Formentera is a small island off the southern coast of Ibiza. Like the islands in the rest of the archipelago, Formentera was a staging post for many of the marauders and pirates, conquerors and conquered who plied the Mediterranean for over two thousand years.

The island is only 19 kilometres in length and its major villages are Sant Francesc Xavier, Sant Ferran de ses Roques and El Pilar de la Mola.

As can be imagined about an island that is relatively untouched by human habitation and which enjoys spectacular sunrises and sunsets, Formentera is a popular stopping point for the many yachts that move continuously around the islands looking for an exotic or quiet berth.

The Mediterranean populations of antiquity imposed itself on this small island in many ways. The island has been occupied by many of them including the Cartheginians and, after their destruction, by the Romans. It then passed in succession to the Visgoths, Byzatines, Vandals and the Arabs, these latter who remained the influencing culture for more than 500 years.

At the end of Muslim hegemony and with the fall of yet another empire, the island passed under the influence of the Kingdom of Aragón, a time in which its Catalan identity was imposed. It later formed part of the Kingdom of Mallorca.

More information: http://formentera.es/es/

Routes and Places worth a Visit

The web page for the island of Formentera notes that the island is a Mediterranean paradise that offers classic holidays on white sand beaches whilst lying beside azur seas. This is true except that it misses the fact that one has to ensure that one’s towel is strategically placed on the beach early in the morning to avoid the summer jam. Still, if you can overcome this small detail, Formentera is a great place to just chill out and relax under a benign Mediterranean sun with a climate that offers year-round comfortable temperatures.

Being next to the sea you would expect that the island would be intimately involved with the sea. You won’t be disappointed. There is a wide range of water activities on offer from diving in crystal clear waters to sea kayaking, to windsurfing and sailing. All of these activities can be learned in well-organised classes.

Sa Mola, says the literature, is a world apart. This area of the island, located on the extreme eastern part of the island offers tranquil beaches and steep cliffs that contrast with extensive gentle platforms extending way out to sea. Couple this with the excellent cafés and great views and you have a wonderful recipe for a holiday to remember.

How to get there The best way is by boat. There’s one that takes you from the port of Ibiza and arrives at Savina 25 minutes later.

Important Fiestas

15th of August is the festival of Nuestra Señora, 1st November is the festival of All the Saints.