Camí de Sa Pujada

Everything you need to know about Camí de Sa Pujada 

Camí de Sa Pujada, also known as the Roman Road in Formentera, is a cobbled trail dating back to the 13th century. This historic path served as the primary access route to La Mola from Es Caló and other villages in Formentera. With a total distance of 1.5 kilometers round trip, it’s a relatively easy route, but it’s advisable to avoid it during excessively hot hours.

Camí de Sa Pujada has been classified as a cultural heritage site due to its significance in the island’s history. Furthermore, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Formentera, making it an ideal spot to appreciate the island’s natural beauty while getting some exercise and discovering a part of its historical heritage.

Keep in mind… 

Despite not being an especially strenuous route, it’s advisable to wear suitable footwear for walking on the cobbled ground, which can often be slippery due to moisture and dew. Bring water for proper hydration, and dress in cool, lightweight clothing that allows you to enjoy the ascent of Camí de Sa Pujada. It’s crucial to avoid undertaking the journey during the midday hours when the heat is most intense.

How to get to Camí de Sa Pujada 

Like any non-circular trail, you have two starting points for the route. We recommend starting the ascent from the lower part of Camí de Sa Pujada.

To do this, you’ll need to take the main PM820 road until you pass through the village of Es Caló de Sant Agustí. At kilometer 11.3, you’ll find a road on the left, next to the hotel there, which you should take and continue straight to the very end.

As a reference point, you’ll notice that halfway along this dirt road, you’ll pass in front of the Pinomar Apartments, an ideal place to stay in Formentera if you’re seeking rest and tranquility in a Mediterranean forest setting.

Just a few meters further, you’ll reach the end of the road and a sign indicating the start of Camí de Sa Pujada. From this point, your hike begins.

Parking at Camí de Sa Pujada 

The parking area for cars and motorcycles at this access point to the trail is not delimited or marked as such; it’s simply the wooded area you’ll find at the end of the road. Since it’s not particularly large, you should adapt to the spaces available, always avoiding obstructing the access of other vehicles, both those belonging to local residents and visitors.

At the very end of Camí de Sa Pujada, in the upper part of the trail, there is a larger and more comfortable parking space. This area is paved and located before the entrance to the residential area. However, it’s worth noting that the influx of people is rarely excessive, and parking at both ends of the trail is usually not a problem.

For these reasons, our recommendation is to start the route from the lower part of Camí de Sa Pujada, also known as the Roman Road, and make the descent during the second part of the hike.

History of Camí de Sa Pujada 

In the historical memory of the island of Formentera, Camí de Sa Pujada emerges as an engineering gem and a silent witness to bygone times. This cobbled trail, whose foundations were carved by the Augustinian Monks in the distant 13th century, played a fundamental role in the island’s daily life and its evolution over the centuries.

For over seven centuries, Camí de Sa Pujada served as the connectivity backbone of Formentera. It was much more than a mere pathway; it was the sole access route to La Mola, a sheltered and mysterious peninsula that rises majestically at the eastern end of the island. This intrepid and resilient trail was the lifeline that linked the scattered settlements of the island, enabling the flow of goods, culture, and traditions.

However, the course of history was destined to change. In the fateful year of 1920, a new chapter was written in Formentera’s narrative. The construction of the modern road marked the end of the golden era of Camí de Sa Pujada as the sole access route to La Mola. While the modern road offered conveniences and speeds that the old trail couldn’t match, the historical footprint of Camí remained present.

The cobblestone that now adorns Camí de Sa Pujada is a living testament to the evolution of this pathway. Its meticulously placed cobblestones, dating back to the year 1800, tell stories of journeys, effort, and adaptation. They not only withstood the test of time but also strategically expanded to accommodate transport carts, smoothing the way to the village of El Pilar in La Mola and further strengthening the bonds between the island’s communities.

Today, Camí de Sa Pujada stands as a historical monument that evokes the greatness and tenacity of those who built it. It is a tangible reminder of its past importance as Formentera’s vital artery, an essential connection that wove the social and economic fabric of the island. As we tread upon its time-worn cobblestones, we can feel the resonance of history lying beneath our feet and appreciate its enduring influence on the island of Formentera.

Historical and Cultural Heritage 

As one delves into Camí de Sa Pujada, a profound sense of history saturates the atmosphere. The historical elements that populate this trail add additional layers of mystery and authenticity to this journey through time.

The discreetly carved Christian crosses in the stone, marking a symbol of faith, are silent witnesses to the devotion of those who once traveled here. These subtle inscriptions, almost hidden to the naked eye, evoke a sense of spirituality that has endured through the centuries.

Along the path, you’ll encounter small caves on the side, like curious eyes observing the passage of travelers.

These rock hollows suggest the possibility that they may have served as temporary shelters in ancient times. The stories that these caves could tell, hidden in the shadow of history, awaken imagination and intrigue.

You’ll also come across several stone benches that provide a welcome rest. Skillfully carved into the stone lining Camí de Sa Pujada, these benches offer a place to contemplate the surrounding landscape, perhaps engage in a quiet conversation, or simply rejuvenate before continuing your journey.

We also come across an ancient sandstone quarry known in Formentera as the “Pedra de Marés.” This stone quarry, with clear traces of extraction, is a tangible testament to the skill of past generations in harnessing the island’s natural resources. The Pedra de Marés, used in the construction of houses, has left its mark on Formentera’s architecture and, consequently, its history.

As we walk along the very Camí de Sa Pujada, these historical elements invite us to immerse ourselves in the island’s past, to connect with the lives and stories of those who walked before us. They are vivid reminders that, as time progresses, Formentera’s heritage and culture remain rooted in its stones and landscape, waiting to be discovered and appreciated by future generations of residents and tourists alike.

Es Racó de Sa Pujada 

As we progress along Camí de Sa Pujada, a surprise awaits us halfway through the journey, like a gift from nature unveiled before our eyes: the sight of a tiny cove known as “Es Racó de Sa Pujada.” This hidden corner, like a well-kept secret, unfolds before us, offering a view that seems straight out of a dream.

The waters that bathe this cove are a spectacle of indescribable beauty, with turquoise hues contrasting against the purity of the white sand. It’s a place where the sea meets the land in perfect harmony, as if nature had carefully mixed colors and textures to create this masterpiece. Surrounded by the green pine trees that bravely descend to the sea, the cove is embraced by the cliffs of La Mola.

However, here comes a crucial warning: despite the temptation that this natural wonder may evoke, Es Racó de Sa Pujada is inaccessible from the land. The whimsical nature of the cliffs makes any attempt to reach the cove from this point extremely dangerous and strongly discouraged. So, to all those adventurers embarking on this historical path, you are urged to enjoy the view from a distance and appreciate the beauty of Es Racó de Sa Pujada with responsibility and caution.

Views from Camí de Sa Pujada 

As we ascend Camí de Sa Pujada, the promise of natural wonders and spectacular views remains steadfast. But the best is yet to come, and when we reach the highest point of this historic trail, an ultimate gift awaits us: a natural balcony from which the entire majesty of Formentera unfolds before us.

From this privileged viewpoint, the island reveals its splendor in all its dimensions. At our feet, the Tramontana coastline stretches out, with its dreamy blue waters caressing the golden sands of the beaches. Each wave that kisses the shore seems like an invitation to immerse oneself in this aquatic paradise.

Furthermore, the Migjorn coast presents itself in all its splendor, with its pristine beaches and crystalline sea that stretches out into the horizon. The shades of blue that intermingle here are like a surrealistic canvas, painted by the hand of nature itself.

But the views are not limited to just Formentera; on the horizon, the silhouettes of Ibiza and the islets of Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell rise. These iconic landmarks of the Balearic Islands appear as mythical guardians, watching over the horizon and adding a touch of mystery to this panoramic view.

Moreover, the Consell de Formentera has had the foresight to provide visitors with the opportunity to capture this memorable moment. They have installed a strategic support that allows for selfies and photographs under ideal conditions, with a perfect frame that captures the landscape of Formentera.