The object of desire of the thousands of tourists who visit Formentera every year is, without a doubt, the beach. Kilometres of fine sand bathed by crystalline water is the island’s lure and main attraction.
The most visited beaches lie in the north. They are worth seeing and ideal to be seen: Cavall d’en Borrás, Ses Illetes and Llevant, are the best examples. Further east the only urban beach is located, in Es Pujols, a tourist centre which is ideal for families. But there are also more remote places along the coast such as Sa Roqueta beach or Rocabella beach, not forgetting Cala en Baster and Ses Platgetes, near Es Caló. In the southern part, we find Migjorn beach, which is actually a succession of coves whose names change as you go along the beach.
Caló des Mort is a place that has become popular in recent years. It is a hidden place with fishermen’s huts among the rocks. But throughout Migjorn, the surprises are endless, from Arenals to Es Valencians and even Mal Pas. Beyond, the more adventurous will find an authentic fisherman’s refuge: Es Torrent de s’Alga. But, regardless of whether the swimmer seeks crowds or prefers to be secluded in an inaccessible cove, the real secret of the beaches of Formentera lies at the bottom of the sea.
The meadows of Posidonia oceanica, classified by Unesco as a natural good, guarantee the transparency of the water, its oxygenation, the richness of the underwater ecosystem and cause the sand to stay on the beaches.
Posidonia is definitely the ultimate secret of Formentera’s sea because of its ability to generate oxygen and to be a drain on carbon dioxide. That is why a Balearic law protects this marine plant, often confused with an algae, from the aggressions it may suffer. After several years of awareness campaigns, both visitors and residents, now know the inestimable value that this plant has for the environment.
