Formentera’s green routes: the most beautiful ways to discover the island

Formentera is much more than white sandy beaches and turquoise water. The island has a network of green routes that are ideal for walking or cycling while you discover its countryside and natural landscapes. And if you also want to see it from a different angle, boat hire in Formentera lets you combine the routes on land with the coastline seen from the sea. Here are 4 must-do green routes for getting to know the island properly.

What are Formentera’s green routes?

The green routes (circuits verds) are 32 signposted itineraries along country lanes and footpaths that you can follow on foot or by bike. They take you through natural areas, farmland, pine woods and viewpoints over the coast, and they are a sustainable, relaxed way to get around the island. Each one has a number; the full catalogue, with maps, is on Formentera’s official tourism website (formentera.es).

4 must-do green routes in Formentera

These are four of the most beautiful green routes for discovering Formentera’s natural side:

Green route 1: la Savina – ses Illetes

A short, flat route that leaves la Savina port and heads into ses Salines Natural Park along the old camí de sa Guia. It passes the salt pans, which were the island’s main source of income before tourism, the old Molí de Sal, where the salt used to be loaded, and Cavall d’en Borràs beach, before finishing at ses Illetes. If you still have the energy, you can carry on along es Trucadors, the spit of sand from which you can see s’Espalmador.

Difficulty: easy
Distance: 3.3 km (about 50 minutes on foot or 15 by bike)

Cycling to ses Illetes. Photo: Ana Ulin, CC BY-SA 2.0

Green route 8: Sant Francesc – ses Bardetes – Far de Barbaria

The route for discovering rural Formentera and reaching the famous Cap de Barbaria lighthouse, at the island’s south-western tip. It leaves Sant Francesc heading south among almond trees, vines and fig trees surrounded by dry-stone walls, crosses a stretch of woodland and ends in an arid, almost desert-like landscape, with the lighthouse standing on the cliff. It is a fantastic place to watch the sunset.

From 15 May to 15 October, cars and motorbikes cannot drive all the way to the lighthouse, but you can get through on foot or by bike. Near the lighthouse there is a cave with sea views, the one that appears in the film Sex and Lucía: if you climb down, take great care.

Difficulty: moderate
Distance: 9.6 km (about 165 minutes on foot or 60 by bike)

Cap de Barbaria lighthouse. Photo: Ciprianim, CC BY-SA 4.0

Green route 25: Camí de sa Pujada (es Caló – el Pilar de la Mola)

Popularly known as the “Roman Road” (Camino Romano), this route follows the old path up to la Mola that was used before the current road was built. It sets off from the fishing village of es Caló and climbs through pine woods to the la Mola plateau, with some of the best panoramic views on the island. At the top it passes the vineyards of the Terramoll winery and finishes in the village of el Pilar de la Mola. It has cobbled sections and a fair amount of climbing, which is why it is best done on foot.

Difficulty: hard
Distance: 4 km (about 80 minutes on foot)

Camí de sa Pujada. Photo: Joan Gené, CC BY-SA 4.0

Green route 32: Pla de la Mola

This is Formentera’s longest green route and it is a loop: it starts and ends at la Mola, taking in the whole plateau, the highest part of the island. It is designed mainly for cycling and suits all levels. It passes farmland, vineyards and woodland, with paths down to the sea and views from the cliffs. Along the way you will see La Mola lighthouse, the church of el Pilar and the Terramoll winery. If you do it on a Wednesday or Sunday afternoon between May and October, you will catch the el Pilar de la Mola craft market.

Difficulty: easy
Distance: 12.3 km, loop (about 185 minutes on foot or 60 by bike)

La Mola lighthouse. Photo: shaorang from Puerto de Santa Maria, Cadiz, España, CC BY-SA 2.0

Why explore Formentera on its green routes?

Choosing the green routes means opting for responsible, environmentally friendly tourism. As well as offering spectacular views, these routes let you:

• Connect with the island’s nature and rural landscape.
• Enjoy peace and quiet, away from the busiest beaches.
• Get some gentle outdoor exercise with family, your partner or friends.
• Discover little-visited corners that keep the essence of Formentera alive.

Practical tips for the green routes

• Check the weather before you set off: avoid rainy days and the hottest hours.
• Carry plenty of water: staying hydrated is essential, especially in summer.
• Wear comfortable clothes and footwear suitable for walking or cycling on dirt tracks.
• Protect yourself from the sun: sun cream, sunglasses and a cap, as many areas have no shade.
• Respect the signs and the environment: stay on the paths and take your rubbish with you.

Best time of year for the green routes

You can do the green routes all year round, but spring and autumn are the best seasons: temperatures are mild, there are fewer people about and the island is at its best for walking or cycling. In summer, set off first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Exploring Formentera on its green routes is an authentic, unhurried way to get to know the island. Go on, discover its greener side!