1. Places worth seeing
Formentera has charming hidden treasures whose discovery is always a surprise. These are not only its endless beaches of fine sand and crystalline water, but also all its cultural, historical and natural heritage represented by its monuments, its culture, its traditions and its landscapes.
2. S’Estany des Peix – Can Marroig
S’Estany des Peix is an inland lagoon connected to the sea. It is historically linked to the traditional fishing activity. Today it serves as a refuge for small boats although a regulation on anchoring is planned. Next to it you find Can Marroig, a public estate with a Centre for the interpretation of the Neptune grass meadows and the seabed.
3. S’Estany Pudent – Salinas
S’Estany Pudent is the largest inland lagoon connected to the sea by the Sa Sequi Canal. It is the heart of the Ses Salines Natural Park and its environment is characterised by its ornithological richness due to being an important area for the passage of migrant birds. It is at the same time the entrance to the salt flats that, during the 19th and 20th century, were vital for the population.
4. Lighthouse of es Cap de Barbaria
At sunset time, the lighthouse of Es Cap de Barbaria is a place of pilgrimage and a must-see. Keep in mind that to get to this construction you have to leave the vehicle and take a 1.8-kilometre walk, but the walk is worth it, because you cross one of the most pristine landscapes of the island.
5. La Mola lighthouse
Since this year, part of the Mola lighthouse is a cultural centre dedicated to the interpretation of light signals. It houses a permanent exhibition that gives a tour trough the lighthouse’s history and presents testimonies of the relationship between man and sea. It also has a hall for temporary exhibitions.
6. Beaches
Ses Illetes, Cavall d’en Borrás and Llevant on the north side of the island and in the Natural Park, are the most coveted beaches in summer and also the most crowded ones. Migjorn, in the south, offers places to discover and a sandy beach of more than 5 kilometres where you can hide. Thanks to the Neptune grass (Posidonia Oceanica), Formentera has crystalline water all around.
7. The interior
Getting lost in the rural landscape, in the interior of the island, is another recommendable experience. If you really want to enjoy it, it is best to go on foot or by bicycle and thus be able to catch, on a network of marked country lanes between fields enclosed by dry stone walls, the rhythm of this world full of charm.
8. Defence towers
Formentera’s coast is marked by five defence towers, including that of S’Espalmador. All of them were built in the 18th century and are located in strategic places. The only one that can be visited is the recently restored Es Pi des Catalá on the Migjorn beach.
9. Festivals and tradition
What Formentera’s calendar of festivals and cultural activities offers between May and October is practically endless. On the program you find from avant-garde stage shows to concerts for all tastes. And we shouldn’t forget the roots of the local culture that is maintained by the Ball Pagès groups which dance at the saint patron’s festivals of all the different villages.
10. Art and crafts
In Sant Francesc there are two exhibition halls, one of them at the square dedicated to temporary art exhibitions, and the second dedicated to handicrafts, the Centro ‘Gabrielet’. Besides, in practically all the villages there are markets with a wide offer. The craft fair in El Pilar de la Mola, on Wednesday and Sunday, is a must.
