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
Photo: Jiří VaňáčekThe 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).