Formentera
 Flag of Formentera |
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Mediterranean Sea |
| Archipelago | Illes Pitiüses, Balearic Islands |
| Area | 83.24 km2 (32.139 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 119 m (390 ft) |
| Country | |
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Spain
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| Autonomous community | Balearic Islands |
| Largest city | Sant Francesc Xavier |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 7,461 (as of 2002) |
Formentera is the smallest and southernmost island of the Illes Pitiüses group (which includes Ibiza and Formentera) and belongs to the Balearic Islands autonomous community (Spain). It is 19 kilometres (12 mi) long and is located approximately 6 kilometres (4 mi) south of Ibiza in the Mediterranean Sea. Its major villages are Sant Francesc Xavier, Sant Ferran de ses Roques, El Pilar de la Mola and La Savina.
The island was reachable by ship only from Ibiza, making it the quieter of the two islands but in recent years regular lines from the Spanish mainland have increased the amount of tourism. It is known for its many pristine beaches and the fact that nude sunbathing is allowed on most of its beaches.
North of Formentera is the small island of Espalmador (Illa de s'Empalmador). Espalmador is separated from Formentera by a shallow sandbar, and during low tide, it is possible for one to wade between the two islands. This area is a popular stopping point for those in yachts heading between Ibiza and Formentera.
Formentera comprises one municipality, also called Formentera, and has a population of 7,461 (2002). Its land area is 83.24 square kilometres (32.1 sq mi).
A local dialect of Catalan is spoken in Formentera, while the official languages are Catalan and Spanish. Italian, Spanish and German can be heard extensively in the summer.
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History
The island's name is usually said to derive from the Latin word frumentarium, meaning "granary". The island had been occupied by the Carthaginians before passing to the ancient Romans. In succeeding centuries, it passed to the Visigoths, the Byzantines, the Vandals, and the Arabs. In 1109 it was the target of a devastating attack by the Norwegian king Sigurd I at the head of the "Norwegian Crusade". The Island was conquered by the Catalans, added to the Crown of Aragon and later became part of the medieval Kingdom of Majorca.
2007 Windsurfing World Championship
From 1 September to 7 September, Formentera hosted the 2007 Techno 293 OD World Championships in windsurfing for juniors under 15 and youths under 17.[1]
Gallery
 Church in Sant Francesc |
 Satellite picture of Formentera |
 The coastline near Cala Saona |
 Island of Espalmador |
How to get to Formentera
Destination is via Ibiza, by boat to the small island of Formentera. Ferry tickets are available in advance along with transfers taking travellers from Ibiza airport or port and directly to accommodation in Formentera.
References
External links
- Formentera travel guide from Wikitravel
- Town council website
- The Official Tourism Portal of Formentera
- Local government website
- Battle of Formentera in the 1109 Norwegian Crusade
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