Es Caló de Sant Agustí

Everything you need to know about Es Caló

The fishing village of Es Caló is one of the gems of Formentera, and any visit to the island should include exploring this idyllic place. You won’t regret it.

All the activity of the inhabitants of Es Caló and its visitors revolves around the pier that protects the boats in the small bay where they seek shelter from the northern winds under the traditional boat sheds, declared a Cultural Heritage by the Formentera Island Council.

Despite its small size, you can choose from several of the best restaurants serving traditional cuisine on the island, in addition to the bar with a terrace that offers one of the most spectacular views of the sea in Formentera.

Keep in mind…

If you visit Es Caló de Sant Agustí during the summer months, you’ll find a fishing village with a wide range of bars and restaurants where you can eat or have a drink. However, if your visit is between November and April, don’t expect to find any businesses open, except for the village pharmacy, which remains open during those months outside of the tourist season.

How to get to Es Caló

Getting to Es Caló from the port of La Savina is straightforward as the main road (PM-820) connects the two towns, which are approximately 11 kilometers apart in a straight line.

You’ll need to drive along the main road (PM-820) heading south, leaving behind the town of Sant Francesc, and continue until you reach Sant Ferran, crossing the village through the main street without deviating for about 6 kilometers.

From that point on, you’ll encounter the first traffic signs welcoming you to the fishing village of Es Caló de Sant Agustí, located on the left side of the road, with a view of the houses and the blue sea of Formentera.

Bus Line 2 provides a connection between La Savina, Sant Francesc, and Sant Ferran until it reaches Es Caló and continues towards La Mola. For accurate information regarding the frequency and schedules of the bus line, we recommend visiting the official website of Busformentera.com as they may vary depending on the time of year.

Parking at Es Caló

The village of Es Caló has two designated areas for car and motorcycle parking, and it also features two electric vehicle charging stations in the main parking lot, which you’ll find at the main entrance to the village.

Unlike the town of La Mola, Es Caló de Sant Agustí does not have regulated parking with the Blue Zone system; therefore, parking is free. The second parking area is not paved but covered with dirt and lacks marked parking spaces. Hence, it’s essential to use common sense and facilitate parking for other users.

However, it’s important to consider that the parking areas have limited capacity, and during certain moments of the tourist season, finding parking in Es Caló can be challenging.

In the event of such circumstances, you should not park your car or motorcycle in any non-designated areas, especially if it hinders the circulation of other vehicles on the main road or blocks access to residents’ homes.

Yes, fines by the Local Police for motorcycles and cars parked in unauthorized areas around Es Caló are frequent. Parking enforcement is essential to ensure the proper flow of traffic and to maintain safety and accessibility for both residents and visitors. Therefore, it’s crucial to abide by the parking regulations and avoid parking in areas where it is not permitted to prevent receiving fines or inconveniencing others.

Staying in Es Caló

Es Caló offers a variety of accommodation options, including apartments, hostels, vacation homes, and a hotel, all conveniently located within close proximity to the village. You can choose from different styles and categories of establishments depending on your preferences and needs, but rest assured that you’ll always be staying in a privileged environment due to the proximity to the port of Es Caló and the surrounding beaches.

We always recommend making reservations through the official websites of each establishment, avoiding large international rental portals. By doing so, you can secure better prices and have direct communication with the property owners. For example, at Apartamentos Es Caló, you can even get a discount by booking through their official website using the promo code LIFE.

From Formentera Lifestyle, we encourage you to choose accommodations that hold a valid tourist license, which authorizes them to offer tourist rentals. Always make sure that this license is displayed on any website promoting their services.

With plenty of options to choose from, you’ll have no shortage of places to stay if you decide to visit Es Caló.

Eating in Es Caló

Eating in Es Caló de Sant Agustí will never be a problem, as it boasts three of the best restaurants on the island. All of them are run by locals from Formentera, with a well-established family tradition and experience in preparing the finest dishes of the island’s traditional cuisine.

You can indulge in fresh fish, rice dishes, and seafood in all the variations that the rich culinary tradition of the island offers, representing what the sea has always provided to its inhabitants.

For a more laid-back dining experience, you can enjoy the terrace at Bar Can Rafalet, famous for its “Pa amb coses” (bread with toppings). They offer a selection of small sandwiches to satisfy your hunger, accompanied by a refreshing cold beer and breathtaking views of the Es Caló pier and the mesmerizing blue sea that captivates everyone who visits Formentera.

Es Caló also has two supermarkets where you can buy sandwiches, cold cuts, beverages, and freshly cut fruits to take to the beach if that’s your preference. This makes it convenient for visitors to grab some snacks and refreshments before heading to the beautiful beaches in the area. Whether you want to enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants or have a picnic on the beach, Es Caló offers options to cater to different dining preferences.

Peix Sec in Es Caló

The dish that most distinguishes Formentera’s traditional cuisine from that of any other place is undoubtedly the “Ensalada Pagesa”, where the main ingredients are seasonal tomatoes and “Peix Sec” (dried fish), along with other ingredients at the cook’s discretion.

“Peix Sec” is a culinary product made from cartilaginous fish. After cutting the fish into strips about 30 centimeters long, it is generously covered with salt and left to dry in the sun for approximately 3 days. This process removes most of the water content, resulting in the dried fish.

The preparation continues with several more steps before it can be served on the plate. However, it’s common to see strips of this delicious delicacy drying in the sun on the rooftops of some fishermen’s huts in Es Caló, accompanied by the beautiful turquoise sea that characterizes this traditional fishing village in Formentera. The “Ensalada Pagesa” with “Peix Sec” is a true representation of the island’s unique culinary heritage.

History of Es Caló de Sant Agustí

During the 11th century, Augustinian monks founded a monastery in La Mola, and it was they who took advantage of the natural protection offered by Es Caló to the boats, thanks to the shape of this part of the coast of Formentera.

These monks were the first to use and construct facilities to facilitate the arrival of goods from Ibiza, and they sanctified the place in honor of the saint of their congregation, Saint Augustine. That’s why Es Caló, despite not having a church, is linked to the Augustinian congregation, and hence its name, Es Caló de Sant Agustí.

Before tourism arrived in Formentera and brought significant changes to almost all the island’s inhabitants, Es Caló was exclusively a fishing village. The residents from nearby areas and La Mola gradually built the few existing houses around the boats and the sheds that protected them.

For many years, Es Caló de Sant Agustí served as one of the arrival ports from Ibiza for boats dedicated to transporting essential goods for the challenging economic situation of its inhabitants at that time. Among the older residents of the village, the “Llaut de Es Caló” is still fondly remembered. This traditional boat, powered by sails, transported people and provisions between Es Caló and the port of Ibiza. It played a crucial role in connecting the village to the mainland and ensuring the supply of necessary goods for the local community.
The memories of this historical maritime transport continue to be cherished and passed down through generations, reflecting the rich maritime heritage of Es Caló de Sant Agustí.

As a testament to those times, the large wooden winch is still preserved and can be found between the boat sheds and the parking area. This winch was used to hoist and lower the large fishing and transport boat, which, unfortunately, is no longer preserved. Now, only memories, plans, and some mentions, like on our website, remain of that significant vessel.

With the advent of tourism, the fishing character of Es Caló gradually transformed into a village where both facets of the island, fishing heritage, and tourism, coexist harmoniously among residents and visitors.

The residents’ connection to the sea is profound, especially during the non-touristic months, and it is common to see boats returning after a day of fishing. The squid fishing season, in the heart of winter, brings the residents of the area together, and Es Caló becomes a meeting point for the locals. This strong bond with the sea continues to be an integral part of the village’s identity, making Es Caló a unique and captivating destination for both locals and visitors alike.

Patron Saint Festivities in Es Caló

During the celebration of the feast day of San Agustín on August 28th, the residents of Es Caló commemorate their patron saint in an informal and unpretentious manner. This beautiful fishing village in Formentera comes alive during this festivity.

One of the unique aspects of this celebration is that, as it is not an official public holiday, the locals decided to always hold the festival on the last Sunday of August. So, if you happen to be in Formentera around that time, make sure not to miss visiting Es Caló and immersing yourself in the most authentic celebratory atmosphere, just a few steps away from the sea, on the pier, and next to the fishermen’s huts. It’s a great opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions in a picturesque setting.

Indeed, the celebrations are organized in the late afternoon to avoid the hottest hours of the day. The festivities typically include an outdoor mass, a demonstration of “baile payés” (traditional Ibicenco dance), a tasting of typical Formentera sweets, and a small, intimate musical performance to conclude the day of celebration.
This setup allows both locals and visitors to enjoy the festivities in a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere, surrounded by the picturesque setting of Es Caló and the tranquil beauty of Formentera. It’s a lovely way to experience the authentic culture and traditions of the island in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.

Casetas Varadero in Es Caló

The boat sheds, known as “casetas varadero,” found in Es Caló de Sant Agustí, along with the total of 360 sheds scattered across the island, were recognized as elements of heritage interest in 2002 by the now-defunct Consell Insular de Ibiza y Formentera.

The significance of these constructions, made with natural resources and blending seamlessly into the characteristic landscape of the island, becomes even more profound when considering their historical importance. They were crucial for the local community during a time when fishing was a vital source of resources for family economies.

In Es Caló, you can enjoy a panoramic view of these boat sheds and explore among them if you wish, but always be respectful of the boats and all the fishing equipment you may encounter. These sheds are not only part of the island’s cultural heritage but also continue to be functional and significant to the local fishing activities. Appreciating them with sensitivity and understanding their historical context adds depth to the experience of visiting Es Caló.

As advice, be extremely careful when walking on the rocks that are bathed by the sea. They are very slippery, and a fall on the rocks can have painful consequences.
It is essential to take precautions and use appropriate footwear while walking near the water. Always be attentive to the terrain to avoid accidents.

Raor fishing

Undoubtedly, one of the summer events that is experienced throughout the island of Formentera, but particularly visible in Es Caló, is the opening of the fishing season for “raor” on September 1st.

The “raor” is a fish with delicate white flesh that thrives in the sandy bottoms, finding an ideal habitat in the waters near Es Caló. It’s rare to find any of the boats that have a port in the boat sheds of Es Caló staying ashore on that day, unless weather conditions prevent them from going out. Families, from early morning until noon, head out to fish and later enjoy a delicious meal of fresh fish, preserving one more of the traditions that define Formentera and its residents.

If you happen to be in Es Caló on that day, make sure to visit to witness the catches and experience the fishing spirit of this beautiful village in Formentera up close. It’s a unique opportunity to be a part of the local culture and embrace the island’s fishing heritage.

Services

In Es Caló de Sant Agustí, you will find basic services and those related to the tourism sector. As mentioned earlier, all commercial activities are focused on the summer months, and at the end of the tourist season, all the businesses in Es Caló close until the next year.

You can come across several shops selling souvenirs and clothing, three restaurants, two supermarkets, various hostels, and apartment groups. Additionally, there is one of the four pharmacies on the entire island of Formentera.

This last establishment is the only one that maintains opening hours during the months not linked to the summer season. It’s just one of the many contrasts between summer and winter experiences that can be observed in Es Caló and much of Formentera. The town undergoes a significant transformation as it transitions between the busy tourist season and the quieter winter months.

Nearby beaches

The nearest beach to the village is Ses Platgetes, which many mistakenly refer to as “Playa de Es Caló.” Similarly, if you head towards the cliffs of La Mola from the village, you’ll come across the rocky area known as Es Pou des Verro, ideal for snorkeling and swimming in a location more secluded from the usual beach routes.

In just a little over 5 minutes by car or motorbike, you can access various sections of Migjorn on the opposite side of the island. Beaches like Es Arenals, La Fragata, and Es Copinar are all located within less than 2 kilometers from Es Caló, making it easy and quick to reach different beaches from this beautiful fishing village.
The proximity to a variety of beaches enhances the charm and appeal of Es Caló as a base to explore the diverse coastline of Formentera.