Formentera has a well organised walking network: 32 numbered green routes covering more than a hundred kilometres, signposted across the island and open to walkers and cyclists alike. On an island twenty kilometres end to end, that is a dense network, and it is the reason a walking week works here better than on Ibiza.
Almost all of it is flat and almost none of it is shaded, which shapes everything below.
The one to walk: Cami de sa Pujada
Route 25, 4 km, about 80 minutes, rated hard. The old stone-paved path from Es Calo up the La Mola escarpment, often called the Roman road. It climbs the cliff in switchbacks with views back over the Raco de sa Pujada and across to Ibiza.
The official grading says hard and some guidebooks say easy. The distance is short and the footing is rocky and slippery on the way down, which is where the grading comes from. Shoes with a sole.
The rest, by what you want
For the lighthouse and the cliffs: route 29, La Mola to the Far de la Mola, 2.8 km and easy.
For the dramatic south: routes 8 and 11 to the Far de Barbaria, 9.6 and 9.7 km across a treeless cape. No shade, no water and no shelter, so not a midday walk in summer.
Birdwatchers want route 17, Sant Ferran to Es Pujols via Estany Pudent, 2.2 km along the salt lagoon where the flamingos and grey herons feed. Dawn or dusk.
Walkers heading for the beach take routes 1 and 19 to Ses Illetes, 3.3 and 4.6 km, flat and easy through the natural park to the sandbar.
For the west coast: routes 3 and 7 to Cala Saona, 5.5 and 3.7 km, ending at the island's only real west-facing cove, which is where the sunset is.
For a long day: route 32, the Pla de la Mola, 12.3 km across the farmed plateau past dry-stone walls and fig trees, with vineyards and the Es Monestir chapel along the way.
Practical
There is no fresh water on Formentera. Nothing natural, and very little along the routes. Carry more than feels sensible.
May, June, September and October are the months. July and August are too hot for anything over an hour after nine in the morning.
Expect bikes. The network is designed for both, and the routes are wide enough for it.
Signposting is good across the island, which is not something that can be said of Ibiza's paths.
Quick answers
How many walking routes are there? Thirty-two, covering over 100 km.
Which is the best walk? Route 25, the Cami de sa Pujada, from Es Calo up to La Mola.
Are the routes hard? Almost all are flat and easy. Route 25 is the exception.
Is there shade? Very little anywhere.
Can you cycle them? Yes, they are built for walkers and cyclists.
When should I walk? May, June, September and October.