Can Marianet

About Can Marianet

Can Marianet suits travellers who want a quiet, self-contained base on Formentera, away from the busiest spots but close enough to reach them easily. The hotel is in the village of Sant Ferran de ses Roques, a crossroads between the lagoon and the south coast, so you can explore both sides of the island without long drives. It is an unrated hotel, so you will not find stars or a guest score here; instead, the appeal is practical: a kitchen, a pool, and a garden in a rural setting.

The hotel is for people who prefer to cook their own meals, sleep in a calm neighbourhood, and set off each day on a bike or scooter. The facilities list includes a dishwasher, oven, microwave, washing machine, and a cot, which makes it a workable choice for families with young children. Pets are allowed, so it also suits travellers who do not want to leave a dog behind. The address is Venda Des Pi Des Catala 2583, a rural road outside the village centre, so you will need some form of transport to reach shops and restaurants.

Location: Sant Ferran de ses Roques

Can Marianet sits in the countryside near Sant Ferran de ses Roques, a village that lies between the Estany Pudent lagoon and the south coast. The village is 1.2 km away in a straight line, which is a short bike ride or a 15-minute walk along quiet roads. Sant Francesc Xavier, the island's capital, is 2 km away, and Es Pujols, the liveliest resort, is 2.7 km away. La Savina port, where every ferry arrives, is 4.8 km from the hotel.

In high summer, the roads around Sant Ferran can get busy with day-trippers heading to the beaches, but the village itself stays relatively calm. In the shoulder months of May, June, September and October, the pace is slower, and you may have the pool to yourself. Because the hotel is not on the beach, you will need to travel to swim; the nearest named beach is Es Pujols, about 2.7 km away. A car or scooter makes the most of the island, though bikes work on the flat terrain if you stick to the green routes.

Rooms and facilities

The rooms at Can Marianet are listed with air conditioning, a fan, and free wifi, which covers the basics for a comfortable stay in summer. Each unit has a kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, oven, and dishwasher, plus a washing machine and an iron. That means you can shop at the market in Sant Francesc and cook at home, which is useful for longer stays or for families with young children. A cot and high chairs are listed, so the property is set up for babies and toddlers.

The hotel also lists a safe, a TV, and a hairdryer, so you can leave valuables and still have evening entertainment. Cleaning and laundry services are available, but you should confirm with the property what is included and how often. The rooms open onto a patio and terrace, and the garden has a swimming pool. Pets are allowed, but check the conditions when booking. None of the rooms are described as having a sea view, so expect rural views of the garden and the countryside.

Getting there

Formentera has no airport. You fly to Ibiza Airport (IBZ), which is about 7 km south-west of Ibiza Town. From the airport, take a taxi or bus to the port in Ibiza Town, then catch a ferry to La Savina. Fast ferries take about 30-35 minutes; conventional ferries take about an hour. Sailings are frequent in season and fewer in winter, so check the ferry operators for current timetables. Once you arrive at La Savina, Can Marianet is 4.8 km away in a straight line, which is a 10-minute drive or a longer bike ride.

Getting around Formentera is easiest by bike, scooter, or car. The island is flat, and the signposted green routes (circuits verds) are good for cycling. Buses run between the main villages and beaches in summer, and taxis are available, but they are not as frequent as on the mainland. The Consell de Formentera caps the number of visitor vehicles in high season, so check the rules before bringing or hiring a car. From the hotel, you can walk to Sant Ferran in about 15 minutes, but you will want wheels for the beaches and the lighthouse.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The nearest beach to Can Marianet is Es Pujols, 2.7 km away, a lively resort with a long sandy shore and evening bars. For a quieter swim, the lagoons of Estany Pudent and Estany des Peix are about 3.3 km away, where you can watch birds and paddle a kayak. The capital Sant Francesc Xavier, 2 km away, has a fortified 18th-century church, a market, and the island's shops. The Ca na Costa megalithic tomb, about 3.7 km away, is the oldest known monument on the Pitiusas, dating back some 4,000 years.

Formentera's food is simple and local: peix sec (dried fish), island salads, and fresh fish from the daily catch. You will find these in the restaurants of Sant Ferran, Es Pujols, and Sant Francesc, but the hotel does not have a restaurant, so you will eat out or cook. The Estany des Peix lagoon, beside La Savina, is a calm spot for a paddleboard, and the Ses Illetes sand spit, with its famously clear water, is best visited before the day boats arrive. The hotel's location puts all of these within a short ride.

A day from Can Marianet

Start the day at Can Marianet with breakfast on the terrace, then walk or cycle the 1.2 km to Sant Ferran de ses Roques. The village has a couple of shops and bars, but the main draw is its position. From there, take the road towards the lagoons, about 3.3 km away, and spend the morning watching birds at Estany Pudent. The flat terrain makes this an easy ride, and the green routes are signposted. In the afternoon, continue to Es Pujols, 2.7 km from the hotel, for a swim and a simple lunch of fresh fish.

After lunch, head inland to Sant Francesc Xavier, 2 km away, and visit the fortified church and the market. If you have energy, carry on to the Ca na Costa megalithic tomb, 3.7 km from the hotel, and stand by the ancient stones. As the sun drops, return to the hotel for a swim in the pool, then cook dinner in the kitchen or walk back to Sant Ferran for a meal. The day covers the island's two coasts and its history without a long drive, and you end where you started, in the calm of the countryside.

Practical tips

Much of Formentera's tourism business closes roughly from November to April, so check with Can Marianet about its opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, with the busiest beaches and the highest prices; the shoulder months of May, June, September and October offer warm sea temperatures and fewer crowds. The Balearic sustainable tourism tax (the ecotasa) is charged per person per night by the accommodation; the rate depends on the season and the type of room, is reduced for longer stays, and children under 16 are exempt. Check the current rate with the Govern de les Illes Balears.

Questions about Can Marianet