FORMENTERA

'Formentera' is the smallest and southernmost island of the Illes Pitiüses group (which includes Eivissa (Ibiza) and Formentera) and belongs to the Balearic Islands autonomous community (Spain). It is 19 kilometres long and is located approximately 3 nautical miles (6 km) south of Ibiza in the Mediterranean Sea. Its major villages are Sant Francesc Xavier, Sant Ferran de ses Roques, El Pilar de la Mola and La Savina.

The island was reachable by ship only from Eivissa and this made it the quietest of both islands but in recent years regular lines from the Spanish peninsula have increased the amount of tourism. It is known for its many pristine beaches and the fact that nude sunbathing is allowed on most of its beaches.
Formentera comprises one municipality, also called Formentera, and has a population of 7,461 (2002). Its land area is 83.24 km² (32.14 sq mi).
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A vernacular of Catalan is spoken called Ibicenco, while the official language, is Catalan and Castellano Spanish. Italian and German can be heard extensively in summer.

Contents

History

2007 windsurfing world championship

References

See also

External links

History

The island's name is usually said to derive from the Latin word ''frumentarium'', meaning "granary". The island had been occupied by the Carthaginians before passing to the ancient Romans. In succeeding centuries, it passed to the Visigoths, the Byzantines, the Vandals, and the Arabs. It was conquered by the Catalan, added to the Crown of Aragon and later became part of the medieval Kingdom of Majorca.

2007 windsurfing world championship

From September 1st to the 7th Formentera will host the ''2007 Techno 293 OD World Championships'' in windsurfing for juniors under 15 and youths under 17.^[1]

References

1. Techno 293 OD World Championships

See also

★ Islands of the world

External links

★ Town council website

★ The Official Tourism Portal of Formentera

★ Local government website

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