For centuries Formentera was a poor, isolated island, permanently resettled only at the end of the 17th century after a long abandonment caused by pirate raids. Its people, the formenterers, speak the Pityusic variety of Catalan and lived from farming, fishing, salt and, later, emigration to Cuba and Argentina.
The rural landscape
Traditions are written into the landscape: cubic white houses with flat roofs to collect rainwater, cisterns, dry-stone walls dividing the fields, fig trees whose branches are propped on poles to form great umbrellas, windmills, boat shelters cut into the rock and salt pans.
Ball pagès and costume
Ball pagès is the traditional dance: the man leaps and moves energetically around the woman, who dances with small steps and lowered eyes. It is accompanied by flute, drum and large castanets. Women's dress includes wide pleated skirts, shawls and, on special occasions, gold and silver jewellery called emprendada. It can be seen at Sant Jaume and the village fiestas.
Hippies and artists
In the 1960s Formentera drew hippies, artists and musicians escaping consumer society; legend has it that Pink Floyd and Bob Dylan passed through. Their spirit lives on in the craft markets and the island's free atmosphere.
Crafts
La Mola craft market, at El Pilar, is the most famous: held on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons in summer, with jewellery, ceramics, clothes, leather goods, sandals and handmade objects by artisans living on the island. There are markets in Sant Francesc and Es Pujols too. Traditional products include palm-fibre baskets, esparto sandals and ceramics.
To take home
Salt from Ses Salines, local wine, herbes, dried figs, cheese and peix sec, plus jewellery and artisans' creations. See also the food and festivals.