About Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza, probably heard all, but the fourth Balearic island knows some. But it also has something to see and where to rest! The name of this island is Formentera.
Formentera is very close to Ibiza and has an area of only 82 square meters. km, 20 km long and 2 km wide. The island is fairly flat with a low peak at 119 m. The population is about 9,000 people. You can reach Formentera half an hour by ferry from Ibiza, as there is no airport in this section. In recent years, thanks to tourism, ferries have been launched from mainland cities.
Although Formentera is called Ibiza's "sister", they are completely different in style. With Ibiza's almost always sleepless background with the reckless young man, Formentera seems to be a tranquil haven where "Zen" and safety live.
The island's name is derived from the Latin frumentum, meaning "cereal plant". Why is that? Because in non-summer time the whole area is filled with vegetables and cereals.
As in all islands, the cost of living here is higher than on land. Transportation of clean water, materials needed and products increase prices.
For centuries, Formentera is a haven for African pirates, so it is considered a "lost" island and slightly harmful to the world.
Since the 1960s, a beautiful little island has a closer look at the representatives of hippies, who, by impressive groups, began to flock to the island. This is understandable: pure water, white sand, warmth. Perhaps the hippies introduced the tradition of nudism in Formentera. Since then, almost on all beaches people have rested "what mothers give birth".
By the way, in one of the handmade market settlement things in the style of hippies work every day: decorations, handbags, summer clothes, accessories.
Earlier before 1980 Foreman was involved in the manufacture of salt, but for some reason the demand for it fell and production closed. Today the island lives exclusively in tourism and small farms, such as fishing and wine making.
Usually tourists come here for a few days, but some also choose this place for long vacation. The average cost of an apartment for two people during a week in July is about 1,500 euros. I agree, not cheap, but visitors are willing to pay the amount for species that are peaceful, quiet and exotic. And since tents are not allowed to rest on the island, tourists have no choice but to pay for the hotel.
What to do on this island?
First, why tourists come, this is, of course, a beach vacation. The beach here is amazing - clean, spacious and with white sand. Compared to the coast of the Caribbean Sea, the locals respond that the beaches of Formentera are better. I can not comment on this statement, because I am not at one or the other, but who, can safely express my point of view.
The second lesson, recommended by experts, is snorkeling and diving.
Lovers of cultural programs can go to ethnology museums, walk along Roman roads, see megaliths and military forts in the 18th century.
For fast movement, tourists rent bikes or mopeds, and easily check out the entire island area within a few days.
I hope that I will see Formenter with my own eyes in the near future, which I am happy to tell you