In San Francisco Javier, a fortified church, historic chapels and an old cemetery tell the story of the town. Museums, crafts, a market featuring island produce and several routes each offer a different focus. If you are planning a stay on Formentera, you can choose between architectural history, local life and a range of routes.
Church, Chapel and Cemetery
The Church of Sant Francesc Xavier is a fortified church on the main square of Sant Francesc Xavier. It was built between 1726 and 1737. Details of its door are unusually specific, too: it is clad in iron sheeting and protected by a peephole.
Sa Tanca Vella is a simple chapel built around 1369 and dedicated to Saint Valerius of Saragossa. It is currently out of use, but can be viewed from the outside Tuesday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Check these visiting hours again before you arrive. Historically, the chapel served as a meeting place for the new settlers who came to Formentera from Ibiza, until the Church of Sant Francesc Xavier was built in the early 18th century.
The Fossar Vell de Sant Francesc Xavier was Formentera’s historic cemetery. It was already in existence in 1757 and remained in use until 1940. Five burial chapels dating from the late 19th to the early 20th century have been preserved there. The small cemetery behind the church has been restored and prepared for visitors; if you are planning a special visit, it is advisable to check its current condition beforehand.
Routes for Different Time Budgets
Route 16 follows the old direct path that connected Sant Francesc Xavier and Sant Ferran de ses Roques. An alternative direct route from Sant Francesc Xavier to Cala Saona follows Sant Francesc–Ses Bardetes–Cala Saona. Both routes are subject to trail maintenance. If you plan to take either one, check the current condition of the path before setting out.
Route 6 starts at Jardà de Ses Eres behind the church and passes the recently restored old cemetery. The route from Sant Francesc to Portossalé is 2.3 kilometres long and of moderate difficulty. The stated times are 20 minutes by bicycle and 40 minutes on foot. These different timings make your mode of transport an important planning factor alongside the route’s length.
Another architectural highlight is the Molà de En Jeroni windmill in the “venta de sa Miranda” in Sant Francesc. It was built in the late 18th century. Its tower is well preserved; the millstones are displayed outside the tower. The windmill is easily accessible from the Dalt de Porto-salè path.
Crafts, Markets and Collections
The Centro Antoni Tur “Gabrielet” offers exhibitions and workshops on local crafts. One wing of the centre houses the Mercat Pagès in the heart of Sant Francesc Xavier. It showcases the island’s agricultural, food-related and maritime produce throughout the year. Fresh, traditional products include fruit, vegetables, meat and fish; the farmers’ market also sells locally produced fruit, vegetables, eggs and honey. Visitors can talk to producers and learn more about local production and rural life. If you are planning a specific market visit, it is worth checking the current opening hours.
The Museu d'Etnografia de Formentera has a permanent display of traditional tools and household items used by Formentera’s residents. A locomotive from the saltworks railway stands in its courtyard. The Sala d’Exposicions Ajuntament Vell complements this offering with a year-round programme of temporary exhibitions. As the programme may change, check the exhibition dates before your visit.
Annual Festivities
The Sant Jaume festivities take place in Sant Francesc and are among Formentera’s celebrated patron saint festivals for locals and tourists. They are part of a recurring annual tradition. If you would like to plan your trip around a festival, check the dates and programme.
Discover more destinations: La Savina, Formentera, Es Pujols, Pilar De La Mola, Platja De Migjorn, Es Caló and San Ferrán De Ses Roques.
Back to the main travel overview: Formentera.
