Can Mariano Barber

About Can Mariano Barber

Can Mariano Barber suits travellers who want a quiet base on the eastern plateau of Formentera, away from the busier resort strips. The hotel is an unrated property, so the emphasis is on the practical facilities: self-catering kitchens, free parking and free Wi-Fi. It works well for couples and families who prefer to cook and explore at their own pace.

The stay is a simple, independent one. There is no on-site restaurant or pool listed, so the day revolves around the kitchen, the terrace and the nearby villages and coves. The hotel's location near El Pilar de la Mola puts the island's craft market and the La Mola lighthouse within easy reach, while the fishing harbour at Es Caló is the closest point for a swim.

Location: Formentera

Can Mariano Barber sits inland on the plateau of La Mola, near the village of El Pilar de la Mola. This is the quiet, wind-brushed end of Formentera, known for its artisan market and its views over the sea. The village has a Sunday and Wednesday market in season, and the surrounding countryside is open and flat, good for walking or cycling.

Es Caló de Sant Agustí, a tiny fishing harbour with boat houses, is 2.7 km straight line from the hotel. The La Mola lighthouse is 3 km away, and Platja de Migjorn, the long south-coast beach, is 7.1 km straight line. La Savina port, where the ferry from Ibiza arrives, is 13.7 km straight line, so a car or scooter is useful for most trips. In high summer the island roads can be busy, but the plateau itself stays calm. From November to April much of the island's tourism business closes, and the hotel's own opening dates should be checked.

Rooms and facilities

The rooms at Can Mariano Barber are listed with a kitchen, microwave, oven, toaster, refrigerator and washing machine, so self-catering is straightforward. Air conditioning, a safe, TV and free Wi-Fi are also listed. A cot and high chairs are available, which makes the hotel practical for families with young children. The terrace is a place to sit out in the evening, though the hotel is not on the coast.

Guests arriving late should confirm check-in arrangements with the property, as the hotel is in a rural area and there is no 24-hour reception mentioned. The listed facilities include an iron and board, a hairdryer and coffee-making equipment. Smoking is not allowed in the rooms. It is worth confirming whether the kitchen is fully equipped for your needs, as the facilities list is a guide rather than a promise.

Getting there

Formentera has no airport. Fly to Ibiza Airport (IBZ), about 7 km south-west of Ibiza Town, then take a bus or taxi to the port. Ferries from Ibiza Town to La Savina take about 30-35 minutes on fast services and about an hour on conventional ferries. Sailings are frequent in season and fewer in winter, so check the ferry operators for current timetables. From La Savina, Can Mariano Barber is 13.7 km straight line, a drive of about 20-25 minutes across the island.

Getting around Formentera is easiest by bike, scooter, bus or taxi. The Consell de Formentera caps visitor vehicles in high season, so check before bringing or hiring a car. The hotel has free car parking, which is useful if you do bring a vehicle. Signposted green routes (circuits verds) are good for cycling, and the flat terrain makes the island manageable on two wheels. Buses run between the main villages, but services are reduced in winter.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The nearest beach area is Es Caló de Sant Agustí, 2.7 km away, a small harbour with boat houses and calm water for a swim. The La Mola lighthouse, 3 km away, marks the eastern tip of the island and offers wide views. Platja de Migjorn, the long open beach on the south coast, is 7.1 km straight line, a short drive or a longer cycle. El Pilar de la Mola market is 0.5 km from the hotel, easy to reach on foot.

Formentera's food is simple: peix sec (dried fish), island salads and fresh fish. Es Caló has a few places to eat, though the hotel does not have a restaurant. Sant Francesc Xavier, the capital, is a short drive away and has shops and a fortified church. The Ses Salines Natural Park in the north, with its lagoons and the Ses Illetes sand spit, is about 15 km from the hotel by road, best visited early in the day before the day boats arrive.

A day from Can Mariano Barber

Start the morning at El Pilar de la Mola market, 0.5 km from the hotel, if it is a market day. Browse the craft stalls, then walk back for breakfast on the terrace. Later, take the short drive or cycle to Es Caló de Sant Agustí, 2.7 km away, to see the boat houses and swim in the calm water. The harbour is small, so it is quieter than the bigger beaches.

In the afternoon, head to Platja de Migjorn, 7.1 km straight line, for a longer stretch of sand and a swim. The beach is open and backed by dunes. As the light fades, drive to the La Mola lighthouse, 3 km from the hotel, to watch the sun set over the sea. Return to the hotel for an evening meal cooked in the kitchen, or drive to Es Caló for fresh fish if you prefer not to cook.

Practical tips

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

Questions about Can Mariano Barber