On the shores of the turquoise and crystalline waters that surround the island of Formentera, the town of Sant Francesc Xavier welcomes us, a place where architecture combines perfectly with rural tourism.
Sant Francesc Xavier, which is usually known as Sant Francesc de Formentera, is the capital of Formentera, one of the Pitiusas Islands. It is located in the north of the island, a few kilometers from the port of La Savina and the spectacular beach of Estany des Peix, which, through a small pass known as Sa Boca, forms a kind of natural pool with sea water.
With regard to its history, the megalithic tomb of Ca na Costa is found near the Estany Pudent, and shows that in the Bronze Age, this area was already inhabited. Although it was not until the time of the Arabs that it became an established permanent population and we can see historical remains from this period of time, such as cisterns or wells.
It is in the thirteenth century, after the conquest of the Pitiusas Islands, that the population takes on more relevance, leaving behind a large part of the architectural heritage that we can see today.
Do you want to know what monuments can be seen in Sant Francesc Xavier? In the nerve centre of the town, the Church of San Francesc stands out. The peculiarity of its robust appearance can be explained by its previous function as a temple-fortress, from the presence of pirates in the area at the time.
Dated between the 13th and 14th centuries, we have the Sa Tanca Chapel, which was the major church of its time, but due to population growth, it became too small. Another charming example of traditional architecture is the set of mills Molinos de Sa Mirada, which is made up of the Molí d'en Mateu, which is private, and the Molí d'en Jeroni, originally from the 19th century, that you are able to visit.
As cultural spaces, Sant Francesc Xavier offers the Sala d’Exposicions Ajuntament Vell, where exhibitions are usually held, or the Antoni Tur “Gabrielet” Centre that is more dedicated to handicrafts, with activities such as workshops related to craft trades.
If you want to know first-hand how the local people used to live, the Ethnography Collection of Formentera is a very graphic way to get an idea, since it has extensive experience of utensils, tools, clothing and other traditional items.
Its lunchtime! Do you know what to order? Fried octopus is one of the most popular dishes alongside Sobrasada (raw cured sausage) and Butifarra (an ancient raw sausage recipe). To finish your meal and sweeten the palate try the traditional Orelletes (Spanish pastries) served with a sweet wine.
Do you have some time to party? Two of its most outstanding festivals are celebrated in the middle of summer: on July 25, there are the patronal festivities of Sant Jaume, and on August 5th, Las fiestas de la Tierra, in honor of Santa María. During the fall we also find another festival, celebrated on December 3, dedicated to Sant Francesc Xavier.
The economy of this town, in its origins, was linked to fishing and agriculture, in addition to having a space for artisan trades, from which its beautiful artisan markets emerge today. However there is fundamental economic support from its tourism, having become highly appreciated by travelers, and especially in regards to rural tourism.
