SANT FERRAN DE SES ROQUES

Located in the heart of Formentera, Sant Ferran de Ses Roques is a small town steeped in history and freedom. Its fame is inextricably linked to the hippie movement which, in the 1960s, chose it as its headquarters for parties and events.

A few steps from Es Pujols, a lively tourist center on the island and an ideal destination for those looking for a holiday home in Formentera, Sant Ferran is a place where time seems to pass more slowly than in other more worldly locations. Here, unconventional young people, nicknamed “peludos” by the locals, had found a refuge where they could live freely and carefree, far from the frenzy of modern life.
The square, with its charming little church, was the meeting point, the beating heart of a peaceful cultural revolution, founded on the ideal of peace and love.

Even today, walking through the streets of Sant Ferran, one perceives the echo of that vibrant past. To fully immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this village, the ideal time is from sunset onwards. When the sun begins to set, Sant Ferran comes to life, the craft market comes alive with visitors, while the main square becomes the stage for impromptu concerts.

Fonda Pepe

Fonda Pepe by night

Fonda Pepe is a legendary place, a true symbol that needs no introduction. Since the 1960s, when it became the beating heart of the hippie scene, this venue has been an essential point of reference for those seeking an authentic and timeless atmosphere.
Still today, within the walls of La Fonda Pepe, which houses a bar, a restaurant, and a hostel, you can breathe the spirit of those magical years.

Sitting in the main square, surrounded by new faces and regulars, you can almost hear the echo of the laughter and guitar notes that have animated this iconic place. An emblematic image, captured by the lens of German photographer Reinald Wünsche, perfectly portrays the essence of that period: a group of young people, smiling and united, immortalized in a moment of pure sharing.

Enjoying a meal or simply sipping a drink at Fonda Pepe will allow you to immerse yourself in a timeless dimension, a unique experience that will make you fully understand why this place is still an institution today.

Craft market

Sant Ferran is famous for its lively craft market, an unmissable event that enlivens the summer evenings from the beginning of June to the end of September.

The market takes place every evening of the week, except for Wednesdays and Sundays, along the main street that runs alongside the square. From 7 pm to about midnight, the street is transformed into a bustling succession of stalls full of original souvenirs and unique artistic creations.

The fair is a true celebration of local craftsmanship. Many of the exhibitors are artists who reside on the island, specializing in various forms of art, from paintings and watercolors to creations in ceramics, glass, leather and much more. Strolling among the stalls, it is not uncommon to come across some of them intent on creating their works, offering visitors a fascinating spectacle and the opportunity to purchase a unique piece, created at the moment.

If you are looking for an authentic souvenir of Formentera, something that captures the essence of the island with its vibrant colors and its bohemian atmosphere, the Sant Ferran craft market is the ideal place. Here you can find that special souvenir that will forever remind you of the magic of this enchanting place.

Church of Sant Ferran

The small Church of Sant Ferran

The Church of Sant Ferran, located in the main square of the village of the same name, is one of the three parish churches of Formentera, together with those of Sant Francesc Xavier and El Pilar de la Mola.

Built in stone between 1883 and 1889, following a decree of 1785 that provided for a third parish on the island, it is the smallest of the three sacred buildings on the island. The church is characterized by a simple facade, with a single nave and a small bell tower. The interior has a Latin cross plan, with two chapels on the sides of the presbytery.

Its central location makes it a landmark for locals and tourists, and it is here that the main events aimed at preserving the island’s typical uses and customs take place. Of particular interest is the feast of the Patron Saint, which is celebrated on May 30th.

During the high season, from the end of June to the end of September, every Friday evening it is also possible to attend free concerts organized by the Consell Insular in the main square, adorned with palm trees, flowers and some benches.

Formentera Guitars

Formentera Guitars, located in Sant Ferran, is a renowned artisan workshop specializing in the creation of guitars and double basses. Its reputation is such that it has attracted world-famous musicians such as Pink Floyd, King Crimson, and Chris Rea, who have chosen its creations for their performances.

For over twenty years, this fascinating place has offered a unique and original experience: the opportunity to participate in a three-week course to build your own guitar under the guidance of expert craftsmen. A creative opportunity open to everyone, upon reservation on the workshop’s website.

But the experience is not limited to the construction of the instrument. Once the body of the guitar is completed, a suggestive ritual takes place: a bath together with the instrument in the crystal-clear waters of the island, a true baptism that infuses the guitar with the essence and sound of the Balearic Islands.

For more information on this extraordinary opportunity, please visit the Formentera Guitars website.

Restaurants in Sant Ferran

Among the many restaurants in Sant Ferran, the Macondo pizzeria stands out for its long history and renowned reputation. Present on the island for many years, Macondo offers a lively and informal atmosphere, where you can enjoy excellent Roman pizzas, characterized by their thin and crispy crust.
A short distance away is the pizzeria-restaurant Quartieri Spagnoli, an Italian-run establishment where you can savor authentic Neapolitan pizza and delicious seafood dishes.

If you want to try a different cuisine, we recommend visiting the historic Can Forn restaurant, open since 1999. Here you can enjoy both classic Spanish cuisine and typical Formentera dishes. If you love strong flavors, here you will find squid a la bruta, cooked in their ink, and very tasty lamb chops. The wine list is very extensive and offers the right pairing for each dish.

For lovers of tapas, an unmissable stop is Trastienda, a place with a young atmosphere located along the road that leads to Migjorn. The menu offers delicious dishes to share, such as grandma’s meatballs, Thai mussels, very tasty Padrón peppers and much more.

A short distance from Trastienda, there is the Sa Panxa restaurant, an eclectic establishment present on the island since 2015. Open all year round, this place, which also houses a lovely garden where you can dine during summer evenings, stands out not only for its wide culinary offer, but also for the numerous live events that you can attend. It is in fact a real cultural space where, by following their social channels, you can discover the days and times when the various concerts or artistic performances take place.

Where to have breakfast in Sant Ferran

Sant Ferran is a picturesque village located a few kilometers from the coast of Migjorn, renowned for its dreamlike beaches, among the most beautiful in Formentera. Because of its proximity to the sea, Sant Ferran is a landmark for those who want to start the day with a tasty breakfast before diving into the crystal clear waters.

Among the many places present, two bars stand out that offer very different experiences:

• Bar Verdera: a local institution, much appreciated also by the inhabitants of the island. This bar with a simple and authentic style is famous for its low prices and its convivial atmosphere. Verdera is the ideal place for a quick and no-frills breakfast, perfect for those who want to fully enjoy the beauty of Formentera.
• Blat Picat: located a short distance from Verdera, Blat Picat stands out for its refined style and attention to detail. This place is a true temple of well-being, with a wide range of healthy proposals, from tostadas to natural juices. Blat Picat is also the perfect place for a rich and delicious brunch, ideal for starting the day with energy and taste.

Cala En Baster

View of Cala En Baster

Cala En Baster, a hidden gem on the northern coast of Formentera, is a place that enchants with its authenticity and wild beauty. Located a short distance from the village of Sant Ferran, this cove is a true paradise for those seeking tranquility and contact with nature.

Cala En Baster stands out for its marine landscape characterized by imposing cliffs that rise up to 50 meters above sea level. Its U-shaped inlet conformation creates a protected and intimate environment, with a turquoise and crystalline sea that invites you to take a dip.

One of the peculiarities of Cala En Baster are the ancient slipways, rudimentary wooden beams that fishermen used to transport their boats to the mainland. Unlike other coves on the island, here the slipways do not end in wooden houses, but in caves dug into the cliff, a detail that makes this place even more fascinating.

This small cove is not very frequented due to the lack of a real sandy beach, which makes it an oasis of peace and tranquility, away from the crowds and mass tourism. It is the ideal place for those who want to spend a few hours in complete relaxation, perhaps dedicating themselves to snorkeling in its clear waters rich in marine life.

Walking along the cliff, you can admire a breathtaking panorama of the entire northern coast of Formentera, with the islands of S’Espardell and Ibiza in the background. A spectacle that enchants and remains impressed in the memory.
Cala En Baster is easily reachable by car or scooter from Sant Ferran. Once you arrive, you can park nearby and continue on foot along a short path that leads to the cove.