Where Ibiza is the crowded dance-floor, its tiny sister island of Formentera is
definitely the chill-out room. Located around 6km south of Ibiza, the only way to
reach it is by ferry or, of course, your own yacht. Formentera is very popular with
the yachting set, partly because of the ease of mooring but mainly due to the islands
utterly unrivalled beauty.
Formentera is the smallest of the four Balearic Islands - it's about 19km from one
end to the other and the most popular form of transport on the island is the pushbike.
There are also side-by-side tandem bikes with covered tops for shade. These are
terrific fun and can be hired directly from the port when you alight from the ferry.
A word of warning, though, if you're wearing sandals, watch the chain and gears.
Getting you toe caught in these contraptions is no fun whatsoever, believe me.
Cycling and walking on the inland areas is such a tranquil experience you'd be forgiven
for thinking you'd stepped back in time to a quieter, unhurried age. There are plenty
of tracks and paths all over the island, past windmills and little white houses.
If you manage to venture all the way to the eastern tip of the island you'll find
the Faro lighthouse, still used by shipping and quite something to witness.
On the southern side is the splendid and terribly rugged Cap de Barbaria. You won't
find much in the way of beaches here, but the views will catch your breath in your
throat.
For the beach-lover, try the two-and-a-half mile stretch of gorgeous natural sands
that comprise the Platja de Mighorn. Again to the south of the island, this beach
is liberally scattered