Discover San Francisco Javier

San Francisco Javier offers several options for a culture-focused stay: fortified architecture, cemetery history, local crafts, agricultural produce and traditional household objects. The sites and routes offer different points of interest, so you can choose between architectural history, market life and specific walking routes.

Church, Chapel and Cemetery

The fortified church of Sant Francesc Xavier, built between 1726 and 1737, stands on the main square. Its door is clad in iron sheeting and protected by a peephole. Sa Tanca Vella offers an older landmark: the simple chapel is dedicated to Saint Valerius of Saragossa and was built around 1369. Until the church of Sant Francesc Xavier was built in the early 18th century, Sa Tanca Vella served as a meeting place for the new settlers from Ibiza.

The chapel has been restored but is currently not in use. It can be viewed from the outside Tuesday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Check these visiting hours in advance if you plan to visit.

Fossar Vell de Sant Francesc Xavier was Formentera’s historic cemetery. It was already in existence in 1757 and remained in use until 1940. It includes five funerary chapels dating from the late 19th to the early 20th century. The small cemetery behind the church has been restored and prepared for visitors. If you are planning a specific visit, you can check its condition in advance.

Crafts, Market and Island Life

The Centro Antoni Tur “Gabrielet” offers exhibitions and workshops on local crafts; the workshop program may vary. The Mercat Pagès is also located in the Centre artesà Antoni Tur “Gabrielet”, in the heart of Sant Francesc Xavier. It showcases the island’s agricultural, food-related and maritime products throughout the year. Products on offer include locally grown fruit and vegetables, eggs and honey, as well as fresh and traditional goods such as meat and fish. Visitors can talk to producers and learn more about local production or rural life on Formentera.

The Museu d'Etnografia de Formentera complements these insights with everyday history: a selection of traditional tools and household objects used by Formentera’s residents is on permanent display. There is also a saltworks railway locomotive in the museum courtyard. The Sala d’Exposicions Ajuntament Vell offers a different exhibition focus, with a year-round program of temporary exhibitions. If you are planning to visit a particular exhibition, check its dates in advance.

Routes with Different Destinations

Route 6 from Sant Francesc to Portossalé is 2.3 kilometres long and rated moderate. The stated durations are 20 minutes by bicycle or 40 minutes on foot, making it easy to compare the time estimates for the same route. The route starts at Jardí de Ses Eres behind the church of Sant Francesc Xavier and passes the recently restored old cemetery.

Other routes connect different places: Route 16 is the old direct path between Sant Francesc Xavier and Sant Ferran de ses Roques. As an alternative direct route from Sant Francesc Xavier to Cala Saona, the Sant Francesc–Ses Bardetes–Cala Saona route is another option. The destinations of the routes described therefore differ, while Route 6 also provides information on distance, difficulty and duration.

Windmill and Festive Days

The En Jeroni windmill is located in the “venta de sa Miranda” in Sant Francesc and was built in the late 18th century. Its well-preserved tower and the millstones displayed outside the tower give the site its distinctive appearance. The mill is easily accessible from the Dalt de Porto-salè path.

Festive days also add to the cultural offering: the celebrations of Sant Jaume take place in Sant Francesc and are among Formentera’s featured patron saint festivals for locals and visitors. The Sant Francesc Xavier festival is dated December 3. If a festival is a deciding factor for your trip, check the specific dates and program in advance.

Discover more destinations: Platja De Migjorn, Pilar De La Mola, La Savina, San Ferrán De Ses Roques, Formentera, Es Caló, Es Pujols.

Back to the main travel overview: Formentera.