Formentera
Formentera
If Ibiza is the little brother of the Balearics, then Formentera is the baby sister. The tiny island is only twelve miles long and has a resident population of around five thousand. With Ibiza and two smaller islands, Espalmador and Espardell, plus a few even tinier islands, Formentera completes what are known as the Pitiusic Islands.
First and foremost, Formentera is exceedingly popular amongst naturists, as nude sunbathing is allowed on most of its wonderful white-sanded beaches.
The island really is something close to paradise; although roads connect most of the developed areas and cars can be hired in the port, Sa Savina, most visitors are asked to consider using mopeds or bicycles to keep pollution down to a minimum.
The island is almost entirely flat, so getting about using only pedal power is not such a chore.
Being so small, Formentera does not have an airport. The only way of getting there is to reach Ibiza then take a ferry to the island. Ferries run from Ibiza at two-hourly intervals.
The island has its own eco-system and enjoys the typically warm Mediterranean climate. Formentera has only been inhabited for 4,000 years and for hundreds of years was a favourite hideaway for pirates thanks to its location. The capital is Sant Francesc Xavier where all official buildings and central services can be found.
The inhabitants of the island truly appreciate nature and you can find monuments carved into trees and rock all over Formentera. They make jewellery, ceramic and clothes to sell to visitors. As with all the Balearics the island residents enjoy a rich cuisine based on fish and seafood. They also make cheese which is typically enjoyed with bread and grapes.
Places to visit on the island include Es Far de Sa Mola, a lighthouse located on the highest point of the island, and Ca Na Costa, a circle of stones that is thought to mark the site of a megalithic tomb that is almost as old as the island itself.
The roman influence upon Formentera can be observed at El Campamento de Can Blia, the remains of a settlement.
The main place for accommodation on Formentera is Es Pujols, a small resort where sandy coves are backed by several hotels and apartment blocks. The busiest beaches on the island are Platja de Llevant and Platja Ses Illetes. If you have children be warned that both these beaches are very popular with nudists. If you’re happy to spend a day in the sun, a few cafes and restaurants dwell along the beach for when you fancy a nibble.
If you visit Formentera in July, make sure you catch one of the two main fiestas that are celebrated on the island. Singing and dancing marks the festival of the patron saint, St Jaime, on July 25. Nine days earlier the feast of Our Lady of Carmen, patron saint of seafarers, is celebrated with boat parades in Es Pujols and La Savina.
Formentera offers something completely different to the noise and mayhem of its neighbour, Ibiza. If you like the idea of nothing to do all day but relaxing with the occasional break for meals in a remarkable, untouched paradise then Forementera is definitely the place you are looking for.