About Formentera

Formentera is the smallest and southernmost island of the Illes Pitiüses group (which includes Eivissa (Ibiza) and Formentera) and belongs to the Balearic Islands autonomous community. It is 19 kilometres long and is located approximately 3 nautical miles (6 km) south of Ibiza in the Mediterranean Sea. Its major villages are Sant Francesc Xavier, Sant Ferran de ses Roques, El Pilar de la Mola and La Savina.

The island's name is usually said to derive from the Latin word frumentum, meaning "grain." The island had been occupied by the Carthaginians before passing to the Romans. In succeeding centuries, it passed to the Visigoths, the Byzantines, the Vandals, and the Arabs. It was conquered by the Catalan, added to the Crown of Aragon and later became part of the medieval Kingdom of Majorca.

Formentera Port Directions

Getting to Formentera is quite easy, as you can catch a boat from the Spanish mainland with your car from either Barcelona or Denia to Ibiza (Eivissa) and from there catch another ferry to Formentera. Alternatively, you can fly to Ibiza and Formentera can be reached by regular ferries from the Estacion Maritima in Ibiza Town and by tourist ferries from other parts of Ibiza during high season.

Regular buses during the summer season go to most parts of the island from the port, where most visitors arrive by ferry, but are less frequent during the winter months. The only communication with Formentera is by sea, due to its characteristics Formentera has no airport.

The island was reachable by ship only from Ibiza (Eivissa) and this made it the quietest of both islands but in recent years regular lines from the Spanish peninsula have increased the amount of tourism. It is best known for the fact that nude sunbathing is allowed on most of its beaches.

For the energetic traveller Formentera has a network of cycle tracks and green lanes, both around the lagoons and beaches, and going to the more wild upland areas of the Cap de Barbaria and la Mola.

When choosing a beach for the day, consider the wind direction - some beaches may be rough while others are calm. Since the island is small it's not difficult to change your plans at short notice.

Formentera comprises one municipality, also called Formentera, and has a population of 7,461 (2002). It is part of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands, belonging currently to the kingdom of Spain. Catalan is its vernacular and official language, and Spanish is official too. Italian and German can be heard extensively in summer.

Formentera also has two large lagoons, the Estany de Peix and Estany Pudent (Fish lagoon and Stinking lagoon). It's possible to swim on the south side of the Estany de Peix; the north is a boat harbour.

• Balearia: Ibiza, Denia 
• Iscomar: Denia