Formentera: Interview with a Timeless Island Devotee

Vicens, a native of Barcelona and a die-hard fan of the island, tells us about the places...

How did the idea of visiting Formentera, which is a lesser-known island of the Balearics, come to you?

The first time I heard about this island, it was in my geography textbook in elementary school. I had never been there until a childhood friend invited me to his family home. At that time, I didn't know that I would fall in love with the island and that 30 years later, I would return! It was an adventure: we took a ferry from Barcelona—there was no airport. It took a whole night to reach Formentera and along the way, we would see dolphins frolicking.

What did you feel when you first set foot on this island? Would you say that you have kept that impression?

I would say it was a child's astonishment. As I discovered the island, I was mesmerized by the feeling of a pristine, untouched nature. While Barcelona was bustling and noisy, the coves and their turquoise waters were deserted. It must be what the pioneers who discovered unknown territories felt. Today, even though the island is more frequented, it has not lost its soul.

What does the tourist we encounter in Formentera look like?

Previously, the only people we would meet on the island were the prodigal son who went to study medicine on the mainland and returned for the holidays. Now we hear French or German being spoken. Most often, they are hippies or hiking enthusiasts. Formentera has many coastal trails and shaded forests. Generally, visitors either wild camp or stay with a local. As for myself, I stay in a wooden hotel that resembles a lodge and is passive!

Can you describe a typical day in Formentera, what is your favorite moment?

In the morning, we are awoken by the day. To me, it’s the “exquisite” hour. I prepare a homemade orange juice before taking a dive and walking in the sea for my wife. Later in the morning, we hop onto the Méhari for San Francisco! There, we always meet someone we know over a vermouth. We lunch at Spanish time in a chiringuito (straw hut), then walk on the sand! In the evening, we relish a barbecue with octopus or sea bass!

What would Formentera lack to be perfect?

Uh... It's a little paradise! You can practice water sports: snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, ... You have internet access for news and reading, maybe theaters and cinemas!