Formentera
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Formentera | |
|---|---|
| Image:Ibiza flag.png Flag of Ibiza and Formentera | |
| Geography | |
| Image:Localització de Formentera respecte les Illes Balears.svg | |
| Location | Mediterranean Sea |
| Coordinates | |
| Archipelago | Illes Pitiüses, Balearic Islands
|
| Area | 83.24 km²
119 m |
| Administration | |
| Image:Flag of Spain.svg Spain | |
| Autonomous Community | Balearic Islands |
| Province | Balearic Islands
|
| Largest city | Sant Francesc Xavier
|
| Demographics | |
| Population | 7,461 (as of 2002)
|
Formentera is the smallest and southernmost island of the Illes Pitiüses group (which includes Eivissa (Ibiza) and Formentera) and belongs to the Balearic Islands autonomous community (Spain). It is 19 kilometres long and is located approximately 3 nautical miles (6 km) south of Ibiza in the Mediterranean Sea. Its major villages are Sant Francesc Xavier, Sant Ferran de ses Roques, El Pilar de la Mola and La Savina.
Photo: Jiří Vaňáček
The island was reachable by ship only from Eivissa and this made it the quietest of both islands but in recent years regular lines from the Spanish mainland have increased the amount of tourism. It is known for its many pristine beaches and the fact that nude sunbathing is allowed on most of its beaches.
North of Formentera is the small island of Espalmador (Illa de s'Empalmador). Espalmador is separated from Formentera by a shallow sandbar, and during low tide, it is possible for one to wade between the two islands. This area is a popular stopping point for those in yachts heading between Ibiza and Formentera.
Formentera comprises one municipality, also called Formentera, and has a population of 7,461 (2002). Its land area is 83.24 km² (32.14 sq mi).
Contents |
A vernacular of Catalan is spoken called Ibicenco, while the official language, is Catalan and Castellano Spanish. Italian and German can be heard extensively in summer.
[edit] History
The island's name is usually said to derive from the Latin word frumentarium, meaning "granary". The island had been occupied by the Carthaginians before passing to the ancient Romans. In succeeding centuries, it passed to the Visigoths, the Byzantines, the Vandals, and the Arabs. It was conquered by the Catalan, added to the Crown of Aragon and later became part of the medieval Kingdom of Majorca.
[edit] 2007 windsurfing world championship
From September 1st to the 7th Formentera will host the 2007 Techno 293 OD World Championships in windsurfing for juniors under 15 and youths under 17.[1]
Esglesia Sant Francesc.jpg
Church in Sant Francesc |
Formentera sat.png
Satellite picture of Formentera |
Formentera cliffs.jpg
The coastline near Cala Saona |
S'espalmador.jpg
Island of Espalmador |
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Town council website
- The Official Tourism Portal of Formentera
- Local government website
- [http://www.formenteraonline.net Local touristic Guide]
- Formentera tourist attractions
- Formentera travel guide from Wikitravel
Municipalities in the Balearic Islands | |
|---|---|
| Majorca: Alaró · Alcúdia · Algaida · Andratx · Ariany · Artà · Banyalbufar · Binissalem · Búger · Bunyola · Calvià · Campanet · Campos · Capdepera · Consell · Costitx · Deià · Escorca · Esporles · Estellencs · Felanitx · Fornalutx · Inca · Lloret de Vistalegre · Lloseta · Llubí · Llucmajor · Manacor · Mancor de la Vall · Maria de la Salut · Marratxí · Montuïri · Muro · Palma de Mallorca · Petra · Sa Pobla · Pollença · Porreres · Puigpunyent · Ses Salines · Sant Joan · Sant Llorenç des Cardassar · Santa Eugènia · Santa Margalida · Santa María del Camí · Santanyí · Selva · Sencelles · Sineu · Sóller · Son Servera · Valldemossa · Vilafranca de Bonany Minorca: Alaior · Es Castell · Ciutadella de Menorca · Ferreries · Maó · Es Mercadal · Es Migjorn Gran · Sant Lluís Ibiza: Ibiza Town (Eivissa Vila) · Sant Antoni de Portmany · Sant Joan de Labritja · Sant Josep de sa Talaia · Santa Eulària des Riu Formentera | Image:Flag of the Balearic Islands.svg |
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