At 82 kilometres squared, Formentera is the smallest and most southerly of the Balearic Islands. Together with Ibiza and some smaller islands around it belongs to the Pityusic Islands.
The island is 20km long and only 2km wide at its smallest expanse. On the whole it is flat but it rises to its highest point of 193 metres at La Mola from which you have superb vistas from the cliffs plunging down into the sea.
Up to the 1980s salt was the main product of Formentera, however, production was stopped in 1985 due to the decline in demand.
Since then tourism has been the main source of income, but there are farms with agriculture and livestock still functioning on a small scale - look out for the sheep and goats sheltering under the large branches of fig trees propped up by large planks of wood.
Being small Formentera doesn't have an airport and this helps to keep the island fairly exclusive. It is reached by ferry from the harbour in Ibiza Town - easily the best way to get to this small island. The regular ferry takes an hour from Ibiza Town to La Savina, whilst you also have the choice of the fast ferry which takes only 30 minutes, ideal for day trippers.
Only around 12,000 people live permanently on Formentera; however, during the main season this increases to many more.
