Formentera is a small island, but it offers a wide variety of places to enjoy. Many of it’s villages have become completely or partially pedestrianised. Creating a peaceful and harmoniuos atmosphere, especially welcoming for families. Traditional squares with the church, outdoor cafes and classical Mediterranean architecture creates a magnificent backdrop to village life.
Es Calò
In the central-northern part of Formentera is the town of Es Calò, one of the most characteristic areas of the island.
Surrounded by a wooded area, Es Calò is a small fishing village, with an enchanting natural harbor still able to accommodate the traditional boats of the island. The atmosphere of this village is really unique, not to mention that here are some of the best restaurants of Formentera, where you can enjoy the of specialties fish based dishes and typical Greek cuisine. The area of Es Calò also offers two beautiful beaches of sand and rock. ‘Es Caló de Sant Agustí’ and ‘Ses Platgetes’, are excellent for relaxing in the sun and for diving in the crystal clear waters of the sea. From Es Calò starts a well-known and suggestive uphill path that the inhabitants call Camì Romà, the "Roman Way", because it was built by the Romans at the time of their domination, leading to a high point, ‘Es Mirador’, from where you can admire the exceptional views of the island of Formentera.
Es Pujols
The Es Pujols area located in the north of Formentera, extending between the Estany Pudent lake and the Punta Prima cliff.
Es Pujols, in addition to being the main tourist center, can also be considered the real beating heart of the island, both during the day - thanks to the movement of people who crowd the shops and flea markets and at night , when the "movida" of tourists in search of fun, comes to life of the streets. In Es Pujols, you can find a large amount of tourist accommodations, and services, including shops, bars, chiringuitos and restaurants. The nearby beaches such as ‘Platja de Llevant’, ‘Platja de Sa Roqueta’, ‘Platja Ses Canyes’ and the Es Pujols beach - are certainly among the most beautiful and popular in Formentera. Although there has been visible urbanization, the characteristic flavour of this delightful village remains unchanged, where you can still admire the traditional "varadero" houses and the classic boats of the local fishermen..
The Migjorn area
The Migjorn area includes the entire Formentera area overlooking the great ‘Platja des Migjorn’, the largest beach of the island. The beach of Migjorn - jagged, varied and rich in inlets is 6 km in length covering a large portion of the southern coast of the island, stretching from Capo di Barbaria up to almost the Faro della Mola. Both the coastal part and it’s surrounding areas have remained among the wildest and most untouched of Formentera, as can be seen from the seabed populated by a great variety of marine life, the rich typical Mediterranean vegetation and the beautiful woods. It is no coincidence that Migjorn is considered a ‘Special Interest Nature Reserve’. The maintenance of the still strongly naturalistic character of this area has not, however, prevented the emergence of a good amount of structures and excellent services available to tourists; also accessibility with public or private means is to be considered satisfactory. It should be noted that the eastern part of Platja de Migjorn also embraces the famous beach of Es Arenals, very famous among the visitors of Formentera.
La Savina
La Savina, the port of Formentera, is an area of great historical importance for the Mediterranean and still retains its unique character of a fishing port combined with a modern and attractive marina. Squeezed around the marina there are traditional cafes, bars, restaurants and stalls selling local crafts. There is also a wide range of services such as boat and bicycle rentals, car hire, taxis and small shops. Astbury Formentera's office are located on the harbour, in front of the marina and the piers. The beaches of Illetes and Levant are easily reachable from La Savina, along the old disused railway line that use to transported salt from the salt pans to the port, for export. Now it is a path to walk or cycle along the coast to the beach that extends to the tip of the peninsula to the islet of Espalmador.
Sant Francesc Xavier
Is about 3 km from the port, considered the capital of the island. In this small village are the town hall, the main post office and the other administrative offices of the island. The village of Sant Francesc Xavier is simple and very characteristic, with white houses, small squares where you can relax while sitting at a cafe. In the summer season it is very popular, and you can find all kinds of necessary services (supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, etc.) as well as typical shops, restaurants and clubs. In the main square you find an interesting church with a rather singular history, built in the eighteenth century as a fortification to defend the island from pirates and then transformed into a place of worship. The church square is the meeting place of Sant Francesc Xavier, and in the morning it hosts a charming market where local artisans exhibit their creations.
Sant Ferran de ses Roques
Following the road that leaves from the port and passes through Sant Francesc, you get to San Fernando. This village offers a wide choice of bars and restaurants, including the legendary Fonda Pepe. Sant Ferran hosts numerous musical events during the summer season.
El Pilar La Mola
This village is located on the highest point of the island, about 15 km. from Sant Ferran. It is one of the most peaceful villages, and for this reason it has fewer shops and restaurants. Its main attraction is the hippie market twice a week. Another point of interest is the lighthouse which is located on the edge of the cliff and has fantastic observatory that offers spectacular views.
The Cap of Barbaria area
The area to the extreme south-west of Formentera is called ‘Cap de Barbaria’ because the ancient presence of pirate boats that used to approach the island exploiting this isolated and impervious promontory. Cap di Barbaria offers a wild and rugged landscape fantastic for walking, cycling and exploring. On the promontory stands the majestic lighthouse, about 18 meters high, overlooking an incredible view of reddish rocks, opening the visual horizon to a view that leaves one literally breathless. It is a focal point and the cliff below the lighthouse offers excellent vantage points to look towards Morocco and North Africa. Going down through a small hollow in the ground you can explore the old cave under the lighthouse which opens onto an uninterrupted panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea. Visit the sighting tower once used as a first system of protection against the invasion of pirates in the 18th century.
If you want to spend your summer holidays in Formentera, come and discover our exclusive villas in Formentera and all the services dedicated to our guests.
