Formentera

Revel In The Wondrous Setting Of RIU's Formentera Hotel

Marvel at the ocean views extending from our Riu Formentera hotel. The beaches of the small jewel of the Balearics can easily stand alongside those of the Caribbean. But this is not the only charm the island has to offer. Formentera's magnetism can also be felt from its lighthouses, with some of the most majestic scenery in the Mediterranean.

The tranquillity of our Formentera Spain hotel will make you wish you could extend your holiday indefinitely. And in fact many hippies have done so and stayed here to live. Although the '60s are now a distant memory, the island has never lost that feeling of "ultimate paradise" so characteristic of it that makes everyone who comes to visit fall in love with it.

Delight In The Coastal Treasures Of Our Formentera Spain Hotel
Spend an unforgettable beach holiday at our oceanfront Formentera hotel, where every view of the dazzling Playa de Migjorn is unparalleled.

Migjorn beach

This heavenly beach of fine, white sand and crystal-clear waters is surrounded by pine woods. This is probably the island's quietest beach, and the western end of it is popular with naturists.
This is the location of the Hotel Riu La Mola, where you can hire canoes and diving material. The waves are never too strong here, making Playa del Migjorn a perfect to enojoy the sea and the many activities it offers.

Ses Illetes beach

A long spit of white sand penetrates the sea from the northernmost tip of the island, creating a beach with turquoise waters on both sides. Surrounded by placid natural pools, you can enjoy a magnificent natural spectacle here.
Considered one of the most beautiful places in the Mediterranean, Ses Illetes beacg is also one of the most photographed ones. And although the images reproduce its beauty, they cannot capture its magic. To do this, you have to be there.
This beach, part of a protected natural area, is highly recommended for diving. Its rich plains of Posidonia algae host numerous species of fish.

Cala Saona beach

This beach of fine white sand has incomparably transparent waters. At both ends of the beach the coast is rocky and perfect for diving. The fishing boats that still moor at the jetty are a clear example of the fact that this island, whilst open to tourism, has also managed to cling on to its traditions.

Diving

Formentera stands out for the incredible transparency of its waters and for its Posidonia algae prairies, the best-preserved in the world. With shallow waters, rich in marine fauna, Formentera is a reference throughout Europe for both diving and snorkelling:

Playa de Illetes and surrounding area: The islets in the area (Porcs, Penjats, S'Espalmador, etc.) are unique in the Mediterranean for their biodiversity and the clearness of their waters. As you dive you will come across turtles, octopi, moray eels and many other species.

Playa Migjorn: The relative solitude of this place makes it ideal for diving and snorkelling. The Posidonia seabed is a refuge for many species of fish and molluscs. 
 
Cala Saona: At both ends of this beach there are rocky areas where fish, octopi, moray eels and crabs congregate.

Windsurf

The beaches of La Savina and S'estany des Peix are perfect places for practising this sport. The 2007 World Championship was held in these waters. If you would like to learn, the Local Sailing School (Escuela Municipal de Vela) is a prestigious centre.

Cycling

Cycling around the quiet, picturesque roads is one of the best ways to discover this island.

Cabo de Barbaría: The wildest part of the island is also one of the most spectacular. As you draw nearer to the lighthouse that dominates this area, the vegetation disappears and the landscape becomes lunar. The views at the end of the track are splendid.

S'estany des Peix and S'estany Pudent: The walks around these two lagoons, in the Natural Park of Ses Salines de Ibiza y Formentera, will enable you to observe the numerous birds that inhabit the zone. Without doubt, this is a pleasant family day out.

Specialities

Fish and seafood: Baked, grilled or in casseroles with rice, the produce of the sea abounds here. The island's rich waters guarantee fresh, quality products.

Flaó: A cake made of eggs, young cheese and mint. Absolutely delicious as a dessert.

Frígola: This liqueur made of thyme is very abundant on the island. After dinner, relax facing the sea and enjoy its characteristic flavour as the Mediterranean breezes caress you.

Shopping

La fira de la Mola: An authentic craft market with an abundance of silver and wooden articles, as well as clothes and artistic creations. Everything is handmade, a compulsory requisite for obtaining a licence to sell. Local craftsmen and women and genuine hippies come here every Wednesday and Friday to sell their products. The market is held in the main street of El Pilar de la Mola, in the southeast of the island.

Faro de la mola lighthouse

This lighthouse stands on the edge of a 124m-high cliff affording exceptional views of the Mediterranean. From the top you can see some magical grottoes sculpted by the erosive action of the sea.
If you want to see the spectacle of the waves crashing against the cliffs from close, there are some steps enabling you to climb down to a small inlet.

San Francesc

This quiet village with its typical white houses is the capital of the island. Despite the influence of tourism, its streets maintain the same character of old. You will find several places of interest here:

Church of San Francisco: This sober rectangular building is completely white and has no windows whatsoever. The church, which was constructed between 1726 and 1738, was fortified to protect it against the constant pirate attacks of the period. In those days, unlike now, visitors were not always welcome.
For several years now the church has shared the town's main square with a sculpture by the famous Mallorcan artist, Miquel Barceló.

Ethnographic Museum of Formentera: The museum describes the life and customs of the inhabitants of the island before the arrival of tourism. It is a good place for understanding just how much Formentera has changed throughout its history, and for appreciating this privileged place even more, if indeed that is possible.

Windmills: There are two windmills on the island, Molí d'en Mateu and Molí d'en Gerona, and they stand out for their large wooden sails and elegant white colour.

Prehistoric remains: Ca na Costa

This megalithic sepulchre is comprised of a large stone dolmen, with its pieces arranged with surprising geometric precision. These spectacular remains are known as Es Rellotge, (literally, 'The Clock'), because of their resemblance to a sundial. This site was probably used between 2000 BC and 1600 BC. It is located near S'estany Pudent.