Formentera

WE HAVE A HOUSE in Formentera, and we try to go as often as we can. Apart from the charming natural environment and the crystal-clear sea, beautiful memories of precious moments with my family tie me to that place. Our house is in the countryside, and once we get there, it's like being on a desert island--we can enjoy all the tranquillity of the environment and relax. And when we feel like it, we can go to the tiny bars on the beach or do a little shopping at the market of Sant Francesc (I always find interesting things there) or even visit the "Hippie" market, which is always animated. Here are my favorite places:

RESTAURANTS

Can Carlos A small bar and restaurant in a casa restaurada in the town of Sant Francesc.

Juan y Andrea juanyandrea.com

Vista y Sol On the beach (telephone: 971328485).

Pelayo According to my husband and children, you can get the best paella on the island at this beachside place. (I cannot judge paella because I am a vegetarian.)

BARS

There are many tiny bars--called chiringuitos--on the beach where you can have a drink at sunset while listening to music. My favorite one is Giallo.

BEACHES

Dos Mares A beautiful beach. There's a small isthmus connecting two islands.

Cala Saona The rocky inlets and reefs on this beach are reachable only by boat. There is no sand, but the water is incredibly transparent.

HOTEL

Hotelito de Cap Barberia A tiny hotel with only six rooms. It's in the middle of a vineyard, and they have very good food.

SHOPPING

El Mundo Insolito A cute shop in which the owner, Daisy, sells Indian dresses she designs herself. I particularly like the extra-flat straw sandals (11 Calle I. Macabich).

Center of Sant Francesc Every morning there is a market with many stalls selling almost everything.

"Hippie" market On Wednesdays and Fridays.