Ca Na Platera

About Ca Na Platera

Ca Na Platera suits those who want a quiet base on Formentera away from the busier coastal villages. The hotel is set in the rural interior of the island, surrounded by the low scrub and dry-stone walls that define the Formentera landscape. It works well for couples or solo travellers who plan to explore the island by bike or scooter and prefer a calm place to return to in the evening.

This is an unrated hotel, not part of any chain. The property offers an outdoor pool, a solarium and a terrace, plus listed facilities such as a lounge, bike rental and yoga. It is not a resort or a beachfront property; the nearest beach is Platja de Migjorn at 3.8 km straight line. Guests stay here for the peace and the easy access to the island's main sights by road.

Location: Formentera

Ca Na Platera is in the countryside of Formentera, near the southern cape of Cap de Barbaria. The nearest village is Sant Francesc Xavier, the island's capital, 3.2 km away in a straight line. Sant Francesc has a fortified 18th-century church, a market and the main cluster of shops and services. The hotel is not within walking distance of any beach or village; a car, scooter or bicycle is needed for all trips.

The area around the hotel is quiet and rural, with fields and low pine woods. In July and August the roads fill with day-trippers heading to Cap de Barbaria and the south-coast beaches, but the hotel itself feels removed from the crowds. In the shoulder months of May, June and September, the countryside is quieter and the light is good for walking or cycling along the green routes.

Rooms and facilities

The hotel lists air conditioning, non-smoking rooms, a safe, TV and iron and board. Rooms are likely simple and functional, suited to a stay of several nights. The property also lists a luggage room, which helps if you arrive before check-in or leave after check-out. Confirm the exact room type and layout with Ca Na Platera when booking.

Facilities include room service and a bar, so you do not need to leave the hotel for an evening drink. Breakfast is listed, which is useful given the distance to the nearest village. The hotel also lists a first-aid kit and security features. For families, check whether the room configuration works for children; the hotel does not list a children's club or playground.

Getting there

Formentera has no airport. Fly to Ibiza Airport (IBZ), then take a bus or taxi to Ibiza Town port (about 7 km). From the port, ferries cross to La Savina on Formentera: fast ferries take about 30-35 minutes, conventional ferries about an hour. Sailings are frequent in summer and fewer in winter; check the ferry operators for current timetables. La Savina is the only port on Formentera.

From La Savina, Ca Na Platera is 6.5 km away in a straight line; the road distance is longer. The best way to reach the hotel is by taxi from the port. Once on Formentera, the island is flat and easy to explore by bike or scooter; the Consell de Formentera caps visitor vehicles in high season, so check before bringing or hiring a car. Buses run between the main villages and beaches.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The nearest beach by straight-line distance is Platja de Migjorn, 3.8 km away, a long open south-coast beach backed by dunes and juniper. Cala Saona is 3.9 km away, a small cove with red cliffs facing west, good for sunset. Cap de Barbaria, 5.3 km away, is a bare southern cape with a lighthouse and another sunset spot. Sant Francesc Xavier, 3.2 km away, has the fortified church and the island's main services.

Formentera food includes peix sec (dried fish), island salads and fresh fish. The island has a tradition of simple, fresh cooking. The hotel does not list an on-site restaurant, so meals outside the hotel mean a trip to Sant Francesc or to one of the beach villages. The craft market at El Pilar de la Mola (Wednesdays and Sundays in season) is a good destination for a morning trip.

A day from Ca Na Platera

Start the morning with breakfast at Ca Na Platera, then take a bike or scooter to Sant Francesc Xavier, 3.2 km away. Visit the fortified 18th-century church and the market if it is a market day. From Sant Francesc, continue south to Cap de Barbaria, 5.3 km from the hotel, to see the lighthouse and the bare limestone cliffs. The light is best in the late afternoon.

In the afternoon, head to Cala Saona, 3.9 km from the hotel, for a swim and a walk along the red cliffs. Return to Ca Na Platera for a rest by the outdoor pool or on the solarium. In the evening, go back to Cala Saona or Cap de Barbaria to watch the sunset. The hotel's terrace and lounge offer a quiet end to the day.

Practical tips

Much of Formentera's tourism business closes roughly from November to April; check Ca Na Platera's opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, with the highest demand for taxis, ferries and accommodation. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (the ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the type of accommodation and the season, is reduced in low season and for longer stays, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rates with the Govern de les Illes Balears.

Questions about Ca Na Platera