Cultural Heritage and Monuments of Formentera

The history of Formentera can be traced through the traces left by its inhabitants from prehistoric times to the present day. In this guide, we invite you to explore its archaeological heritage, its urban and defensive architecture, and the traditions that shape the island’s identity.

Archaeological Heritage

Ca na Costa megalithic tomb: Discovered in 1974, it is the oldest megalithic monument in the Balearic Islands, dated around 2000 BC. It features a circular central chamber surrounded by concentric stone-paved circles and was declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 1994.
Can Blai Roman Castellum: Remains of a late imperial fortification (late 3rd and early 4th century) with a square layout and a tower at each corner, presumably intended as a refuge for the local population.
Cap de Barbaria Sites: Bronze Age settlements (1600-1000 BC) demonstrating the dense population of the area at that time. Cap de Barbaria II stands out for its complex layout of circular and horseshoe-shaped enclosures.

Ca na Costa megalithic tomb in Formentera

Churches and Urban Architecture

Capella de sa Tanca Vella: The oldest temple, built in 1369 under the invocation of Saint Valerius for a population that would soon after be decimated by the Black Death.
Church of Sant Francesc Xavier: Erected between 1726 and 1738, it served both as a spiritual temple and a defensive fortress against piracy, characterized by its imposing walls two meters thick.
Church of El Pilar de la Mola: Consecrated in 1784, it was requested by the inhabitants of La Mola given the great distance separating them from Sant Francesc. It is the only one with a porch at the entrance.
Church of Sant Ferran de ses Roques: Inaugurated in 1889, it is the smallest of the three and features a Latin cross layout.

Church of Sant Francesc Xavier in Formentera

Lighthouses and Defense Towers

Coastal defense towers: Built between 1749 and 1763 (sa Guardiola, sa Punta Prima, la Gavina, des Cap de Barbaria, and des Pi des Català) to watch and sound the alarm against maritime threats. They have a circular layout and the original access was located on the second level for security.
La Mola Lighthouse: The oldest on the island, completed in 1861 atop 120-meter-high cliffs. Next to it stands the monument dedicated to Jules Verne.
Es Cap de Barbaria Lighthouse: A 17.5-meter concrete tower inaugurated at the southwestern tip, famous for its desert landscape and appearances in film.

Ethnological Heritage and Historical Sites

Wind-powered flour mills: The island once housed seven mills for grinding grain. El Molí Vell de la Mola, dating from 1778, preserves its original machinery and is open to the public.
Escars (slipways): Sloped wooden structures on the coast (such as in Es Caló or Cala Saona) traditionally used to shelter and launch llaüts, small traditional fishing boats.
Ses Salines: A complex system of canals around S'Estany Pudent, historically exploited for salt extraction until 1984.
Penal colony (Es Campament): A republican prisoner camp that operated between 1939 and 1942, a harsh postwar testimony where 58 inmates died.
Intangible tradition: Cultural heritage is kept alive through traditional dancing (a la llarga and a la curta) and ancient songs such as Caramelles de Nadal and de Pascua, performed in churches with castanets, drum, flute, and espadín.

Molí Vell de La Mola and ethnological heritage

Frequently Asked Questions about Formentera's Heritage and Monuments

Can you visit the interior of the defense towers?

Of the five coastal defense towers erected in the 18th century (sa Guardiola, sa Punta Prima, la Gavina, des Cap de Barbaria, and des Pi des Català), the only one whose interior can currently be visited is the Torre des Pi des Català, following its restoration in 2016.

What is the oldest archaeological site on the island?

The Ca na Costa megalithic tomb. Dated around 2000 BC, it is not only the oldest site in Formentera, but it is also considered the oldest megalithic monument in all of the Balearic Islands.

Which flour mills are preserved and can be visited?

Although seven windmills once operated on the island, the only one that preserves its original internal machinery and is open to the public from May to November is the Molí Vell de la Mola, built in 1778.

What are the famous coastal "escars"?

The "escars" (slipways) are structures of sloping wooden guides toward the sea, usually protected with branch roofs. They traditionally serve to launch into the water and protect out of it the llaüts, small local fishing boats. They were declared a Site of Cultural Interest in 2002.

What are the Caramelles?

The Caramelles are traditional devotional songs performed exclusively on Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday inside churches. They are sung accompanied by traditional instruments such as castanets, espadín, drum, and flute.

Plan your route through history and culture

Discovering century-old windmills, reaching iconic lighthouses, and exploring prehistoric sites requires freedom of movement. Secure your transport and stay at the best price.

Scooters and Bicycles

Reach the lighthouses and travel the narrow rural dry stone paths to the archaeological sites. Use the code VISITF for an exclusive discount.

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Car Rental

The ideal alternative to tour the monument route with family or protect yourself on days with stronger sun or wind. Pick it up as soon as you arrive at the port.

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Accommodations

From central guesthouses next to the church of Sant Francesc to agritourisms integrated into the island's traditional rural architecture.

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