Can Xicu Castello

About Can Xicu Castello

Can Xicu Castello suits travellers who want a base in the centre of Formentera, away from the coast. The hotel is in Sant Ferran de ses Roques, a crossroads village between the Estany des Peix lagoon and the south coast. It is not beachfront, but the straight-line distances to Platja de Migjorn (2.6 km) and Es Pujols (2.2 km) put the main beaches within a short ride. The property is not rated with stars and has no guest score listed; it is a straightforward hotel with a garden, outdoor pool and free car parking.

The stay is quiet and self-contained. The hotel has a terrace, a garden and a pool for cooling off after a day out. The listed facilities include a kitchen or kitchenette in the rooms, which suits guests who prefer to cook some meals. The village of Sant Ferran has a few shops and bars, but the island's main services are in Sant Francesc Xavier, 3.1 km away. This is a stay for those who want a car or scooter to explore the island and return to a calm spot in the evening.

Location: Sant Ferran de ses Roques

Sant Ferran de ses Roques is a small village on the main road across Formentera, roughly midway between La Savina and La Mola. It is 0.5 km from the hotel in a straight line, so the village is walkable. The hotel is set back from the road, with a garden and pool. The area is flat and open, with fields and low pine scrub. In high summer, the village is a quiet alternative to the coast; in the shoulder months of May, June, September and October, it is very peaceful.

The hotel is 5.4 km from La Savina port, where every ferry arrives. A car or scooter is useful for reaching the beaches and sights. Platja de Migjorn is 2.6 km away, Es Pujols is 2.2 km away, and Sant Francesc Xavier is 3.1 km away. The straight-line distances mean actual driving or cycling distances are slightly longer. The hotel has free car parking, and the island's green routes for cycling are signposted. In July and August, the Consell de Formentera caps visitor vehicles; check before bringing or hiring a car.

Rooms and facilities

The hotel lists rooms with air conditioning, a safe, a TV, a hairdryer and free WiFi. The kitchen or kitchenette includes a refrigerator, microwave, toaster, dishwasher, coffee maker and washing machine. This is useful for families or couples who want to prepare breakfast or simple meals. The rooms are non-smoking. The listed facilities do not specify the number or type of rooms, so confirm the layout when booking.

For late arrivals, the hotel lists room service, but it is best to check the check-in times with the property directly. The rooms have a terrace, and the outdoor pool and garden are shared. The hotel does not list a restaurant or bar on site, but the village has a few places to eat. The facilities are practical for a self-catering stay, with the option to eat out in Sant Ferran or Sant Francesc.

Getting there

Formentera has no airport. Fly to Ibiza Airport (IBZ), about 7 km south-west of Ibiza Town. From the airport, take a bus or taxi to Ibiza Town port. Ferries to La Savina run frequently in season and fewer in winter. Fast ferries take about 30-35 minutes; conventional ferries take about an hour. Check the operators for current timetables. La Savina is the port beside the Estany des Peix lagoon.

From La Savina, the hotel is 5.4 km straight line. A taxi is the quickest option. The hotel has free car parking, so a hire car collected at the port or on the island is practical. Getting around Formentera: bikes and the signposted green routes (circuits verds), scooters, buses and taxis. The Consell de Formentera caps visitor vehicles in high season; check before bringing or hiring a car. Buses run between La Savina, Sant Francesc and the main beaches, but services are less frequent in winter.

Beaches, sights and food nearby

The nearest beaches are Platja de Migjorn (2.6 km), a long open south-coast beach backed by dunes and juniper, and Es Pujols (2.2 km), the liveliest village on the island with a beach and evening bars. Cala Saona, the island's one real cove with red cliffs, is further west. The Ses Illetes sand spit in the Ses Salines Natural Park is best visited early before the day boats arrive. The lagoons Estany Pudent and Estany des Peix are good for birdwatching and kayaking.

Sant Francesc Xavier, 3.1 km away, has the fortified 18th-century church, a market and the island's shops. Ca na Costa, a megalithic tomb about 4,000 years old, is 3.5 km away near Es Pujols. The lagoons for birdwatching are 3.8 km away. Island food includes peix sec (dried fish), fresh fish and island salads. The village of Sant Ferran has a few places to eat and a small supermarket.

A day from Can Xicu Castello

Start the morning with breakfast at the hotel, using the kitchenette. Drive or cycle 2.6 km to Platja de Migjorn for a swim on the long south-coast beach. The water is clear, and the beach is less crowded than the north coast. Bring water and snacks, as there are few services along the beach. In the late morning, head 3.1 km to Sant Francesc Xavier to see the fortified church and the morning market.

For lunch, buy fresh fish or island salads from a shop in Sant Francesc and eat at the hotel's terrace or garden. In the afternoon, drive 3.5 km to Ca na Costa to see the megalithic tomb, then 3.8 km to the lagoons for birdwatching. Return to the hotel for a swim in the pool. In the evening, walk 0.5 km to Sant Ferran de ses Roques for a drink or dinner at a local bar. The flat terrain makes for an easy cycle ride home.

Practical tips

Much of Formentera's tourism business closes roughly from November to April. Check Can Xicu Castello's opening dates before booking. July and August are the peak months, with the busiest beaches and the highest demand for ferries. 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 Govern de les Illes Balears site for the current rate.

Questions about Can Xicu Castello