Formentera
7 things to do and see in Formentera and 2 not to doSo close, so far: this could be the right motto to describe the relationship between the two Pitiuse islands, Ibiza and Formentera. Those who want to stay late in the evening, dance, transgress will do well to choose the first and not the second. On the contrary, those who want a holiday full of sun, sea and calm rhythms are better off choosing Formentera at the expense of Ibiza. This, of course, in principle because then, between the two islands, the points of contact are many more, starting with the municipality hippy culture. Except that, while in Ibiza this lifestyle has favored the emergence of a particular type of tourism linked to discos and by night in Formentera, instead, between beaches, pine forests, cliffs and lakes, contact with nature has definitely prevailed. Differences which, however, should not be overly emphasized also due to the proximity between the two territories. The ports of Eivissa and Sa Savina are just 12 miles away and therefore exchanges between the two islands are on the agenda. In other words, you can base yourself in Formentera and dedicate one or more days of your holiday to discover Ibiza or, on the contrary, you can stay in Ibiza and enjoy, for example, a visit to the charming beach of the islet of Espalmador, in the peninsula of Es Trucadors. Our story starts from another famous beach on the north side of Formentera, Platja de Levante ("Levante beach"). Happy reading.
1 Levante Beach
According to many experts, the most beautiful beaches in the Balearic Islands are those north of Formentera. Considering that Platja de Levante it is in turn considered the best on the island it follows, inevitably, that it is the most beautiful beach of the entire archipelago. Charts aside, undoubtedly Llevant is a dream place. A white beach, thin, sufficiently extended and washed by a crystalline sea. What's more, bars, restaurants and kiosks all around enhance even more the wonderful naturalistic scenery, not surprisingly very appreciated by lovers of integral suntan. Besides naturists e nudist the Levante beach, together with the "twin" Illetes and Es Pujols beach it is also frequented by families with children following. The seabed, in fact, gently degrade favoring the aquaticity of the little ones. Not to be missed!
2 Camì de S'Estany
Another thing you can do with children is the walk along the path that runs along theEstany Pudent, the great lake of Formentera. We are still in the north of the island, between La Savina, main tourist landing point, ed Es Pujols which instead is the place with the largest number of clubs and therefore the one where the bulk of the island's nightlife is concentrated. It must be said, however, that while skirting a lake, the bathing is absolutely prohibited. The Camì de S'Estany it is therefore recommended especially for lovers of birdwatching. Herons, flamingos, ducks and the more common seagulls are just some of the species of sea birds living in this habitat which, in addition to the lake, includes the historic ones saline (Ses Salines), Formentera's environmental heritage, as well as the island's main activity before the tourist boom. The only drawbacks are represented by the dust caused by the comings and goings of scooters, especially during the summer, and the strong smell that the lake gives off in the hottest hours.
3 Camì de Sa Pujada
If desired, the coastline that includes the beaches of Es Pujols, Illetes and Llevante can also be done on foot. It is a walk of about 5 kilometers that has no particular contraindications other than having to walk under the sun. The naturalistic scenery is remarkable since the path winds entirely inside the Natural Park of Ses Salines. However, this is only one of the excursions that can be done in Formentera. On the island they have been well surveyed and mapped 32 nature trails, several of which can also be traveled by bicycle. We have already mentioned the Camì de S'Estany but, according to many, the most beautiful is the path leading from the small seaside village of Es Calò de Sant Agustì ends in The Pilar of La Mola, a village of about 400 inhabitants perched on the plateau of the same name. Here too it is a route of about 4 kilometers which however winds almost entirely uphill. More commonly known as "Camì de Sa Pujada" this excursion gives the most beautiful views of Formentera with the magnificent view of the profile of the island. Therefore, woe to forget the camera.
4 Far de La Mola
After the Camí de Sa Pujada hike it is worth stopping to visit The Pilar of La Mola, the village of the homonymous plateau a 200 meters above sea level. The inhabitants are about 400, almost as many visitors who go up the coast of Formentera every day in summer to discover the rural dimension of the island. There are a couple of shops, a few bars, a small church of the '700 and above all the Far de La Mola, the main attraction of the resort. There are two ways to reach the lighthouse: the state road or, alternatively, the circuit inside the village (number 29) that crosses vineyards, pascoli and ancient farmhouses. A little bit more than 2 kilometers but they have the power to take you back in time. Also here: woe to forget your camera!
5 Migjorn beach
After the beaches of the northern side of the island - S'Espalmador, Illetes and especially Llevante - woe to forget the south side of Formentera where, for over 5 kilometers, the mythical extends Platja de Mitjorn (or Migjorn). A beach interrupted by several rocky stretches, with behind pine forests e sand dunes, which has two advantages over the others described so far: first of all its great extension allows you to find uncrowded areas even in high season (as naturists know); secondly, compared to the beaches in the north of the island, it is (relatively) less windy. The only drawback, the massive presence of seaweed in long stretches of the coast. Coast that takes different names. From west to east: Es Mal Pas, Es Ca Marì, Racò Fondo, Codol Foradat, Es Valencians, Es Arenals, Es Capinar. The second (Es Ca Marì) and the last two (Es Arenals, Es Capinar) are the most popular stretches of beach due to the greater accessibility to cars, scooters and bicycles.
6 Cap de Barbaria lighthouse
"A place where the feelings of immense solitude and freedom come together". It is written like this on the official website of Formentera to describe the charm of Cap de Barbaria lighthouse, the southernmost point of the island which is reached from capital Sant Francesc. Another lighthouse, after that of La Mola, and another place to photograph, especially al sunset. Near the lighthouse there is a small coastal tower of the '700 (Torre d'Es Garrovet) with functions of sighting of the dangers once coming from the sea. Of course, the road to the Cap de Barbaria lighthouse is present in several hiking itineraries in Formentera (see the map linked above). Not to be missed!
7 Diving, snorkeling and outdoor activities
So far we have mentioned the trekking, birdwatching and mountain bike but, being an island, Formentera is also to be discovered underwater. Not surprisingly, the Diving attracts tourists from all over the world eager to dive into the crystal clear waters of the island. The reason for the cleanliness of the seabed lies in the large benches of Posidonia oceanica that meet along the coasts. The function of this plant, often mistakenly confused with an alga, is quite similar to that of a forest. Like a forest, in fact, Posidonia oceanica meadows absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, thus favoring the biodiversity of the marine ecosystem. Not only that, because, just as a forest represents an embankment to landslides and landslides, the Posidonia oceanica slows down the erosion of the coastline. That said, on the island there are several diving centers which you can contact for diving and, if desired, also for diving snorkeling. For more information visit the page dedicated to scuba diving on the official website of Formentera.
1 Don't always go to the same beach
We have already said: according to many the beaches of Formentera are the most beautiful in the archipelago. So why should we limit ourselves to always frequenting the same? The only thing you have to pay attention to are shoes, especially if you prefer rocky stretches to sand to swim.
2 Do not book last cars, scooters and electric bikes
Il car, bike and scooter rental is a definitely on the rise in Formentera. It is still an island of over 80 square kilometers, and therefore there are many tourists (especially Italians) who resort to rental. The point, however, is do it in time, together with the hotel reservation (for the list of recommended hotels click here), in order to avoid surprises upon arrival. In fact, in the summer, it can happen that you have to settle for arranged solutions or, even worse, find nothing at the last moment.
