Active Pursuits in Formentera
Beaches, beaches, and more beaches—that’s why visitors come to Formentara. You can see the ocean from any point on the island. Some say the island has the best beaches in the Mediterranean -- an opinion not without merit. Formentera has been declared a "World Treasure" by UNESCO, one of four places so honored because of its special character as an ecological and wildlife preserve. This implies indirect control by UNESCO of activities that could jeopardize the island's ecological well-being.
The island is ringed with beaches, so selecting the one you think will appeal to you is about the only problem you'll face -- that and whether you should wear a bathing suit.
Playa de Migjorn, on the southern coast, is 5km (3 miles) long and is the principal area for nude sunbathing. A few bars and hotels occupy the relatively undeveloped stretch of sand. You can make Es Copinyars, the name of one of the beachfronts, your stop for lunch.
At Es Caló, along the northeast coast near El Pilar, there are some small boardinghouses. From here you can see the lighthouse of La Mola, which was featured in Jules Verne’s Journey Around the Solar System in 80 Days.
The town of Sant Ferran serves the beach of Es Pujols, darling of the package-tour operators. This is the most crowded beach on Formentera, with pure white sand, good windsurfing, and a backdrop of dunes and pine trees.
Westward, Cala Saona is another popular tourist spot, lying near the lighthouse on Cabo Barberia. Pleasure vessels often anchor here on what is the most beautiful cove in Formentera.
