Apartamentos Estel

About Apartamentos Estel

Apartamentos Estel suits travellers who want a simple, self-catering base on Formentera's south coast. The one-star apartments sit inland from Platja de Migjorn, the long open beach backed by dunes and juniper, and are a short drive or cycle from the island's main villages. The setting is quiet and low-key, away from the busier north-west corner of the island.

This is a straightforward apartment stay, not a full-service hotel. The property is listed with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, free car parking, a garden, housekeeping, a safe and a terrace. There is no guest score given, so the stay depends on what you expect from a one-star property: clean, practical accommodation with the essentials, and the freedom to cook and explore on your own schedule.

Location: Platja de Migjorn

The apartments are in the Camí de Can Simonet area, inland from Platja de Migjorn. Platja de Migjorn is 0.9 km away as the crow flies, a long south-coast beach that runs for several kilometres, backed by dunes and juniper. The beach is open to the sea and can be windy, but the water is clear and the sand is fine. A car or bike makes the short trip easy, as the beach is not directly at the property.

Sant Ferran de ses Roques, a crossroads village between the lagoon and the south coast, is 2.3 km away. Sant Francesc Xavier, the island's small capital with a fortified 18th-century church, is 3.7 km away. La Savina port, where every ferry arrives, is 6.7 km away. In high summer, the island is busy but the south coast feels less crowded than the north; in spring and autumn, the area is very quiet, and many restaurants and shops close outside the season.

Rooms and facilities

The apartments are listed with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi and a safe, which covers the basics for a summer stay. There is a terrace and a garden, so you can sit out in the evening. Housekeeping is listed, but it is worth confirming the frequency with the property, as apartment stays often have a more limited service than hotels. Non-smoking rooms are listed throughout.

For families, the apartment layout gives space to spread out, with a kitchen for self-catering. For late arrivals, check the check-in procedure with the property, as the apartments are not a hotel with a 24-hour reception. Free car parking is listed, which is useful given the distances on the island. Confirm with the property whether the Wi-Fi works well in all rooms, as the signal can vary in rural areas.

Getting there

Formentera has no airport. Fly to Ibiza Airport (IBZ), about 7 km south-west of Ibiza Town, then take a taxi or bus to the port in Ibiza Town. Ferries to La Savina take about 30-35 minutes on fast ferries and about an hour on conventional ferries. Sailings are frequent in season and fewer in winter, so check the operators for current timetables. From La Savina, Apartamentos Estel is 6.7 km away as the crow flies, a drive of about 15 minutes by car or taxi.

Getting around Formentera is easy by bike, using the signposted green routes (circuits verds), or by scooter, bus or taxi. The Consell de Formentera caps the number of visitor vehicles in high season, so check before bringing or hiring a car. A hire car gives the most flexibility for reaching Platja de Migjorn and the villages, but bikes are a good option for shorter trips, especially to Sant Ferran and Sant Francesc.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

Platja de Migjorn, 0.9 km away, is the nearest beach. It is a long, open stretch of sand backed by dunes and juniper, with clear water and a natural feel. The beach has no large resort development, so you need to bring your own shade and supplies. Sant Francesc Xavier, 3.7 km away, has the fortified church, a market and the island's shops, useful for groceries and a look at local life.

The boat houses at Es Caló, 5.1 km away, are a tiny fishing harbour below La Mola, worth a visit for the traditional wooden sheds. The lagoons, 5.2 km away, are good for birdwatching, with the Estany Pudent and Estany des Peix inside the Ses Salines Natural Park. Island food includes peix sec (dried fish), fresh fish and island salads, which you can buy and cook in your apartment or try at a simple restaurant in the villages.

A day from Apartamentos Estel

Start the day with a short cycle or drive to Platja de Migjorn, 0.9 km away, before the wind picks up. Swim in the clear water and walk along the sand among the dunes and juniper. Then head to Sant Francesc Xavier, 3.7 km away, to see the fortified church and pick up supplies at the market. The village is quiet in the morning, and you can sit with a coffee before the heat of the day.

In the afternoon, cycle or drive to the lagoons, 5.2 km away, to watch birds at the Estany Pudent or Estany des Peix. Later, visit the boat houses at Es Caló, 5.1 km away, and see the old fishing harbour below La Mola. As the sun lowers, return to the apartment for a quiet evening on the terrace, cooking fresh fish bought earlier. The south coast is peaceful at night, with few lights and a clear sky.

Practical tips

Much of Formentera's tourism business, including many restaurants and some shops, closes roughly from November to April, so check with Apartamentos Estel about their opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, with the island at its busiest and the vehicle limits in force. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (the ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation, with rates varying by season and length of stay; check the Govern de les Illes Balears for current details.

Questions about Apartamentos Estel