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The Mediterranean sun is a good ally to count on when summer vacations arrive. Its climate (almost) always smiles at the traveler who longs to enjoy sunny days and high temperatures in front of calm sea coasts; but beyond the three summer months there are unique alternatives to know in Formentera.
Those who seek to enjoy the real essence of this island focus of the eyes when talking about exclusivity - and idyllic postcards that could be confused with the Caribbean - should not fail to uncheck this destination even if autumn has begun. Because there are still activities of all kinds that prepares the Pitiusa island, and with less crowding . We list five plans with which to know a Formentera beyond the beaches.
1. Diving in Posidonia
Formentera is known for its paradisiacal postcards of fine white sand in which a turquoise water dies, but there is another paradise hidden under the calm waves. At the bottom of the sea, ancient natural secrets such as the Oceanic Posidonia , one of the largest and oldest living organisms in the world, sunken ships, natural walls, caves or corners with endemic species are hidden. In addition, its transparency allows you to fully enjoy underwater views.
It is precisely thanks to Posidonia, an endemic species of the Mediterranean with more than 100,000 years old and declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco that diving in this area is synonymous with exceptional visibility. Between descents of maximum 40 meters this meadow houses a host of endangered species. With the glasses on you can glimpse barracudas, groupers, sargos, salpas, brótolas, brunettes, congrios and even seahorses. Also of sunken ships. And during the spring, it is a route for sea turtles that undertake a long trip from the coasts of Mexico. Seeing them up close is an unparalleled experience.
Enjoy Punta Gavina , in the west of the island, with its cave and its vertical wall that precipitates up to 25 meters, or El Arco , immersion area known for its stone arches on which to dive and perfect for the newest , have no comparison with other places. But these are just two examples of the many offers in which to dive in Formentera.
There are several companies that manage diving courses throughout the year, either to make specific dives or sign up for diving courses - with the consequent baptism - that allow you to fully enjoy the usual tranquility and sharpness of the waters of the island whose The temperature ranges between 17ºC in winter and 27ºC in summer, although Vellmari has the most experience and experience in Formentera.
Of course, in addition to diving, you can practice other water sports the rest of the year. Paddlesurfing, windsurfing or snorkeling will delight water sports enthusiasts.
2. Eat at a Michelin star
The opening of the first five stars of the island, the Five Flowers hotel and spa, last May brought with it the inauguration of one of the most interesting gastronomic premieres of the island. In a place where Italian tourism predominates, and therefore, restaurants where pasta and pizza are the star dishes, chef Hideki Matsuhisa , winner of a Michelin star for his place in Barcelona Koy Shunka, has opted to disembark during the Formentera season with a concept of Japanese-Mediterranean fusion cuisine.
It's Kokoy ( Kokoy tasting menu: 72-107 euros) an ode to Japanese delicacies like sushi but with a unique touch that tastes like Formentera. And with a top team. The local kitchen professionals located in the five-star Andorran hotel Koy Hermitage have moved during the summer season to the roof of the Five Flowers hotel to recreate dishes of the starred restaurant, such as Ika 1987 or the Kampay de Gama, as well as to get carried away by the air of Formentera to create local delicacies like a delicate cod with white miso.
Because if the Japanese in Barcelona follow more basic recipes from the Japanese country; In Kokoy the chef has taken risks with zero kilometer products. In a menu that also includes a tasting menu you can try delicacies such as maki Kokoy - salmon and avocado tuna; Tuna tartan, batasoyu, pine nuts and blue cheese; yakisoba noodles with Iberian secret and squid; or land fish such as rocha, mullet or dentum on kambu seaweed and made with grilled Japanese.
Get carried away by the expert cuts prepared by the sushiman in the same bar for the enjoyment of the diner or by unique flavors offered by bets such as the wasabi stem while enjoying the sunset of Formentera is priceless. Accompanied by the dishes, of course, from an extensive wine and cocktail menu created for the occasion, such as the sweet Geisha cocktail, Kokoy opens in the afternoon in an enclave that allows you to enjoy one of the most iconic sunsets.
Three floors below Kokoy is another gastronomic delight perfect for those looking for more local delicacies. The Imagine restaurant (tasting menu: 60 euros) was born by the Valencian chef Sara Valls, who seeks to surprise each client with presentations, aromas and flavors in dishes that do not forget the true essence of the Mediterranean. A tasting menu allows you to be surprised with creations such as oysters with ceviche - a great bet for those who want to try this product as an amateur - a gazpacho sorbet with apple and fennel or its star dish, a lobster sweet rice bathed with a carpaccio of plankton.
In addition, during the month of October gastronomic weekends take place. About 20 restaurants on the island offer gastronomic menus specially created for this occasion. Traditional recipes and reinterpretations of the typical cuisine of the island will take over the kitchens during two first weekends with a price of 20 euros / menu.
3. Bird's eye view
Its strategic situation, on horseback between Europe and Africa, makes Formentera one of the stops of one of the main migration routes in the world. It is in the months of autumn, and also of spring, when more species can be enjoyed since it is when migratory steps occur most.
In addition, island ecosystems stand out, by themselves, for their extreme uniqueness. The diversity of the fauna and flora of Formentera and the quality of their habitats constitute the reason that an important part of its territory is included within the Natura 2000 Network . Different spaces are classified as Special Protection Areas for Birds, and Sites of Community Importance. And the fact that Formentera is an island of small dimensions makes it possible to travel it from end to end in a single day and thus enjoy its variety to the fullest.
The islets of Es Freus is a privileged area for seabirds as well as the whole natural paradise of the Ses Salines natural park is the mecca to fully enjoy this activity where you can see gannets, poultry or shearwaters. In the pond that runs through the interior of the island next to La Savina, where the cruise ships arrive, you can enjoy flamingos, white jars and even ospreys . And in higher areas you also have to think. For example, in La Mola, a large rocky massif that stands imposingly above the sea up to 195 meters of altitude, swallows and shearwaters are at ease. On the other hand, and at the other end of the island, the Es Cap plain deserves a view as it constitutes a kind of landing strip for migrants coming from the south.
4. Music in secret places
The island of Formentera offers paths between the pine and juniper forests, a lunar landscape in the rocky area of Can Marroig , movie scenes such as the lighthouse and corners that go back in time. What if these postcard scenes were also bathed in music? In October the SON Festival takes place, a commitment of Estrella Galicia that bears the emblem of music, gastronomy and nature and that has turned ten years old.
With a secret poster that is revealed exclusively when attendees disembark on the island, - although as a clue, during the 2018 edition Jungle By Night, Papaya or Noah Slee could be heard - the festival is completely a halo of mystery that by three Days ensures not only enjoy music, but also discover unknown corners of Formentera.
Only 350 attendees can enjoy this unique opportunity in which the entire island turns over. Because in public and private spaces, such as the famous lighthouse where Lucia and Sex was filmed or hidden coves, acoustic, electronic and electric sounds will resonate in the committee. But unlike other festivals where music is the only protagonist, in this festival gastronomy is the other strong leg. Attendees will also enjoy products from the island created in three Michelin-star kitchens, hand-worked, hand-in-hand, with the best local chefs. And in free time, prepared routes await the assistant to discover nature, routes and also the seabed that shines in Formentera.
5. Enjoy the wildest nature
Because the attraction of Formentera is not just its turquoise waters. Its natural landscapes are a delight also on land. Last 2015 the island premiered 32 green routes that go into the most remote landscape of Formentera, whether on foot, in Nordic walking or by bicycle. And in October, sports lovers can enjoy these island roads by embarking on a triathlon or on a cycle tour.
Interlaced walks that total more than 100 kilometers in total but in which the Camí de Sa Pujada and the Can Marroig route shine for its uniqueness. The first is born from the impressive wild cove of rocky ground Es Caló and ends at the iconic Faro de la Mola. Baptized by locals like the Roman road, for its cobbled ground, this is a part of the route that must be traveled to enjoy spectacular places like the Cantera des Marès or the cave of Sa Mà Peluda . With unforgettable views like the one offered by Racó de S'Anfonssol, an autumnal Formentera will be discovered where the sea breaks in front of the cliffs. And if the route takes place on Wednesday, when arriving at Pilar de la Mola a hippie market waits for the visitor in the afternoon.
In the northwest of Formentera, between the sea and the Estany des Peix, Can Marroig offers a walk in which to discover the great alternation of environments, ecosystems and heritage elements that the island has. Because this route has everything: sea, forest, crops and fisherman's heritage. Crossing old fields of cereals and vineyards are remains of the old water system - with mills and canals - to give way to a forest where the sabinas, pines and endemic species of the Balearic Islands, the ganyet, dominate.
A fishing boathouse, Racó des Banc , allows a bath between rocks, before reaching the defense tower of Punta de la Gavina, originally from the 18th century. On your return to the center of the island you can stop at two of the three historical sites that Formentera owns, the town of Sant Francesc Xavier and Sant Ferran de ses Roques.
For those who wish to practice Nordic walking on these routes, out of high season the tourist information office of Sant Francesc offers the necessary equipment for the practice of this sport. In addition, if you are a sports lover, in October the Triathlon Illa de Formentera takes place in Es Pujols (October 5), a climb to the Mola in running format (October 12) and the cycle tour to Formentera (25, 26 and October 27).
And to round off the day and rest the body and mind, during the weekend of October 11 returns for a fifth edition Formentera Zen, an event in which to enjoy yoga, fitness or meditation. From the hand of experts and in exclusive places of the island, master classes, workshops and talks invite you to live a holistic experience of health, well-being and happiness next to the unforgettable turquoise sea of Formentera.
PRACTICAL GUIDE
Drop down
How to get. Formentera does not have an airport, so the easiest way is to arrive by plane to Ibiza and embark on a 30-minute ferry ride from the port located in the city. There are numerous companies that make the journey. Balearia and Transmapi make express tours.
Where to stay Five Flowers Hotel.
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