Towers and fortifications of Formentera

Formentera was, in its time, an island that was very exposed to pirate raids and plundering. It therefore had a valuable system of fortifications and defensive towers scattered along its coastline. 

The remains of the castellum of Can Blai is one of the oldest. This is a fortified construction from the Roman period located between Sant Ferran and Es Caló. This ancient square-shaped fort, with a tower at each corner and another at the entrance, dates from the 4th century and is similar to other Roman defensive constructions in frontier areas of the period. However, it seems that it was never used.

Later, in the 18th century, several defensive towers were built to protect the island from pirate attacks from North Africa, the remains of which can still be visited. These towers were placed at strategic points to keep watch over the sea and communicated with each other by means of smoke signals.

Among the most outstanding is the tower of Punta Prima, near Es Pujols, from where you can enjoy impressive views of Ibiza and the cliffs of La Mola. The Pi des Català tower, located near Migjorn beach, is unique in that it is the only tower on Formentera that can be visited from the inside.

To the south, on the cliff of Cap de Barbaria, is the Garroveret tower, from which possible maritime threats from the east were monitored. Finally, the tower of sa Gavina, near Can Marroig, protected the western entrance to the port of La Savina.