EL PILAR DE LA MOLA

El Pilar de la Mola is a small village famous for its lighthouse and hippie market.

El Pilar de la Mola is a small village located in the eastern part of the island, about ten kilometers from Sant Ferran. The only settlement in the area of La Mola is the village of El Pilar, consisting of around thirty houses arranged around the parish church, an ancient 18th-century building. The locals are called “molers” (from La Mola), unlike the other island residents known as “formenterens” (from Formentera).

La Mola hippy market

hippy market la mola formentera

Concert at the La Mola market

The hippie movement peacefully invaded these areas between the 1960s and 1970s. Young soldiers returning from the Vietnam War, people escaping from a California where the essence of peace and love was gradually dismantled by the advent of hallucinogens, and enthusiasts of Eastern philosophies gathered here. They were all united by a single goal: the pursuit of inner peace in an untouched place.

At that time, Formentera was wild and unspoiled, to the extent that in some areas of the island, electricity arrived several years later. Since then, numerous legends tell of famous figures who chose this earthly paradise as their “retreat”, but except for a few credible sources, many stories exist only in myth.

A tangible testament to that period is the hippy market that takes place twice a week during the summer.
Opening hours of the La Mola market: every Wednesday and Sunday, from 4:00 PM until late sunset!

A must-visit for every tourist, this is where you can see and purchase handmade souvenirs created by local artisans and some veteran hippies. There are about fifty stalls, and you will find a wide range of jewelry, accessories, bags, paintings, ceramics, clothing, and numerous products made from natural materials, from wood to stone, leather to silver.

During your visit to the market, you will undoubtedly be captivated by the music and the performances of local artists; it is a tradition for musical groups to perform in the small central square. Noteworthy is the colorful mosaic flooring on which the artists sing and dance, forming the image of a dove, a symbol of peace. It’s worth noting that the La Mola market is much larger than the evening market in Es Pujols.

El Mirador

el mirador la mola formentera

The beautiful view from El Mirador

Starting from the village of Es Caló to reach the village of El Pilar de La Mola, you will travel along a winding road surrounded by lush vegetation. Near the famous restaurant El Mirador, stop to admire the island from a unique perspective. You are, in fact, at a viewpoint that you are unlikely to forget: El Mirador (from which the restaurant of the same name located on the big curve takes its name).

Since you can observe both the northern beaches (Ses Platgetes) and those to the south (Playa de Migjorn), it’s a unique point of view. To capture unique views of our beloved island, we suggest venturing slightly into the dense vegetation so that it doesn’t obscure the landscape too much.

The La Mola lighthouse

la mola lighthouse formentera

The La Mola lighthouse

Another attraction in this area is undoubtedly the lighthouse (one of the three on the island). Situated on high cliffs reaching 120 meters in height, you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the sea. To reach it, you have to climb a long hill, leave the village and fields behind to finally arrive at its doorstep. The atmosphere you’ll breathe and the emotions you’ll experience cannot be described in simple words. Let the wind tousle your hair, listen to the seagulls’ cries, and you’ll understand why this place holds so much magic.

Next to the lighthouse, there is also a commemorative plaque in honor of the writer Jules Verne, who set his novel “Off on a Comet” here, written in 1877, and described this place as “the end of the world”.

After contemplating so much beauty, we recommend stopping at Codice Luna bar, located a few meters away, where you can taste local cold cuts and cheeses and enjoy a frozen mojito.

Located at the easternmost point of Formentera, we suggest coming here to admire the sunrise. The incredible spectacle of the dawn that you will experience on this promontory will certainly make you forget any lost sleep. The area around the La Mola lighthouse is also an important natural and geological area.

Molí Vell

moli vell de la mola formentera

The ancient Molí Vell and the little house

Continuing beyond the village of El Pilar de la Mola, turning right, you will come across Molí Vell, an old windmill used to grind the wheat that was cultivated in large quantities on the island. The ancient name of Formentera was indeed “Frumentaria,” which means “pertaining to grain” in Latin.

Out of the seven mills built on the island, this is the best-preserved, thanks in part to the restoration ordered by the Consell Insular. It is still owned by a member of the family that has managed it for several generations.

It was built over two centuries ago, precisely in 1778, a period when the island began to be repopulated after several years of abandonment. This is the only mill in the Pityuses Islands, which include Ibiza and Formentera, that still holds the status of being functional. It was used until 1956. Legend has it that in 1968, Bob Dylan rented the small house next to Molí Vell.

During the summer months, you can visit this precious mill from Monday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. You can enter and access the upper floor to see the gears and how it works.

Restaurants in El Pilar de la Mola

In this area, you can find some of the best restaurants in Formentera. Coming from Es Calò, the first one you’ll encounter is the Caterina restaurant, situated in a truly special location: a garden decorated with soft lighting, combined with meticulous service, makes this restaurant a must-visit for those exploring the island. Continuing down the road, you’ll come across El Mirador restaurant, located on the magnificent viewpoint curve, recommended for those who want to delight in both their palate and their view. In the heart of El Pilar de la Mola, we recommend Can Toni, which will win you over with its traditional Spanish tapas.

In conclusion, we can say that La Mola is undoubtedly one of the most tranquil places on the island, given its distance from the main tourist centers and the most frequented beaches.

On June 24th, there is the feast of Sant Joan in El Pilar de la Mola with the traditional bonfire, while on October 12th, there is the festival of Nuestra Senora del Pilar. Furthermore, every year, around mid-June, the legendary Flower Power party takes place here.

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