Holidays in Formentera

The beaches of this tiny jewel of the Balearics rivals those of the Caribbean. But that's not the island's only source of charm. The magnetism of Formentera can also be felt from its lighthouses, with views of some of the most majestic landscapes of the Mediterranean. The tranquillity of the place will make you want your holiday to last forever. In the sixties and seventies, many hippies felt the same and took up residence on the island. Although those days are long past, Formentera has never stopped emanating that sensation of being the 'last paradise' that wins over everyone who visits it.

The Hotel Riu La Mola, located facing the Platja de Migjorn beach, gives you everything you need to have an unforgettable holiday in Formentera. At this hotel you'll enjoy the best cuisine, exciting entertainment programmes and RIU's exclusive amenities.

The best of Formentera

The best way of getting around the island is to rent a moped or bicycle so you can get to even the most out-of-the way places. Once you have your means of transportation, we recommend you visit Faro de La Mola, a lighthouse situated on a cliff that rises 200 metres above sea level. Here you'll enjoy a landscape of breathtaking, almost supernatural beauty. You should also visit the town of El Pilar de la Mola, and make sure to see its windmill, which you can enter free of charge to discover how it works. We also suggest you go to the other side of the island to see the saltwater lakes of s'Estany des Peix and s'Estany Pudent; if it's low tide, don't hesitate to walk to the tiny island of s'Espalmador, famous for its fantastic mud baths.

In Formentera you also have to see Faro de Cap de Barbaria, a lighthouse where you can contemplate spectacular sunrises and sunsets. If you get there early and are fit, take the opportunity to enter the nearby Cova Foradada, a grotto that leads to an incredible balcony overlooking the sea. Another very worthwhile option is to visit to the capital, Sant Francesc, where you can stroll through its streets of typical whitewashed houses and around the lovely church square. Another common pastime is to walk the 19 green routes of Formentera to go scuba diving or snorkelling in the underwater posidonia oceanic meadows located off the beaches around Ses Illetes, which have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Gastronomy in Formentera

The culinary traditions of Formentera are still maintained today. In its cuisine you'll discover local dishes and recipes that will amaze you. You can't leave the island without trying peix sec, fish left out to dry in the sun and the sea breeze by fishermen; ensalada payesa (peasant salad), prepared with fresh vegetables, potatoes and dried fish; bullit de peix, made with fish, vegetables and potatoes and accompanied by rice boiled in their broth; and flaó, a dessert made with fresh cheese and mint.

Playa de Ses Illetes:

A long tongue of white sand that reaches out into the sea from the northern tip of Formentera to form a beach with turquoise-hued water on either side. The rich meadows of posidonia algae of this protected natural area make it a very good place for scuba diving and snorkelling.

Windmills:

There are two, Molí den Mateu and Molí den Gerona, and they are notable for their enormous vanes and white elegance

Cala Saona:

A magnificent beach of white sand and crystalline waters. On its two ends, the coast turns rocky and is perfect for scuba diving.