Ibiza's hippish little sister, the pocket-sized island of Formentera is home to some of Europe's best beaches, offering a soothingly languid escape from the up-all-night pace of its neighbouring White Isle. A mix between endearing chiringuitos - beachside shacks - and slicker, more design-driven affairs, the bars on Formentera have grown up over the years, but you're still just as likely to spot dreadlocks as you are designer threads among the clientele. Offering everything from innovative cocktails served out of cooler boxes to the blistering beats of international DJ sets, these are our top-seven don't-miss Formentera addresses.

restaurant

Chezz Gerdi

Have you even been to Formentera if you haven't taken a picture of ChezzGerdi's circus-red campervan? Dishing out giant frisbee-sized pizzas from its wood-fired oven, this beachside venue epitomises Formentera's leisurely pace. Yes, service may be a tad slow, but relax into it and you'll enjoy your meal all the more when it arrives. Pull up a pew at the bar or sink into one of the cloud-like sun loungers scattered across the beach, kick back and watch the world go by.

Address

Camí s'Abeuradeta, 40-45 07860 Es Pujols Formentera, Spain

+34 648 02 01 06 Go to website

bar

Chiringuito Pelayo

Renowned in local circles as being the best beach shack in town for sardines and fried fish, this low-key wooden kiosk attracts a relaxed crowd of beach lovers looking to dodge the crowds. Plum in the middle of a forest of soaring pines and sabinas, the leafy canopy offering precious shade during the hottest hours, this is where we like to come for an unpretentious menu of seasonal dishes served in exquisite natural surroundings.

Address

Playa Migjorn s/n, 07870 Sant Francesc Xavier

+34 669 984008

bar

Flipper

With its achingly cool white retro daybeds and funky pink mosaics on the walls, this chiringuito might look a little passé from the outside but, trust us, if you hang around a while, you’ll soon see what the buzz is all about. Known for its platters of grilled meats, fresh-out-the-ocean fish and traditional Spanish rice dishes, the restaurant is a dreamy place in which to kick back and enjoy some of the island’s most unspoilt views.

Address

Platja Es Arenals Km11, Migjorn Venda de Ses Clotades 4464, 07872 Migjorn

+34 971 187596 Go to website

bar

Kiosko 62

This is the place we make tracks to when at must-visit Migjorn Beach. Dodge the flashy crowd at Gecko Beach Club and head to this unassuming wooden beach bar instead. We recommend the pomada, a cult island concoction of gin and a handful of lemon slices. It might not be reinventing the wheel, but it’s a refreshing way to kick-start an afternoon spent paddling in Migjorn’s shallow, powder-blue waves.

Address

Camino de Can Simonet I s/n, 07871 Platja de Migjorn

+34 697 840795

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bar

Piratabus

Started in the 1970s by a young boy named Pascual – nicknamed “Pirata” by locals – Piratabus began life as an abandoned bus, which then evolved into a beach shack when the bus was removed by law in the 1980s. A favourite among sunset-seekers, who flock to the shack most afternoons, this is the place to head for sundowners, good vibes and the occasional lively singalong.

Address

Playa Migjorn Km11, 07872 Caló

+34 637 011998 Go to website

bar

Beso Beach

Attracting a jet-set crowd thanks to its much-lauded mainland outposts in Tulum and Sitges, the main draw of this bar is its location, overlooking the sparkling, aquamarine waters of the ancient lagoons of Ses Salines Natural Park. Working in tandem with nature, the cabin-like restaurant serves a fusion of Basque and Mediterranean cuisine made from seasonal, organic ingredients. The bar sponsors a handful of local environmental projects each year, so this beachside boozer ticks our eco-credentials box, too.

Address

Playa de Cavall d´en Borràs s/n, Parque Natural de Ses, 07860 Salines

+34 971 349900 Go to website

hotel

Casa Pacha

This island newbie has fast become the most sought-after spot to book come lunchtime, and with an exceptional menu - we're talking fist-sized prawns, whole wild-caught sea bass and arguably the best wine list on the island - it won't take you long to figure out why. The crowd? A mix of island day-trippers swapping their yachts for lazy, rosé-fuelled afternoons, and die-hard music fans here for the sunset sets from Pacha's roster of world-class DJs.

Address

Camí es Arenals, Fomentera, Balearic Islands

+34 971 317 411 Go to website

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