10 curiosities about Formentera that will amaze you
Do you think you know everything about the little Pitiusa? Today at Sea Experience we bring you a list of some of the most striking aspects of the island. Some of them may sound familiar but we are sure that others will surprise you.
Let's start with the fun facts about Formentera:
1) Why is it said that "Formentera is a cheese"
The explanation is quite simple: the island is full of caves, underground passages and caves due to its peculiar geomorphological formation.
Some of the most popular caves are Cova d'Estrips, Cova Foradada, Cova des Fum or those you can find in Cala en Baster (Cala Envasté).
If you have the chance, you must see the sea caves of Punta Rasa, accessing them by kayak or paddle surf. Impressive!
2) Jules Verne was never in Formentera (but he does have a monument)
There are people who believe that the acclaimed author Jules Verne has been to Formentera or that he has even written some works on the island. Unfortunately, this is only a legend. However, there is a Jules Verne moment at the Lighthouse of La Mola. Why?
Because in Héctor Servadac, a little-known work, one of the main characters is dedicated to observing the sky and conducting astronomical studies from "the highest peak on Formentera". Curiously, the place where the monolith in homage to Verne is located (the lighthouse itself) is not the highest spot on the island, but it is one of the most iconic.
On the other hand, some people believe that the novel The Lighthouse at the End of the World, another popular work by the French writer, was inspired by Formentera, but that was not the case either!
3) The best beach in Spain and the 12th in the world is in Formentera
All right, it's no official trophy but it's still quite an achievement. In 2003, the tourism portal TripAdvisor awarded the prize for "Best beach in Spain" to Illetes cove (which you can reach with our boat trip Crystal Waters Formentera).
On a worldwide level it was "only" in the position number 12, proving that nothing has to envy the most paradisiacal beaches of the Caribbean. Now you have more desire to swim in its crystalline waters? so do we!
Who can resist taking the path to paradise?
4) Formentera, an island of cinema... and short films!
I'm sure you know or have seen the scene of Lucia and the sex in which Paz Vega flees from the lighthouse of Barbaria. Julio Medem's film is one of those most associated with Formentera, but that is not the only relationship the island has with the cinema.
If you've been following our travel guide, you'll know that a new edition of the Formentera Film Festival was held from the 16th to the 19th of May 2019. An event where short films, documentaries and video-art are screened. Seventh art fans, you should not miss it!
5) More than 100 kilometers of greenways
Formentera is the ideal place to practice Nordic Walking, enjoy bicycle routes surrounded by nature or discover every corner on foot. Despite the fact that it is an island of only 83 square kilometres...
...it has a total of 32 green routes to explore! More than 100 kilometres to get lost (or found) in surroundings of great beauty and heritage value.
You can download the Formentera green routes brochure directly fromthis link.
6) A paradise within a paradise
One of the activities you should do yes or no when you go on holiday to Formentera or make a getaway from Ibiza is to swim in the virgin islet of s'Espalmador.
Even the access to it is very interesting: you can do it on foot when the tide is low (through the Es Trocadors pass). Crystal-clear waters, tranquillity and even natural mud baths to take care of your skin are waiting for you...
Peace of mind, crystal clear waters and mud baths await you in S'Espalmador.
7) A lighthouse that has been illuminating for more than a century
The famous Lighthouse of La Mola was built in 1861. In other words, it has lit up the horizon of Formentera for almost 160 years and was an express wish of Queen Isabel II.
However, on the neighbouring island of Ibiza there is a lighthouse that is older than the Faro de la Mola. It is the Botafoc lighthouse, which dates from 1859.
8) Formentera, the island without traffic lights
Some people may find this detail shocking. In fact: in Formentera you will not find any traffic lights. All the more reason to enjoy it by bike or on foot.
In fact, in recent years local institutions have been protecting the most delicate natural environments by banning road traffic or giving bicycles a discount.
So if you want to experience the true essence of Formentera, forget about the car!
9) Inspiration for Pink Floyd
During the late 1960s, at the height of "hippie" culture, the members of the Pink Floyd group spent several summers in Formentera and ended up falling in love with it.
The influence of the island would be reflected in the unique and extraordinary style that the progressive and psychedelic rock band would define years later. And in the feature film "More" by Barbet Schroeder, whose soundtrack is signed by Pink Floyd, you can see the Es Molí Vell mill.
By the way, the house where they spent their summers is in the Migjorn area...
10) A place for tourists and... Flamingoes!
They say that whoever comes on holiday to Ibiza and does not pass through Formentera is making a mistake. And a lot! Above all to enjoy the wonders of the natural park shared by both islands (Ses Salines).
Estany Pudent is one of the most emblematic places to contemplate one of the most beautiful phenomena of the archipelago: the migrations of the flamingos. Put a sunset on it and you will have an unforgettable postcard.
Do you know more curiosities about Formentera that you want to share with us? Leave us a message at our Facebook account or at our Instagram profile!
See you next week!
