Tours of Formentera
The main attraction of Formentera is its pristine and empty beaches, with the exception of Es Pujols, which can get crowded during the peak season. It is usually possible to find your own secluded piece of dazzling white sand on any tour of Formentera and enjoy the clear blue waters, with or without your clothes on.
Es Pujols is the island’s premier tourist resort and is the stamping ground of package holiday tourists. It is prone to overcrowding, but there is a good reason for this; its superb beach and inviting Mediterranean waters, together with the convenience of major tourist facilities and proximity to the port of La Savina and the salt lakes of Estany Pudent and Estany des Peix, make it hard to resist.
The beachfront is packed with cafés, restaurants and shops, all of which line a wide walkway, while at night market stalls selling local art and jewellery appear. Es Pujols is also the one beach where nudity is not allowed as it is a popular spot for families. Windsurfing is a popular activity on the nearby lakes.
If you want to escape the crowds, just along the coast heading towards Ibiza is the town of Sa Roqueta , much less frequented and popular among nudists. Farther along is the town of Llevant . The coastline here has a few small bars and is dominated by small secluded coves that are protected by sand dunes. Across the narrow peninsula is the town of Illetas and another beautiful beach, albeit a usually more crowded one. The water here is shallow and it is possible to swim out to the small island of Espalmador .
La Savina is the port where ferries arrive and depart for Ibiza , a 30-minute ride to the north. It is a lively town with good restaurants and a couple of popular hotels, while the port area offers an interesting stroll among alongside the expensive moored yachts. The island’s official tourist office is also located here.
Farther south along the coast is the popular town of Cala Sahona . Its stunning cove is an ideal spot for snorkelling and scuba diving and the beach here is exquisite. Continuing along the coast to the southernmost tip, you come to the Es Cap de Barbaria lighthouse, where you can take in panoramic cliff top vistas.
The southern coast of the island is dominated by the three mile long Playa de Mitjorn, another popular nudist beach due to its numerous secluded sections. The area remains undeveloped except for a few scattered bars, restaurants and small hotels. Towards the eastern end is Es Arenals, one of the most popular sections of beach, boasting pure white sand and known as a good spot to watch the sunset.
The eastern peninsula is overlooked by the La Mola lighthouse and the island’s highest peak of Sa Talaiassa , from where excellent views can be had of the entire island. Farther along the northern coastline and less than a mile across from Playa de Mitjorn is Es Calo, a once sleepy fishing village turned resort, which is now more popular for its bars and restaurants than its beach. On a clear day you can see across to the island of Majorca .
Tours of the attractions inland are focused around the island’s capital of Sant Francesc Xavier. Here you can visit the Ethnological Museum , which has displays of ancient artefacts as well as local folk art, musical instruments and costumes; while the Sa Nostra Hall of Culture hosts art exhibitions and concerts and the 18 th century Church of Sant Francesc Xavier, located in the central square, is one of the island’s landmarks. Overrated according to some, Sant Ferran is an old artist community that is home to popular tapas bars, with the most popular being Fonda Pepe.
Tours of Formentera are best made by bicycle, ensuring you can take it slow and easy like the locals; this way the island’s laid back atmosphere remains intact. Formentera is mostly flat and small in size and it’s never far between towns and beaches. The island has a network of bicycle paths to make navigation between various attractions easier. Scooters and cars are also available for hire for tours of Formentera, but cars are in the minority here. Taxis wait for you at La Savina to take you and your luggage to your chosen hotel from the ferry and there is also a cheap bus system plying the island’s roads.
