The village of San Francisco (Sant Francesc in Catalan) is the island's capital and the most populated by locals. At its centre is a church square, surrounded by white-painted houses, boutiques and restaurants. It's a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon strolling around and enjoying its quaintness.
Eating, shopping, sightseeing
Here you will find a great selection of reasonably priced restaurants and cafés that are open for lunch and evening dinner. These places are a great alternative to the expensive beach restaurants, which are a great experience, though much less so for the budget traveller.
More shops and restaurants can be found on the side streets that lead from the church square. Many of the shops are independent boutiques, and are particularly good for picking up clothing and accessories, you may not find anywhere else. During the evening, the town is filled with a buzzing yet tranquil atmosphere and makes for a lovely way to spend a night after a day on the beach.
The fortress-like church, Sant Francesc Xavier, was built in the 18th century, doubling as an enclave to escape marauding pirates and other invaders. At night it is beautifully illuminated, though it's a building that has great presence at any time of day.
For a break between walking around, sit in one of the bar terraces with a drink and admire the pretty surroundings and buildings. Here, life seems to go at a slower pace, and you too are invited to relax and move along with the slow, island rhythm.
Culture
Fans of culture can visit the Ethnographic Museum on Calle Jaume I, showing how life was lived on the island in times past with clothing, furniture, tools and utensils on display. Admission is free, and it's open Monday to Friday from 09:00-14:00 and then 17:00 to 19:00.
In the main square lies the Ajuntament Vell Exhibition Centre, where you can find a series of temporary exhibitions throughout the year showing works from local and international artists. Admission is also free.
It's music month on Formentera throughout June, with lots of concerts in the squares of the island. In San Francisco, it's jazz each Saturday in the church square, and the Formentera Jazz Festival adds even more of this music genre when it takes place during the same month.
Local markets
Fans of markets should head to the morning craft market that's open daily from 10:00 to 14:00 from May to October. There's also a flea market all year round, behind the church on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 to 14:00. Please check the actual times in the events calendar of the island's government.
Everyone should make time to visit this delightful place at least once when on Formentera; the special old-world Mediterranean charm is infectious.
