Still Discovering Spain...

Since May 20, 1194, when Alfonso II of Aragon donated an old Moorish castle to a handful of monks in order to found the Monasterio de Piedra, this spot in Spain’s mostly barren reaches has been home to a divine paradise here on Earth.

Though officially secularized in 1835, during the reign of Isabella II, visitors to the monastery today will still find the remaining Gothic and Baroque buildings as heavily fortified as they were in the days of the monastery’s founding. Its cloisters remain intact, surrounded by immaculately landscaped gardens, though the main church was irreparably damaged in the aforementioned secularization and subsequent period of abandonment.

These ruins have an eerie, beautiful air about them, as they remain half-triumphant in their unwillingness to fall after so many years. Heavily fortified since its conception, visitors to the monastery will find the compound’s original cloisters intact, albeit reincarnated as a hotel and guesthouse.

Just slightly farther afield from civilization, ancient and contemporary, is the Piedra River, which is responsible for the conjoining nature park’s legendary, remarkable waterfalls. Created through the dissolution of limestone in a phenomenon geologists refer to as “karstification,” these standout cataracts include the 50-meter-tall Cola del Caballo (named such for its resemblance to a horse’s tail), and a handful of others which seem to bell into a million tiny rivulets running over the shoulder of huge boulders.

Clearly marked trails wend visitors on a five-kilometre path through the park’s most famed sights, including a natural reflecting pool trapped in a canyon called Mirror Lake. The natural park also has several caves, into which shepherds have built shelters for their flocks, as well as a raptor centre that’s open to the public.

As of February 16, 1983, Monasterio de Piedra — natural park and all — was declared a national monument, which should ensure the protection of this little slice of the divine for another 800 years to come. 

There are destinations that offer many leisure options, but when we stay in certain establishments the pleasure of the trip can be enhanced, either due to their spectacular facilities, their luxury, their services or the special characteristics they have.

So, if you want to live a completely unique experience in one of your getaways, some of the most surprising hotels in Spain will help you live an unforgettable one. Here are some of the most unusual hotels in Spain:

Hotel Aire de Bardenas

https://airebardenas.com/

In the surroundings of the Bardenas Reales Natural Park, a 4-star establishment awaits you that will make you feel like you are in the middle of the desert under the stars, well you actually are! I am referring to the Hotel Aire de Bardenas (Ctra. De Ejea, km 1, 31500 Tudela, Navarra), whose architecture and design have been recognised with awards more than twenty times around the world.

Some of their rooms are in square cubicles, so you can choose between one of these unique cubist buildings to spend a few days of rest and adventure. Some of its rooms have a spectacular outdoor circular bathtub, others are characterised by their private patio and the suites also include a double indoor bathtub.

If you are still looking for something more special, at the Hotel Aire de Bardenas you can stay in inflatable bubbles in the open air, where you can sleep under a starry sky, away from stress, noise and worries. These bubbles also have all the comforts, as they include a shower, a hairdryer, a bathrobe, slippers, an eye mask and a full minibar.

The hotel offers a series of activities for guests, such as a visit to the Bardenas Reales Natural Park by Segway, guided tours through the desert, explanation and tastings on the process of making extra virgin olive oil and massage services. You will find it about 7 kilometres by car from the city of Tudela, following the NA-125 road.

Cave Houses

https://www.casascuevacazorla.com/home

There are many cave hotels where you can stay in Europe, but in Spain, there are also some of these amazing places to stay without having to travel abroad.

One example is the Cueva de Cazorla Houses (Calle Cuevas Nuevas, 37, 23486 Hinojares, Jaén, Andalusia). Located in the Cazorla National Park, each of its houses and caves is completely different, since they are decorated by themes. With regard to its 4 caves, perfect for couples, all of them have a living room with a fireplace and a private Jacuzzi and share a saltwater pool outside.

Vivoo Landscape Hotel

https://www.vivood.com/en/

Among the adults-only hotels that exist throughout the country, there is one that surprises both for its architecture and location and for the beauty of the whole complex. It is the Vivoo Landscape Hotel (Carretera, Ctra. D’Alcoi, 10, 03516 Benimantell, Alicante), a 4-star accommodation, near the Guadalest reservoir and half an hour by car from Benidorm.

The hotel is located on an 84,000 square meter plot, in the middle of the valley, fully integrated with the natural landscape, so that both its common facilities and its suites and villas were designed as if they were incredible viewpoints. You can choose between the Pool Suite, with a private heated outdoor Jacuzzi, suites with a panoramic rain shower and mountain views, and several luxury villas, with two infinity pools open all year round. And if all this was not enough to relax, the hotel has a complete spa with a therapeutic circuit based on Ayurvedic culture.

Marques de Riscal Hotel

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/biolc-hotel-marques-de-riscal-a-luxury-collection-hotel-elciego/

If you want to spend a night in a surprising building with an avant-garde design, as if it were the Guggenheim Museum itself, and even above you are passionate about wine tourism, you will be very pleasantly surprised by the Hotel Marqués de Riscal (Calle Torrea Kalea, 1, 01340 Eltziego, Álava ).

Designed by the Canadian architect Fran Gehry, this 5-star hotel with a titanium roof is located in the medieval town of Elciego (Eltziego). Its 43 rooms, spread over three floors, are unique, as they match the exterior structure of the building, with sloping walls, high ceilings and zigzag windows. In them, you will find all the comforts you can imagine, such as goose feather pillows, cloud lamps, green and black marble bathrooms, coffee and tea service, courtesy toiletries, minibar, cable TV and internet access and room service 24 hours.

In its facilities, you will also find two restaurants, a bar, a gym and a spa with an indoor pool, water jets, a Turkish bath, a Finnish sauna and a rain shower, which also offers wine therapy treatments. And while you enjoy the hotel, you can pay a visit to the historic Marqués de Riscal wineries.

O Semaforo de Fisterra

http://www.hotelsemaforodefisterra.com/en/

Sleeping at the famous End of the World is possible. You just have to stay in Galicia, in an old lighthouse that is also a 2-star hotel. This would be O Semáforo de Fisterra (Carretera del Faro, s / n, 15155 Finisterre, A Coruña), an incredible place where you can listen to the wind and the sea and that is perfect for travellers looking for rural escapes that are as surprising as they are special. The lighthouse, which rises 138 meters above sea level, was built in 1853, and decades later, in 1888, the annexe building was erected. In 1999 it was converted into a boutique hotel, with five rooms, a restaurant and a cafeteria, where you can forget the world and discover the Galician Costa da Morte.

Toy Hotel

https://www.hoteldeljuguete.com/

Among all the surprising hotels in Spain, one cannot forget the Toy Hotel (Carrer l’Escoleta, 4, 03440 Ibi, Alicante). This 4-star establishment focuses its theme on toys and cartoons, so among its 21 rooms, you can select those decorated around the Lego, the Nancy doll, the Nenuco, the Pin and Pon or the Playmobil. You will find toys in all of them.

At the Hotel del Juguete, one of the most emblematic dates is Christmas, since activities and special events are organised for this time of year, with the special importance of the Three Kings festival.

Morella is an extraordinary example of a Gothic town and has the designation of 'Place of Cultural Interest' and is well worth a visit if you are in the area.

The highlights are, first of all, the castle and medieval walls, erected in the 14th century. Within the old enclosure, there are notable churches, like the Santa María la Mayor Archpriest (1263-1330), Gothic with Baroque details; the old San Francisco Convent (13th century); the San Juan Churches (15th century), Gothic with Neoclassical decorations, and the San Nicolás Church, Gothic; and the San Marcos and San Pedro Mártir Chapels.

As far as civil architecture is concerned, the Casa de la Villa (14th and 17th century), and the Ciruana, Piquer, Rovira and Cardinal Ram Houses are all worth mentioning, as well as the hospital (15th century).

Likewise, walking through the network of streets full of staircases, passing by the porticos of Blasco de Alagón, completing a loop around the mountain via the Alameda and contemplating the outside of the medieval Santa Llúcia aqueduct, are essential for getting to know this wonderful town.

Two points of interest stand out in the municipality of Morella: the cave paintings of Morella La Vella, and the Sanctuary of the Virgen of Vallivana. Every six years since 1673, a procession climbs to the virgin of the city. On the edges of the highway, there are many chapels where pilgrims perform prayers and supplications on their 22-kilometre march.

Alcalá de Henares is the city where Miguel de Cervantes was born, writer of the world-famous Don Quixote de la Mancha. Its University and historic neighbourhood are what makes this town so special. The main axis of the historic centre of Alcalá de Henares is the Calle Mayor. The birthplace of Cervantes is located on this very road, which has now been converted into a museum that recreates the atmosphere of a 16th and 17th century home. However, of all the buildings in the town, there is one that stands out in particular: the University. Founded by Cardinal Cisneros, its walls welcomed some of the greatest Spanish minds such as Lope de Vega, Calderón de la Barca and Quevedo.
 

 Alcala de Henares was the first university city that was specifically planned urbanistically to be so, making it unique in the world. And it was so successful that it effectively became the blueprint for other university cities around Europe and America. Cardinal Cisneros was the mind behind the planning and was the one responsible for choosing a somewhat uninhabited area in between the Plaza del Mercado and the gates of Guadalajara, to establish what would become the famous academic district in the 15th Century. The district included all the housing that was necessary for the teachers and their families and all the buildings needed to house the services and suppliers of the university, such as the printers or bookstores. This radical form of urbanism was new for the times but contributed in such a way to the development of the field of humanities that UNESCO declared Alcalá de Henares a World Heritage City in 1998.

July or August are not always the best months to grab a break and many people increasingly postpone their vacations to take them in October. If you prefer being in Spain, not spending a lot and disconnecting completely surrounded by nature, here are five cheap destinations to travel to in October! What are you waiting for?
 

Ronda (Malaga)

Probably one of the most beautiful towns in all of Andalusia and where you can enjoy impressive parks and nature reserves in the open air. This land of Arabs and Phoenicians is capable of catching the eye of everyone who walks through it. Its strategic location, nestled in the middle of the Depression of Ronda and surrounded by the mountains, is part of the undeniable charm of this inland town. The Tajo de Ronda is a wonder of nature, where, at more than 100 meters high this ravine seems to defy gravity.

Among the essential things to see in Ronda, its Arab baths date back to the 13th century and are the best-preserved baths in Europe. The bullring is one of the oldest in Spain and its Balcón del Coño is the most visited viewpoint in Ronda, due to its curious name and the views it offers of the Tagus gorge. Also essential is the Bandit Museum, which covers the fascinating history of these thieves and seducers who have inspired hundreds of films. Or the Mudejar-style Mondragón Palace, which hides three Arabic-style interior courtyards worth visiting. If you're hungry, one of the top restaurants in Ronda is Bar Lechuguita. With rich and varied tapas from € 0.90, it is one of the compulsory stops to charge your batteries.

Llanes (Asturias)

The north of Spain is undoubtedly one of my favourite destinations. Llanes is a fascinating fishing village where you can find an old town that has been declared a Historic-Artistic Site. It is idyllic to stroll along its fantastic beaches surrounded by amazing cliffs formed of white limestone rock, which meet green meadows giving rise to a picture that will leave you speechless. The wild Cantabrian Sea, with the Bufones de Pría, is a sight worth seeing in autumn.

The Paseo de San Pedro or the Cubes de la Memoria are some of the places that you can visit in Llanes, although without a doubt, the most special monument is its Torreón from medieval times and built in the 13th century. It is declared a National Monument.

Cazorla (Jaén)

If you enjoy nature, this is one of the enclaves in Andalusia that very few know. The Sierras de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas Natural Park is one of the largest protected areas in Spain where you can witness more than 200,000 hectares of pure nature and find animals in the wild. If you want to take a trip in October, Cazorla is one of the best destinations where you can enjoy heart-stopping landscapes with good company. In addition, it has very good prices.

You mustn’t forget to also visit the Castillo de la Yedra, the hermitage of San Sebastián or the church of San Francisco. Gachas Serranas, Segureño lamb or Los andrajos are just part of the fantastic gastronomy that can be found in the famous Mesón Leandro. You will not regret it!

Nuévalos (Zaragoza)

Here you can find a great variety of natural spaces in the surrounding area, where you can enjoy contact with nature and relax during your visit. Its diverse landscapes range from the high Pyrenean peaks, in the north of Aragon, to spectacular valleys carved by the rivers that descend from the Teruel mountains. Mountains with glaciers, river gorges, forests that in autumn become a unique sight ... Authentic jewels of nature. In addition, in the vicinity of Nuévalos stands one of the most visited monuments in Aragon due to its undoubted beauty: the Monasterio de Piedra Park.

But the Monasterio de Piedra is not the only attraction in this town. In its urban area, beautiful buildings are erected, such as the Casa del Obispo or the parish church of San Julián. At the top of the town stand the remains of what was an old fortress, of which only its 14th-century tower remains.

As for the local gastronomy, the Torres Restaurant is one of the best options after your visit to the Monasterio de Piedra. Excellent homemade food and a large number of dishes to choose from. 

Posada de Valdeón (León)

Located on the banks of the Cares River that divides the Picos de Europa and at an altitude of 927 meters above sea level, Posada de Valdeón is a town and at the same time a municipality that is located within the Picos de Europa National Park, specifically between the Central and Western Massifs of the park.

Among the streets of the town, there are various amenities such as restaurants or shops where you can buy the famous Valdeón Cheese. Here you can discover the Parish Church of Santa Eulalia inside which a 12th-century Romanesque baptismal font is preserved. In addition, excavations have discovered a medieval necropolis that indicates the site of the old Church of San Pedro de Barrejo.

If you are a mountain lover, this is your ideal place. The Ezkurra Rural House is perfect to stay during your visit to where you can walk and enjoy nature.

In Spain, there are a large number of towns of medieval origin that have great historical and cultural value. There are some that are well known to everyone, such as Olite (Navarra), Pals (Gerona) or Sigüenza (Guadalajara). However, CNN has listed a rarely visited medieval town as one of the most beautiful in Europe. This is Regencós, located in the province of Gerona.

The municipalities on the list are Guimarães (Portugal), Roscoff (France), Anghiari (Italy), Nafplio (Greece), Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Mazara del Vallo (Sicily), Giethoorn (Netherlands), Clovelly (United Kingdom), Dinkelsbühl (Germany), Korčula (Croatia), Kenmare (Ireland), Piran (Slovenia), Reine (Norway), Regencós (Spain), and Tarnów (Poland).

On the CNN website, the description of Regencós says: «As it goes for the tourist coasts of Spain, the Costa Brava, in Catalonia, is relatively quiet. Regencós is just south of the 'Triangle Dalí', the area where the artist lived and worked, a hilly area of ​​sleepy medieval villages. Regencós, somewhat older, has remains of its medieval walls, a beautiful church, and traditional stone houses».

What is there to see in Regencós?

Regencós is a small town, with just 276 inhabitants, located in the Bajo Ampurdán region, very close to Bagur and Pals.

One day is more than enough to get to know all the attractions of the town. The most important monument is the Church of San Vicente, built at the beginning of the 19th century on the remains of the old Parish of Begur.

It is also interesting to see the remains of the medieval wall from the end of the 14th century and the beginning of the 15th. Very few remains are preserved because most of the wall was demolished or annexed to the houses of the municipality.

Surroundings

To take advantage of the getaway, there are several very interesting towns a few kilometres from Regencós, such as Peratallada. A medieval town that has maintained its structure and its most traditional essence. Strolling through its narrow cobbled streets is like taking a trip back in time to the Middle Ages.

To enjoy the Mediterranean Sea, Calella de Palafrugell is a privileged destination on the Costa Brava. Port Bo Beach is fantastic, located in the heart of the old town and where the small fishermen's boats rest on the sand.

Begur is also very close, with the Castle as the emblem of the town. Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest, and built-in the 16th century, it offers impressive views of the sea with the Medes Islands.

Nestled in the heart of Spain, Albacete becomes an epicentre of colour, culture, and celebration come September. La Feria de Albacete, a festivity steeped in tradition and exuberance, draws visitors from all corners of the world, eager to witness and partake in its vibrant offerings. But what are the origins of this much-anticipated event, and what can attendees expect? Let's delve into the rich history and multifaceted content of La Feria de Albacete to reveal why it's considered one of Spain's must-experience festivities.

The Feria de Albacete traces its roots back to the 13th century, specifically to the year 1200. It was originally established by the privilege of the royal charter granted by King Alfonso VIII of Castile, designed to boost local trade and agriculture. However, the fair as we know it today, with its blend of cultural, social, and economic gatherings, began to take shape in the 18th century.

The festival, traditionally held from the 7th to the 17th of September, coincides with the feast of the Virgin of Los Llanos, the patron saint of Albacete. This coincidence is not accidental; the religious aspect deeply intertwines with the fair's historical customs and practices, adding a spiritual dimension to the celebrations.

La Feria de Albacete and what to expect

Vibrant Parades

The opening of La Feria is marked by the 'Cabalgata de Apertura,' a grand parade that weaves through the city streets, signalling the start of ten days of ceaseless festivities. Colourful floats, traditional folk music bands, and dancers in elaborate costumes captivate both locals and tourists, setting the tone for what's to come.

A Cultural Mosaic

At the heart of La Feria is the 'Recinto Ferial,' (pictured above) the fairground located within the city. Once there, attendees can immerse themselves in a cultural mosaic that showcases the region’s heritage through music, dance, and regional cuisine. From the pulsating rhythms of flamenco to the taste of manchego cheese and the sight of artisan craftwork, the fairground offers something for every palate and interest.

Bullfighting

Bullfighting is an integral part of La Feria, attracting aficionados to the Plaza de Toros de Albacete, one of the city's landmarks. These events feature some of Spain's top toreros and bulls, providing a spectacle that remains a deeply ingrained tradition in the local culture.

Concerts and Nightlife

As the sun sets, La Feria de Albacete transforms into a hub of nocturnal activity. National and international artists take the stage, offering a variety of concerts that cater to a wide range of musical tastes. Simultaneously, the fairground and surrounding areas teem with life, as bars and temporary stalls serve up local beverages and snacks, fostering a communal atmosphere well into the early hours.

Family-Friendly Activities

La Feria is a celebration for all ages. Children can enjoy a variety of activities, from amusement rides and games to puppet shows and workshops designed to educate and entertain in equal measure.

La Feria de Albacete is more than just a fair; it's a vibrant celebration of life, culture, and tradition. Its origins, deeply rooted in history and spirituality, provide a backdrop for a festival that embraces modernity while honouring its past. Whether you're drawn by the allure of traditional festivities, the thrill of bullfighting, the joy of music and dance, or simply the desire to experience the warmth of Spanish hospitality, La Feria de Albacete promises unforgettable memories. As summer wanes, the magic of Albacete beckons, offering ten days of joy, reflection, and celebration in the heart of Spain. Why not put it on the calendar for next year?!

Chulilla is hidden at the foot of its Arab castle in a spot difficult to imagine: a lake surrounded by lofty limestone walls where the Turia River becomes a mirror. The raging river that once swallowed up loggers has now been tamed.

Chulilla is a picturesque village made up of white houses huddled on the slopes of Cerro del Castillo, next to the natural moat formed by the Turia River which flows through the canyon formed by 160 meter high limestone walls. This canyon is currently one of Spain's rock climbing sanctuaries, with more than 500 routes. Here, at the foot of the rock walls, just a 30-minute walk from the village, we come across Charco Azul (Blue Pool), a haven of calm waters that mirrors the beauty of this vertical, solid rock landscape.

Charco Azul is an ideal place to have a refreshing swim in Summer and remember bygone days when the river flowed freely and unrestrained and logs cut in the mountains were floated downriver to the city of Valencia. Upon reaching this narrow canyon, where the lofty walls nearly touch each other, the logs became jammed and many loggers lost their lives trying to free them, and it is for this reason a chapel was built nearby.

The Charco Azul route is one of the nine self-guided routes that cross Chulilla's landscape. It starts and ends at Baronia square, the village's main square, and is well marked and very easy to follow and is even great for children.

Another route worth taking is the Pantaneros route, which follows the journey taken by the labourers who in the 1950s worked on the construction of the Loriguilla reservoir to travel from the village of Chulilla. It is a 5-kilometer walk (one-way) along the edge of the Turia River's canyon walls and has the added thrill of crossing the canyon on hanging bridges. To regain your strength after the long walk, there is nothing better than an 'olla churra', a stew based on white beans, cardoons, potatoes, pork, and cold meats, typical of this Valencian region of Los Serranos (also known as La Serranía or Alto Turia).

Olla churra and other stews, such as olla de berzas (cabbage stew) or rice with wild boar, are served at the restaurant hostal El Pozo in Chulilla. Another interesting option, of more modern cuisine, is the Restaurant Las Bodegas, which also has a bar that serves tapas and lunches accompanied by wines under the Valencia and Utiel-Requena designations of origin. So if you happen to pass through Valencia take a moment to visit Chulilla and its wonderful Charco Azul.

Spain's coastline and islands is peppered with spectacular beaches so I have decided to pull together some of the best I know and are definitely worth a visit...

1. Es Talaier (Ciudadela, Menorca) 

After a 15-minute walk from Son Saura, everything conspires to push the traveller into this voluptuous pool of translucent waters that shine under the bright sun. Its pine groves are seductive like snake’s eyes, and the beach is free of tourist boats.

2. Cala Fonda, Waikiki (Tarragona) 

The proximity of a petrochemical compound only underscores the value of this Mediterranean relic. It is necessary to park at the restaurant Mirall d’Estiu, on Larga beach, and walk for two kilometers. The pine groves then give way to an uncomfortable final stretch before the actual beach is reached. Some walk about in the nude, others go for a swim. Everyone talks wonders about this place.

3. Escorxada and Fustam (Es Migjorn Gran, Menorca) 

Water taxis were created for those who dislike walking. Taximar (www.menorcataximar.com), based in Cala Galdana, organizes trips to the remote coves of Escorxada and Fustam, with stops at Trebalúger and a couple of sea caves. The parasol-and-cooler-carrying traveler can then choose a beach to enjoy for the next five hours, until pick-up time. The cost of the service is €25.

4. La Granadella (Xàbia, Alicante) 

There is nothing quite like enjoying the majestic Mediterranean early in the morning outside high season, and to practice your swimming strokes as you listen to the rhythmic sound of the pebbles being swept by the waves. Sur restaurant (www.restaurantesur.com) has its own boat and vegetable garden.

5. Melide (Cangas de Morrazo, Pontevedra)  

To say Melide is to evoke the Cíes islands: there are only three kilometers separating Melide from the national park, and no need to stand in line at the ship docks. Both share a creamy-colored sand, freezing waters and loads of pine trees. Its remote location ensures that the masses stay away. A foot trail begins in Donón and ends in Punta Subrido, home to Pedro Piñeiro’s beach bar.

6. Playazo de Rodalquilar (Níjar, Almería) 

Located inside Cabo de Gata, this is a crowded beach (access is easy) but its sand is a joy to behold, and it is set against a cliff of such a pale yellow as to appear white. It was the filming location for the 2015 movie ‘Lejos del mar’ (or, Far from the sea), by Imanol Uribe. The Los Patios hotel is nearby (www.lospatioshotel.es). It is a good idea to walk the 1.4 kilometer trail from San Ramón castle to Cuervo cove.

7. Güí-Güí (La Aldea de San Nicolás, Gran Canaria) 

This is the beach at the end of the (Canary Islands) world. The two-and-a-half hour mountain trek from Tasartico is worth it (remember to bring at least two liters of water per trekker). Anyone who makes it to these two strips of sand with views on Mount Teide should be eligible for a certificate of achievement.

8. Aigua Xelida (Palafrugell, Girona) 

The pungent smell of the pine grove, its narrow shape, the fact that the nearby residential estate is nearly unnoticeable... Everything conspires to make us disconnect from the outside world. A plaque on the fisherman’s shack reminds visitors about the times when the writer Josep Pla spent time here, drawing inspiration from the coastline and the wind to write about a legendary, extinct Costa Brava that we may nevertheless explore in kayaks (www.kayakingcostabrava.com) from the homebase of Tamariu.

9.Xarraca (Sant Joan, Ibiza) 

This cove in northern Ibiza is located next to the road, and its waters are of an arresting turquoise color. This is a pebble beach, meaning that it is good for snorkeling and paddle boats. Rising up from the water near the shore is Penya Grossa, a rock that doubles as a diving board, and the nearby Penya Petita, a small reef where swimmers stop for a break.

10. Barayo (Valdés / Navia, Asturias) 

Anyone approaching Barayo from Navia will be treated to one of the parking lots with the most sublime views on the Cantabrian coast: salt flats, marshes, dunes, tall grass and cane fields, pine trees and eucalyptus on a cliff.

Formentera is the smallest and southernmost island of the Balearic Islands of Spain. Known for its clear waters, white sandy beaches, and tranquil environment, it contrasts sharply with its more bustling neighbour, Ibiza. Despite its modest size, Formentera has a rich history and a vibrant cultural heritage that adds depth to its appeal as a top Mediterranean destination.

The history of Formentera is as layered as it is fascinating. The island was possibly known to the ancient Greeks and later occupied by the Romans, but it was during the medieval era that it witnessed significant transformations. It was frequently raided by pirates due to its strategic position in the Mediterranean. This threat led to depopulation, with the island often being completely abandoned before resettlement efforts in the 18th century under the leadership of King Charles III of Spain.

Significant fortifications from this era still dot the landscape, most notably the watchtowers used to spot pirates. These historical structures offer a glimpse into the island’s tumultuous past and are now intriguing sites for visitors.

Formentera’s cultural fabric is stitched with various traditional Spanish and Balearic elements. The island still celebrates several historic festivals with great zeal. One of the most important is the Fiesta de San Juan, which heralds the arrival of summer with bonfires, dancing, and horseback rituals that are deeply embedded in local lore.

The traditional crafts of Formentera, like basket weaving and pottery, continue to thrive, supported both by local demand and the interest of visitors. These crafts not only provide a livelihood for local artisans but also help maintain the cultural identity of the island.

Formentera’s development into a tourist destination began in earnest in the 1960s and 1970s when the island was discovered by hippies who appreciated its untouched natural beauty and tranquillity, setting a foundation for the kind of tourism that would later define it. Unlike other Balearic islands that pursued high-volume tourism strategies, Formentera took a different path, focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

The island’s authorities have been particularly forward-thinking in terms of preserving its environment. For instance, the use of motor vehicles is highly regulated to prevent pollution and maintain the quality of air and natural settings. This eco-conscious approach has made Formentera an attractive destination for those seeking a more serene and authentic experience.

Today, Formentera offers an array of experiences that cater to diverse interests. The pristine beaches, such as Illetes and Es Pujols, remain the primary draw. However, the island is also popular for its cycling routes, walking trails, and exceptional spots for snorkelling and sailing.

The local cuisine, which is a delicious blend of Mediterranean flavours, provides another compelling reason to visit. From fresh seafood to traditional pastries, the food reflects the island's blend of historical influences and its strong connection to the sea.

Formentera is much more than just a picturesque backdrop for sun-seekers. It is an island steeped in history, alive with tradition, and deeply committed to preserving its natural beauty while accommodating tourists. For travellers looking to escape the bustle of modern life and dive into an experience that balances relaxation with cultural enrichment, Formentera offers the perfect destination. As it continues to develop sustainably, it sets an example for small-island tourism around the world, proving that it is possible to welcome visitors without losing the essence of what makes a place truly special.