“Have you ever felt the sun beat down on your shoulders while walking through a landscape that looks almost like a desert?” Ses Bardetes. That’s the name of this remarkable village in Formentera. Nestled just south of Sant Francesc Xavier its location is simply stunning.
Ses Bardetes is more than just a village. It’s a glimpse into the heart of Formentera. A place where history whispers through the dry stone walls and the scent of rosemary and thyme fills the air. It’s a short distance from the island’s vibrant capital. Yet it retains its unique charm and tranquil atmosphere.
Imagine yourself walking along the paths surrounding Ses Bardetes. You pass fields of almond groves vineyards and fig trees. These are separated by traditional dry stone walls. A testament to the island’s agricultural heritage. These walls weren’t just for dividing land. They also served as shelter for livestock and protection from the elements. A clever trick from generations past isn’t it?
The landscape shifts dramatically. You move from the relative lushness of the cultivated land into a surprisingly arid area. This dry rocky terrain with its low scrub shows another side of Formentera. It hints at a past that once held a much denser forest. All those trees were cut down to make charcoal centuries ago. This transformation reveals how much the environment has changed.
The final stretch of your walk reveals another surprise. You reach the well-known Es Cap de Barbaria lighthouse. You’ve walked through a film set. The lighthouse featured in Julio Medem’s film Lucia y el Sexo. Near the lighthouse a stunning cave opens up. It offers breathtaking sea views. On a clear day you can even see the distant mountains of mainland Spain.
Ses Bardetes. A small village with a big story. A story of farming and forests. Of filmmaking and stunning views. A story waiting to be discovered with every step.