SANT FRANCESC XAVIER

Sant Francesc Xavier, also known as San Francisco Javier, is the beating heart of Formentera, the largest and oldest town on the island. This charming village, the capital of Formentera, preserves the typical charm of the Mediterranean, with its picturesque narrow streets and relaxed atmosphere.

In Sant Francesc you will find the town hall, the main administrative institutions, a small museum and the post office. The ancient chapel is also worth a visit, but it is the main square that offers one of the most iconic views of the entire island, with the splendid church of Sant Francesc.
The center, which is particularly lively in the morning, is full of cozy bars where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast and characteristic shops where you can find original souvenirs.

Sant Francesc is an essential stop during a holiday in Formentera, a few kilometers from the lively tourist resort of Es Pujols, ideal both for renting an apartment in Formentera and as a starting point for exploring the island’s wonderful beaches.

How to reach Sant Francesc

Sant Francesc can be easily reached from the port of La Savina, which is about 4 km away, and from the other villages on the island, such as Sant Ferran (3 km) and Es Pujols (less than 5 km). Located in a rural area, Sant Francesc is surrounded by cultivated land and the typical island houses, the “fincas”. The main road PM-820 connects it to the rest of the island.

If you arrive by car, you will find plenty of free parking, for example near the Erosky supermarket or shortly after the Muy clothing store, in Carrer de Sant Joan. For scooters there are white lines in some streets adjacent to the main square.
Sant Francesc is well connected with Es Pujols, the port of La Savina and other places thanks to the bus lines L1, L2 and L5.

The church of Sant Francesc

Located in the heart of Sant Francesc, the square on which the church faces is the center of daily life in this picturesque village of Formentera. The church, originally a fortress, was built between 1726 and 1738 to protect the population from frequent pirate attacks. Its austere and imposing structure recalls its past as a defensive bulwark.

View of the church of Sant Francesc

The exterior of the church is characterized by a simple facade devoid of decorations, while the interior, with a single nave and no windows, is surprisingly sober. The church, which until 2003 was a warm sandy color, now appears with a candid white that reflects the sunlight.
Testifying to its defensive function, the door is covered with iron plates and on the facade you can still see a curious hole that housed a cannon.

Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1996, the church of Sant Francesc is a place rich in history and spirituality. In addition to the church, the parish house and a small cemetery are located in the square.
In the back of the building, a small square hosts a lively flea market on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 11 am to 2 pm, where you can find vintage items, handcrafted ceramics and much more.

The church of Sant Francesc is an active place of worship. Masses are celebrated on public holidays at 12:00 and 20:00, while on the eve of holidays mass is at 20:00. However, times may vary, so it is always advisable to check them locally.

The chapel of Sa Tanca Vella

A few steps from the lively main square of Sant Francesc Xavier, along Calle Eivissa, lies a historical treasure: Sa Tanca Vella. This small chapel, dating back to 1369, is the first Christian place of worship built on the island, an authentic testimony to the origins of faith in Formentera.

The chapel of Sa Tanca Vella

Commissioned by the Bishop of Tarragona and originally dedicated to Saint Valerius, Sa Tanca Vella is notable for its modest size, reflecting the sparse population on the island at that time. Its construction was a response to the devastating Black Death epidemic of 1348, which severely impacted Europe and Formentera, decimating its inhabitants.

The chapel, with its simple structure and vaulted roof, is one of the few remaining examples of Christian faith on the island. During periods of greater abandonment of Formentera, vegetation almost completely covered it, but fortunately, it was restored and reopened to the public in the second half of the 1980s, returning it to its former glory.

Sa Tanca Vella remained the main place of worship for the inhabitants of Formentera until the construction of the larger church of Sant Francesc, located nearby, which became necessary due to the increased size of the community. In 1993, in recognition of its historical and cultural importance, it was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.

If you happen to be passing through Sant Francesc Xavier, I recommend taking a short detour to admire this small architectural marvel, a silent testament to a distant past.

The ethnographic museum

Exhibition Hall

Located in the charming square of Sant Francesc, next to the church, there is a hall dedicated to temporary exhibitions throughout the year. The hall offers a dynamic space for local and international artists, whose works often reflect a special connection with the island.

For detailed information on the current exhibition and opening hours, please consult the bulletin board located outside the hall. Admission is free.

Where to have breakfast in Sant Francesc

Sant Francesc is a lively and charming place, especially in the morning, when the many bars come alive to offer delicious breakfasts to residents and tourists alike. If you are looking for the perfect place to start your day in style, here are some of the most renowned bars in Sant Francesc.

Opened in 1988, Cafè Matinal is a true institution in Formentera. This historic bar specializes in high-quality breakfasts and brunches, with a focus on local products and homemade preparations. Their jams, delicious and genuine, are so appreciated that they are sold in convenient jars, perfect to enjoy even at home.
Cafè Matinal has a large outdoor patio, ideal for enjoying breakfast outdoors, and a lovely inner courtyard, an oasis of tranquility where you can take refuge during the busiest hours.

Exterior of the Big Store

Located a few steps from the church of Sant Francesc, the Big Store is a unique place, characterized by a lively and original atmosphere. The walls decorated by the artist Aleandro Roncarà, together with the eclectic furniture full of memorabilia related to the owner’s passion for basketball, make this bar a real museum to discover.
Frequented by famous and non-famous people, the Big Store is also known for its original merchandising and its Italian management, which adds a touch of warmth and familiarity to the experience.

If you are looking for an oasis of peace and beauty, the Fonda Platé is the ideal place for you. Located a few steps from the square of Sant Francesc, this place offers an unforgettable breakfast under the outdoor patio, shaded by a magnificent bougainvillea that creates a magical and relaxing atmosphere.

Hidden in a small street in the center of Sant Francesc, Al Querto is a bar-restaurant that deserves to be discovered. Its offer of breakfasts and brunches is rich and varied, with original proposals such as pancakes and French toast, but also classics such as cappuccino and croissant. The Mediterranean-style furniture and the management curated by young Italian guys, who put the quality of the raw materials and the attentive and kind service first, complete the experience.

Located near the square of Sant Francesc, Ca Na Pepa is a restaurant with a vintage flavor that will win you over with its welcoming atmosphere and its delicious breakfast proposals. The menu offers a wide choice of sweet and savory dishes, prepared with fresh and genuine ingredients, to satisfy all tastes.

Shopping in the maze of alleyways

Sant Francesc is not only a village rich in history and culture, but also a true paradise for shopping lovers. Its intricate streets are home to a variety of stores that offer a unique experience, ranging from luxury boutiques to local craft shops, from eclectic concept stores to hippie markets.

For lovers of design and furniture, a must-see is Muy, a concept store that enchants with its selection of unique furniture pieces and original clothing items. Equally fascinating is Joana de día, a store that skillfully blends home goods from various artisan traditions, with a selection of trendy clothing and footwear.

The colorful streets of Sant Francesc

If your passion is caftans and colorful prints, you can’t miss Alma Gemela, a shop that since 2014 has been offering silk dresses inspired by the colors and shapes of the island.
For a dip into vintage, the shops Vintage Formentera and Full Moon offer a wide range of original clothing, accessories, and swimwear.

Sunglasses lovers will find something to their liking at Gaia, a shop that offers a selection of vintage sunglasses and a collection of clothing and footwear in neutral tones and natural materials.
If you are looking for luxury brands, the Es More boutique is the place for you, with its selection of clothing, accessories, and footwear from international brands such as Dior, Gucci, and Prada.

Finally, don’t miss the hippy market that animates the streets of Sant Francesc during the high season. Here you can find unique creations by local artisans, such as the jewelry of Tito, an artist who exhibits his works near the Big Store bar.

Sant Francesc is a place where shopping becomes an unforgettable experience, a journey to discover hidden treasures and unique creations, a way to take home a piece of the soul of this magical island.

Restaurants in Sant Francesc

Sant Francesc is not only a town rich in history and culture, but also a true temple of taste. Here you will find some of the best restaurants in Formentera, capable of satisfying even the most demanding palates.

• Malagueña: if you love grilled meat, Malagueña is the restaurant for you. Located on the road connecting Sant Ferran to Sant Francesc, this restaurant offers a wide selection of fine cuts of meat, cooked to perfection on the grill. But it’s not just meat: the menu also includes a variety of fish dishes, all prepared with the freshest ingredients.
• Can Carlos: if you’re looking for a restaurant that will enchant you not only with its dishes but also with its atmosphere, Can Carlos is the perfect choice. Its garden, an oasis of peace and beauty, is the ideal place for a romantic dinner or an evening with friends. The cuisine is a mix of tradition and innovation, with dishes that enhance the flavors of the Mediterranean.
• Santa Clara (formerly Ca Na Joana): an institution in Formentera. This elegant restaurant, located in the heart of Sant Francesc, offers a unique culinary experience. The dishes, prepared with attention to detail, are an explosion of flavors, thanks to the use of the freshest, high-quality ingredients. The refined atmosphere and impeccable service make Santa Clara the perfect place for a special dinner.
• La Pezqueria: located in a quiet street in Sant Francesc, La Pezqueria is a true hidden gem. This informal restaurant, decorated in a contemporary style, specializes in tapas. But don’t expect the usual tapas: here, the chef offers original and surprising combinations that will introduce you to new ways of enjoying the flavors of Spanish cuisine.
• El Gioviale: if you like Roman cuisine, El Gioviale is the restaurant for you. This trattoria, located in the heart of Sant Francesc, will make you feel like you’re in Rome, thanks to its cozy atmosphere and authentic dishes. Pasta alla carbonara is the house specialty, but there are also other Roman specialties, all prepared with fresh and genuine ingredients.
• Japoneria Bufambo: for an evening of oriental flavors, Japoneria Bufambo is the ideal restaurant. Located a few steps from the main square of Sant Francesc, this restaurant offers a wide selection of Japanese dishes, from sushi to ramen, all prepared with skill and top-quality ingredients. The atmosphere is well-maintained and the service is impeccable.
• Mama Carmen: located a few steps from the church of Sant Francesc, Mama Carmen is the ideal place for a break at any time of the day. From breakfast to lunch to dinner, this place offers a wide variety of dishes, from classic burgers to vegetarian options, all prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere is informal and welcoming, perfect for a drink or a quick meal.

Festivals and Events

Sant Francesc is a lively place, animated by numerous folk events organized by the Consell Insular, especially during the evenings. The square in front of the church often transforms into a stage for festivals, shows, and concerts, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the authentic spirit of the island, sharing the joy and enthusiasm of the local inhabitants.

Among the most celebrated events, the patronal feasts of July 25th stand out, dedicated to San Jaume (Saint James the Apostle), patron saint of the island, and December 3rd, in honor of Sant Francesc, the saint who gives his name to the town. These celebrations are a moment of strong cohesion for the community, which gathers to honor its traditions and roots.

Furthermore, every year, during the first week of June, the island hosts the Formentera Jazz Festival, an international event that attracts many famous artists. Some performances take place in the charming square of Sant Francesc, offering the public the opportunity to attend high-level concerts for free.

Useful information

Sant Francesc is a true point of reference for residents and visitors of the island, thanks to its wide range of services. Among these, Erosky stands out, the largest supermarket on the island, ideal for all kinds of shopping. For personal care, there is a well-stocked pharmacy and several hairdressers.
Even daily needs are easily met, thanks to the presence of a post office and three fishmongers, which offer a wide selection of fresh fish.

For tourists, the tourist office located in the main square, right next to the church, is particularly useful, where you can get information and advice to better explore the island.
Finally, the convenient taxi rank, located in front of the Cafeteria San Francisco, ensures easy connection with other areas of the island.