Formentera
The tiny island of Formentera is Spain’s version of island paradise, with a surface of 90 square km and only 5200 inhabitants, it is located 11 miles from the south-eastern coast of Ibiza (south of Barcelona). Despite the recent invasions by beach-loving visitors, the island’s stunning beaches maintain a sense of genuine serenity. Join Formentera’s “save our island” spirit by hiking or renting a bike – the tourist office offers a comprehensive list of “Green Tours” for hikers and cyclists, and bike paths are plentiful.
The island itself is pricey, and is often visited simply as a day trip from Ibiza. The sea is visible from practically any point of the island, and there are numerous great beaches and secluded bays, some of them with incredible grottos. Like Barcelona it has a mild climate, with springtime temperatures during almost all the year, its rich vegetation of pines as well as palms, and it’s quiet and relaxed ambiance make Formentera a true paradise. Formentera, a borderland, has had an eventful history and its fate has almost always been linked to that of Ibiza. Man’s presence on the island goes back at least 4000 years.
The Can Blai encampment, nearby Es Caló, remains as the most important exponent of the Roman occupation. After domination by the Arabs, Eivissa and Formentera were conquered by Catalan troops from Barcelona in 1235. Emigration to distant lands was a significant feature until the middle of the 20th century when tourism radically changed the economy and life of the island. Even today the origins of Formentera’s folklore are largely unknown. Although the Arab influence (particularly in the singing) is obvious, though there are many nuances which cast a shadow of doubt on this theory.
The traditional dances are particularly interesting, as well as the unusual instruments used, which are hand crafted from wholly native materials. The costumes are spectacular, especially the women’s party dresses, with their priceless gold “prendada” that contrast with the sombre black simplicity of the workday clothes. The only port on Formentera is at La Savina and unlike in Barcelona, the village is full of the typical white-washed houses. Las Savinas, are at the narrowest part of the island and offer incredibly beautiful landscapes. In the interior of the island is San Francisco Javier, a concentration of white houses around a fortified church.
San Fernando is located in the midst of large pine wood, which ends at the beach of Es Pujols in the North and at the beach of Mitjorn in the South. Other recommendable beaches are En Boster, Ca’n Xico Mateu and the impressive natural port of Es Caló. The road to La Mola, located at the very South-East of the island, leads up to 193 meters above sea level. From the view-point El Mirador you may enjoy an outstanding panorama. In the village itself you can visit the beautiful church Iglesia del Pilar. Formentera’s western part offers untouched nature. The perhaps most beautiful beach is Cala Saona.
How to get there
The only way to arrive to Formentera is by ferry from Ibiza. A ferry leaves approximately each 2 hours. From the port of Formentera there are buses to La Sabina, San Francisco and La Mola.
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