria, is the highlight: a mass and procession in honour of the island's patron saint, with locals carrying the image of the Virgin through the streets accompanied by music and traditional dances. In the afternoon, Plaça de Sant Francesc hosts "balladas" and popular singing, and once night falls, the reading of the festival proclamation gives way to theatre performances and concerts.
Insotel Hotel Formentera Playa: right on Migjorn beach
To enjoy these festivities while staying right by the beach, the Insotel Hotel Formentera Playa is an excellent choice. Located directly on Migjorn beach, just a few minutes from Sant Francesc Xavier, the heart of both celebrations, this 4-star hotel lets you combine beach days with festival nights without giving up on comfort.
Among its facilities is the South Formentera Beach Restaurant & Lounge, an exclusive seafront space serving Mediterranean cuisine, cocktails and a chill-out atmosphere, perfect for winding down before heading to Plaça de la Constitució or Sant Francesc to join the festivities. Rooms and offers can be checked on the official Insotel Hotel Formentera Playa website.
Insotel Club Maryland: All Inclusive among the pines
Travellers with families looking for a hassle-free stay will find their ideal base at Insotel Club Maryland. Its Mediterranean-style bungalows, surrounded by gardens and pine trees next to Migjorn beach, operate on an All Inclusive Gold basis, with adult and children's pools, the Insi Splash Park water park, and daytime and night-time entertainment, just 10 km from Sant Francesc Xavier. Full details are available on the official Insotel Club Maryland website.
Getting to Formentera: ferry with Trasmapi
The most convenient way to reach the island is by ferry with Trasmapi, the company that connects Ibiza and Formentera and collaborates every year with the island's festivities. Book your stay at Insotel Hotel Formentera Playa or Insotel Club Maryland through the official Insotel website and you'll get an extra discount on your Trasmapi ferry ticket, making your return trip even better value.
Sant Jaume and Santa Maria are the perfect excuse to discover the most authentic side of Formentera, with squares full of music and tradition. Book your stay with Insotel and experience the island's summer festivities right from the beachfront.
