Less than 6 km south of the party island of Ibiza, Formentera is its complete antithesis – an island with very little coastal development, and not a club in sight. Its relative inaccessibility and lack of water has protected from the ravages of tourism and it is one of the least spoilt spots in the Mediterranean with only one proper tourist resort, Es Pujols. Photos by: christophandre

The smallest and southernmost of the Balearics, as well as the hottest and driest Formentera is famous for its peaceful, laid-back sand beach, often deserted, where nobody turns a hair at nudity. The scenery is dramatic and arid, windswept landscape, wild and wooded, with a varied, indented 80 km long coastline which includes dunes, salt flats and innumerable sandy coves. The 19 km long, relatively flat island is best explored by bike. Country lanes lead past fincas festooned with bougainvillea, stone-walled vineyards and small pastures. Wherever you are, the sea air is heady with the scent of rosemary, wild thyme, juniper and pine. Photos by: Robby152 (come Troy nessuno mai!)

When to go: May to September for the perfect dream Mediterranean holiday experience. Population: 7, 461. How to get there: A high-speed ferry departs from Ibiza approximately every hour. You should know: The Blue Bar - one of the best beach cafes in the Balearics, in the middle of the famous Platja de Migjorn, a beautiful 5 km stretch of beach that runs along the south coast. The strip of water between Formentera and Ibiza is a marine reserve dotted with islets, part of which is UNESCO World Heritage Site. In order to dive in the reserve you must obtain a permit. Photos by: lorypc

Photos by: André Pipa