Formentera’s markets offer a genuine taste of island life.

They are not just simple tourist markets, but places rich in history, art, and tradition where the hippie spirit that made Formentera famous in the 60s and 70s still survives today.

Strolling through the market stalls offers a chance to find one-of-a-kind treasures, chat with the people who make them, and soak up the easygoing vibe, complete with live music, the colors of the Mediterranean, and the smell of the ocean.

A lot of Formentera’s hippie markets got their start back then, when artists and wanderers came to the island, seeking a different kind of life, and started selling jewelry, clothing, and other handmade goods to make a living.

Even today, this tradition continues. Among the stalls, you can find:

• handcrafted silver jewellery
• handcrafted leather bags and belts
• Mediterranean ceramics
• linen clothes and natural fabrics
• paintings, photographs, and artistic objects

If you are planning a vacation on the island, visiting the markets is one of the best ways to discover the true soul of Formentera.

The hippie markets of Formentera: a tradition that continues

When talking about the hippie markets of Formentera, it refers to a tradition that has its roots in the island’s history.

In the 1960s, Formentera was an alternative destination, far from mass tourism. Young artists, musicians, and craftsmen came here from all over Europe and began selling their creations in the small villages of the island.

The inhabitants called them “peluts,” due to their long hair and free lifestyle.

Over time, those small spontaneous markets have become organised events, but they have retained their original spirit: even today, many vendors personally produce what they sell.

La Mola Market: the most famous in Formentera

The La Mola market is undoubtedly the most famous on the island and one of the symbols of the local culture.

Located in the village of El Pilar de La Mola, on the highest plateau of Formentera, this market has existed for over forty years and is considered the true hippie market of the island.

Here, only certified artisans with the Artisan Card are exhibited, which guarantees that the objects are handmade.

Mercatino La Mola hours

The market takes place:

• Wednesday and Sunday
• from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
• from May to mid-October
• The most evocative moment is sunset, when the square comes alive with live music and performances by local artists.

What to buy at the La Mola market

Among the stalls, you can find:

• handcrafted silver jewellery
• handmade sandals and espadrilles
• bags made of processed leather
• artistic ceramics
• glass and wood objects

How to get there

La Mola is located at the highest point of the island, and the road that leads to the village is one of the most scenic in Formentera.

Many visitors choose to arrive by scooter, stopping along the way at the Mirador de La Mola, one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the island.

Es Pujols Market: the evening market by the sea

The Es Pujols market is one of the most frequented on the island and takes place every evening along the pedestrian promenade.

Here, the atmosphere is lively and international: stalls illuminated by small coloured lights accompany the evening stroll among restaurants, bars, and venues.

Es Pujols market hours

• every day
• from 7:00 PM to midnight
• from May to mid-October
• It’s the perfect place for an after-dinner walk.

What to find

Among the stalls, you can find:

• handcrafted jewellery
• vintage glasses
• summer accessories
• small souvenirs from the island

Among the most well-known figures at the market is Juan, famous for his bracelets and necklaces made with tiny coloured beads.

Sant Ferran Market: art and creativity

The Sant Ferran market is one of the most interesting for those who love art.

Here, the attention is mainly focused on artistic creations: painters, photographers, and sculptors exhibit their works in a true open-air gallery.

The market takes place in the town center, near the main square and the historic Fonda Pepe, a venue symbolising the island’s hippie culture.

Sant Ferran Market Hours

• Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
• 8:30 PM – 12:00 AM
• from June to September
• On Friday evenings, the square often hosts small acoustic concerts.

Sant Francesc Market: shopping in the heart of the island

The Sant Francesc market is perfect for a morning stroll.

It is located in the historic center of the island’s capital, among the pedestrian streets that surround the square and the fortified church.

Sant Francesc market hours

• Monday – Saturday
• 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• from May to October

What to buy

This market is particularly known for:

• linen clothing
• summer clothes
• minimal jewellery
• handcrafted bags and accessories

The best time to visit it is around 10:30, when the market is in full swing.

La Savina Market: the first market on the island

The La Savina market is located along the promenade of the port and is often the first one that visitors encounter upon arriving in Formentera.

The stalls overlook the sea and accompany the stroll among ferries and moored yachts.

La Savina Market Hours

• every day
• 11:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• from June to mid-September

Here you can find mainly:

• pareos and summer clothing
• straw hats
• sunglasses
• souvenirs and decorative objects

When to visit the markets of Formentera

If you want to plan your visit better, here’s when to go:

Morning

Saint Francis

Afternoon

La Mola

Evening

Es Pujols

Sant Ferran

In this way, you can discover different markets in Formentera in the same day.

What to buy at the markets in Formentera

The island’s markets are the ideal place to find authentic souvenirs.

Among the most typical purchases are:

• handcrafted silver jewellery
• leather bags and belts
• Mediterranean ceramics
• handmade espadrilles
• clothes made of linen and natural cotton

Many items are unique pieces made by the same artisans who sell them.

FAQ about the markets in Formentera

What is the most famous market in Formentera?

The La Mola market is the most famous and historic on the island.

The La Mola market runs every Wednesday and Sunday, starting at 4:00 PM and wrapping up by 10:00 PM.

Do they have evening markets in Formentera?

Yes, they do.
The most popular ones are the market in Es Pujols and the one in Sant Ferran.

Which is the best souvenir market?

The La Mola market is considered the best for authentic handcrafted items.