The Pitiusa’s islands are two, Ibiza and its nearby sister Formentera. Much smaller in extension, flat and sandy part to get to its highest point of 129 m, La Mola. What is striking about Formentera is undoubtedly its uncontaminated nature, made up of white sands, salt marshes, pine and sabina woods and its crystalline waters. Less altered by the presence of man, it maintains its wild appearance precisely because many beaches are located in protected natural areas. Despite this, tourist services are not lacking, but they are less intrusive.
In Formentera the presence of a stable and continuous population is already documented at the end of the third millennium BC; the megalithic tomb of Cana Costa and the deposits of Cap de Barbaria I, II and III testify to this period. Among the archaeological evidence of the occupation in ancient times there is also Can Blai, a Roman fortification dating back to the times of the empire. Attempts to populate this island, after it passed into the hands of the crown of Aragon together with Ibiza, were numerous, but a real settlement only took place in the 18th century.
Initially based on rural work and self-sustenance, a real change of course took place over time, when the increase in tourism favored economic development and services.
Formentera currently lives on this but, unlike Ibiza which remains inhabited even in winter, the season here runs from May to October, then the island empties and remains with its 12,000 inhabitants. In summer, on the other hand, it is populated by tourists who invade it by land and also by sea, with a traffic jam of boats. Even here, however, we can glimpse a strong and deeply rooted hippie past that coexists with the more commercial and touristic soul of the island.

APRIL IN FORMENTERA

Going to Formentera out of the “full” season is always a good idea to enjoy the spirit of the island, as well as beautiful beaches without the crowd. It’s the best moment to take advantage of the island to disconnect from all, and just connect with nature and atmosphere. Even for a day. Here some suggestions to what to do/see in one day in April…

Beaches and Walks

One of the thing that we like to do is to hire a bike! Especially in this period, where there is not so much traffic or motors around, is nice to go slowly riding a bike. From the Savina’s port you can easily rent one and start exploring the close and most famous area of Ses Illetes, the beach where the sand is very white and the water transparent. It is located in the natural park of the Salinas, another area that is amazing to explore, looking at stunning colors, wild nature and little animals that are around. Here you will observe a large number of animals and plants, it is also in this place where the work of salt production in Formentera began. Its waters draw attention, which have a particular pink and violet tone, mainly in summer. Walking on the beach until the end, where you can meet Espalmador island with your eyes (and sometimes also walking, if the sea level is low enough). By the way, all the beaches of the island in this period worth a visit: you can move to Cala Saona, exploring the secret and small Calò d’Es Mort or skipping back and forth the two sides of Playa Mijorn.

Lighthouse and Mills

The lighthouses are another of the must-sees if you go to Formentera, especially the Cap de Babaria Lighthouse. One of the most famous after appearing in one of the most famous scenes of the movie ‘Lucía y el Sexo’, in which Paz Vega appears pedaling her bicycle with this lighthouse in the background. Since then, this lighthouse has attracted numerous visits every year, although also the La Mola Lighthouse worth a visit to enjoy its impressive views. Another interesting thing to see are mills: there are a lot on the island and with construction dates dating back to the 13th century. A great tourist attraction, especially for those who want to see up close the most authentic history of the island when it lived basically from agriculture and fishing. Today the most touristy and best preserved is the Molí Vell de la Mola, whose interior has been restored and is open to the public.

Sunset Spots

And finally, if you are a lover of sunsets and have time to enjoy them before leaving the island, we recommend that you enjoy them from Cap de Babaria, where the sunset will make you fall in love with the island even more. But if the sunset catches you back by ferry, this view moving away from the island and accompanied by the colors of the sunset will also be worth it.

Of course you can move and take a look at the small pueblos around, from the cute San Francesc to Es Pujol (that now is better that in summer, probably a lot of places are still closed), in search of a nice spot where to eat something meanwhile. The Markets will re-open in May, but for sure some stores are already on 😉 Just enjoy the quiet and let the wildness of this island take you by hand, without so many plans…