| Image: PCL |
AFTER a week enjoying the hedonistic rigours of Ibiza, what better
way to chill out than with a few nights on
Formentera?
No, it’s not one of Ibiza’s quiet northern resorts but
the least-known island in the Balearics, a place to get away from
the crowds and the clubs and do as little as possible.
Visitors will be in good company. Supermodel Elle Macpherson is a
fan of the island and the deal to move David Beckham to Real Madrid
was signed on a yacht moored off the island’s best known
beach at Illetas. In the 1960s, Bob Dylan is said to have hung out
at the Blue Bar on the south coast.
The hippies might not go there any more – the island is more
into super yachts and money these days, although hotels are not
expensive – but it still has an ‘anything goes’
feel, especially on the beaches where nudists are free to
bare all.
“On a summer weekend, the 12-mile channel between Ibiza and
Formentera is like the M25 as the rich and famous of Ibiza take
their speedboats across to the island,” said Classic
Collection Holidays managing director Nick Mundy.
The appeal is the beaches – especially Illetas beach, which
has pristine white sand and clear water reminiscent of the
Caribbean – and also the fact there isn’t much to do
other than relax or explore the island. As it is only about nine
miles long by two miles wide, that won’t take long. Scooters
are available but pedal bikes or hire cars are safer options.
Classic Collection is one of few UK operators to offer holidays to
the island, along with Panorama and Mundi Color. Sovereign and
Magic of Spain have pulled out for next year due to lack of
demand.
One of the drawbacks for operators is the fact holidaymakers
can’t fly there direct. Access is via a ferry from Ibiza Town
to La Savina, which takes 30 minutes by fast ferry or an hour by
car ferry. However, this does allow clients to combine Ibiza with a
stay in Formentera.
There are a handful of hotels and a few hostels and apartments in
Formentera, but these tend to fill up with Italian visitors.
“The island has changed from being popular with the British
and Germans to a cult destination for the Italians,” Mundy
said. “It makes it difficult to get beds.”
If you do find a room, Panorama head of marketing Owen Whitehead
reckons the island is suitable for all ages.
“Formentera consistently sells well for us – mainly to
couples – but the beaches are fantastic for children, gently
shelving and lapped by crystal clear waters,” he said.
Mundy added: “The hotel we offer, Insotel Club Formentera
Playa, is great for families because there is a lot going on, but
generally this is a holiday for people who want to get away from it
all.
“The island has never moved on and that is the way the locals
and visitors like it.”
