MY EXPERIENCE
I discovered Formentera in 1995 for the first time and immediately fell in love with this Island. For many things some of which I cannot even explain. At that time it was perhaps I was in contact with the real and pure sustainability and eco philosophy and lifestyle, the real concept not like some current versions born with the new marketing lifestyle trend. I could literally understand why some people from all over the world when they reached this Island that is only over 82sqkm could make people lives change and suddenly decide to leave everything behind and stay to live there forever. I cannot wait to go back in fact I am taking my tickets for early May as I am writing this introduction.
AT A GLANCE
Formentera is Ibiza’s chilled-out Little sister, beloved for its sensational beaches and off grid hippy vibe” according to Conde Nast Traveller.
The Island of Formentera is the smallest one of the Balearics and hangs off the southern edge from Ibiza. For centuries it was unknown and unvisited by the rest of the world. I have read that sometime after that it counted with visitors such as Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, Kate Moss as well as Jade Jagger, so the secret island could not remain a secret forever.
With only 83,2 km2, of which 69 km are coast, it is composed of numerous beaches and peculiar corners.
It has been described as “The last paradise of the Mediterranean”, “Singular and Natural”, “The Island that you will want to preserve and not only in your memory”.
To reach Formentera you need to fly to Ibiza which is very well connected by plane and take a boat for no more than 35 mins, then you will be in paradise.
WHY IS FORMENTERA SO SPECIAL
Have your seen or heard of the Formentera blue? There is nothing similar and if you have a look at its beaches you will not need me to tell you.
Formentera is Unesco’s heritage site. Check out about the “Save Posidonia Project”.
MORE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY
Apart from the traditional Mediterranean cuisine, Formentera’s typical and local food is closely related to its traditional way of life, marked by its link to the sea and the arid agriculture. The fact that it is somehow isolated we can see scarcity and creativity combined with high quality products like the fish, have given birth to traditional recipes.
Some things you cannot miss that I have had the chance to delight myself with, are for instance the “peix sec”, dried fish that would be used all year round as fishermen used to do long time ago. Another delicacy, its fresh cheese, herbs thyme liqueur or a local precious fish called “raó” that cannot find anywhere else and which is protected and very valued by the more demanding connoisseurs.
There are two wines from Formentera, both from Cap de Barbería. I cannot wait to taste them and will tell you more after. There are other delicacies such as the liquid salt, local honey, dried figues, or the biscuit.