Latest news with #Formentera
Daily Mail
13-07-2025
- Daily Mail
The idyllic Spanish island that's just like the Maldives but much cheaper... and closer
A small Balearic island - with a very famous big sister - does a good impression of the Maldives, say those who love it, only without the ten-hour schlep to get there. Ibiza's tiny little sibling, Formentera, offers those in the know the same balmy weather, swaying palms and transparent blue waters as the Indian Ocean honeymoon paradise. The island is just 12 miles long and a mile-and-a-half wide at its narrowest point and there's little to do apart from eat, drink and enjoy the soft sand beaches. And when it comes to dining, prices are significantly cheaper than the more bougie Maldivian restaurants, where tourists pay a premium for import costs on much of the food and drink served up. A meal in a simple restaurant is likely to cost you around £12, compared to the more gourmet offerings plated up in Maldivian resorts. Lonely Planet describes the European island, beloved of Kate Moss in the 90s, as a 'beautifully pure, get-away-from-it-all-escape'. The travel guide adds: 'Formentera's pace of life is blissfully languid, designed for lazy days spent lounging on some of Europe's (dare we say the world's) most exquisite beaches.' Holidaymakers won't find Ibiza's clubbing atmosphere here but they will find a peaceful escape. The crystalline beaches of Formentera, a 30 minute ferry ride from Ibiza, come with water so blue it could easily fool people into thinking it might be a Maldivian proposition Which beaches on the island can rival the Maldives for alabaster sands and clear waters? There's plenty. Playa de Ses Illetes is Formentera's best known beach and it's even picked up a Travellers' Choice Best of the Best award. The coastal spot is located within the Ses Salines National Park and has white sand with bright turquoise water. Tourist 'Niky B' writes on Tripadvisor: 'Superb beach worthy of the Caribbean! Take a nice picnic with you and you will not regret.' Another person added: 'It's the beach. Listed as one of the best in the world, its crystal clear waters, fine and surroundings make it undoubtedly worthy of five stars.' Platja de Migjorn is also considered one of the island's prettiest beaches. The longest beach on the island it stretches across 5km. Traveller 'Cathy C' writes on Tripadvisor: 'The sea here is clean and beautiful. Some areas are rocky but there are plenty of sandy areas with easy access to the sea.' And when it comes to another popular pursuit in the Maldives, diving, you'll find plenty of it on the Balearic isle. Scuba divers can explore the Don Pedro, one of the world's most famous shipwrecks. The cargo ship is over 140m long and can be visited on dives. Tourists will need to fly to Ibiza to get to Formentera with direct flights available on British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2. They can then catch a ferry from Ibiza. Ferries tend to run frequently and take around 30 minutes. In July and August, the temperature averages 26 degrees on the island with minimal sunshine and sun for around 11 hours a day. The average temperature is usually above 20 degrees in May, June, September and October as well.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Experts issue warning as invasive snakes torment island creatures: 'They advance as if they were on the front of a battle zone'
Invasive snakes are spreading throughout Ibiza, Formentera, and the surrounding islets, according to El País. Several species of native creatures have already gone locally extinct. In 2003, snakes were found on a shipment of ornamental trees bound for Ibiza. Now, over 20 years later, they're wreaking havoc. "They advance as if they were on the front of a battle zone," Oriol Lapiedra, a researcher studying the snakes, told El País. "You have to imagine the snakes as if they were an actual wave, devouring what they find." Last year, over 3,000 snakes were found, increasing a thousandfold from 2023. The snakes have even managed to swim to the islets outside Ibiza, ensuring that nowhere is safe for their native prey. Experts informed El País that field mice, shrews, and geckos have become locally extinct as a direct result of their spread. And another animal might be next in line for the chopping block. The Ibiza wall lizard is a crucial pollinator for its ecosystem. Because of the snakes, a majority of the island is now uninhabitable for the species. As the former head of the food chain, it hasn't adapted to having a predator. Their spread is indicative of a larger pattern worldwide. A 2023 United Nations report found that human activity has introduced over 37,000 invasive species into non-native environments, costing the global economy over $423 billion. Zebra mussels, for instance, have invaded the Colorado River, threatening local marine life and water supplies. And the ash borer beetle has colonized most of the United States, leaving millions of dead trees in its wake. Specifically, these snakes' invasion of Ibiza has disrupted its delicate ecosystem. Lapiedra told El País that they pose an even greater threat to the islets, where the ecosystems are smaller. It's a conservation nightmare. Instead of focusing on eradication — the snakes are too widespread for that option to be viable — scientists are trying to find ways for the snakes and the Ibiza wall lizards to coexist peacefully. According to El País, Spain's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Natural Environment and the Barcelona Zoo are launching a breeding program for the lizard species. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. It could keep the species alive while researchers work to create safe havens for the existing lizards. If the population remains stable, Ibiza wall lizards may be able to develop defense mechanisms against the snakes, restoring some balance. To fight this battle at home and help your local ecosystem thrive, consider rewilding your yard with native plant species. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Daily Mail
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Viktor Gyokeres 'dumps Portuguese actress girlfriend because he wants NOTHING tying him to Lisbon' as Man United and Arsenal target pushes for summer exit
Arsenal and Man United target Viktor Gyokeres has reportedly split with his Portuguese girlfriend Ines Aguiar as he pushes to leave Sporting Lisbon this summer. Portuguese outlet TV Guia reported that couple ended their relationship before Gyokeres left for his summer holiday in Greece. Speculation had reportedly grown over a potential separation after Aguiar had not joined Gyokeres at the wedding of his Sporting team-mate Morten Hjulmand and Emilie Sofie Nissen, who she is said to be close to. The actress then when on holiday to the Spanish island Formentera, while Gyokeres instead went to Mykonos in Greece. TV Guia reported that Gyokeres had informed Aguiar of his decision to end their relationship before going on holiday. Citing a source close to the Swedish striker, the outlet reported that Gyokeres had decided to he 'doesn't want anything to tie him to Portugal, especially because he has already decided that he won't continue at Sporting next season.' The Sweden international reportedly split with Aguiar before going on holiday to Mykonos Gyokeres reportedly explained his position to Aguiar, who was said to have been prepared but disappointed, with the 26-year-old said to have liked the star a lot. Neither Gyokeres or Aguiar have commented publicly on their alleged split, while the duo still follow each other on social media. The reported split comes amid a bitter transfer saga involving Gyokeres and Sporting Lisbon this summer. The striker has been heavily linked with a move away from the Portuguese club, who have been attempting to increase the potential fee for a transfer. Reports have claimed Gyokeres will refuse to return to Sporting, with the forward said to be unhappy with comments made by Sporting president Frederico Varandas. Although he will be given an extra week off before he is expected to return to pre-season training, it is now anticipated that Gyokeres will stay away from the club. The Sweden international has been angered that the Portuguese champions will not honour the agreement that was in place to let him leave for less than his release clause. Varandas said: 'Sporting is calm regarding this matter. Secondly, Sporting does not need to sell Viktor Gyokeres. Fortunately, we have moved past the phase of selling our main asset. A video posted on social media last month saw Aguiar promise fans she was attempt to persuade him to stay at Sporting Reports have indicated that Gyokeres will refuse to return to Sporting for pre-season training 'However, we remain sensitive to Viktor's dreams or those of any other athlete. Sporting has made a commitment that, after weeks of meetings, we will not demand the full amount of the clause; we will be reasonable regarding the amount requested for Viktor.' Although Varandas acknowledged that Gyokeres is likely to depart, he stated that the fee will be much higher than the potential price of £60million plus £10million in add-ons. He also claimed that Gyokeres is worth more than Matheus Cunha, who joined Manchester United from Wolves for £62.5million. 'Given the demands we consider fair, I believe Viktor could leave – unless he has the worst agent in the world, which is hard for me to believe, because he is one of the best footballers in the world.' Gyokeres, whose current contract at Sporting runs until 2028, scored 54 goals in 52 club games last season. The prolific forward has been heavily linked with both Arsenal and Man United as the Premier League giants strive to strengthen their attacking options during the summer transfer window. Gyokeres previously worked with United boss Ruben Amorim at Sporting, where his goals drove the club to the domestic title. Gyokeres has previous experience of working with Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim A move to Arsenal could potentially tempt the striker, while the Gunners have also been linked with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. Last month, footage appeared on social media of Aguiar promising Sporting fans she would attempt to try to convince Gyokeres to stay for a third season at the club. Gyokeres reportedly began dating the television actress in early 2024, with Aguiar appearing to confirm rumours by sharing a video of him scoring for Sporting on social media.
Daily Mail
27-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Moment woman waves down passing boat after 5 days adrift at sea in Spain
A missing British woman was rescued by a passing ship after nearly five days adrift at sea. Police and coastguards started hunting for Mary Gavin, 39, last Wednesday evening around 36 hours after she vanished on a rented boat she had hired a day earlier on the paradise island of Formentera. She was rescued alive late Saturday afternoon after a ferry covering the route from the Majorcan capital Palma to the mainland east coast city of Valencia spotted her and raised the alarm. A passenger aboard the boat that discovered the woman recalled the dramatic moment they neared her as she called out for help, saying: 'She was dehydrated and sunburnt and had mouth sores. The waves complicated the rescue.' Alejandro Rosera told Majorcan media outlet Cronica Balear: 'When we were about to pass by Formentera, we were told there was an emergency and we had to turn back. 'Later on we saw a woman on board a small boat. She had a life jacket on and another in her hand making gestures. 'It took about 40 minutes to get her onto our ship. The movement of the waves made the rescue more difficult. 'She had mouth sores and you could tell she was dehydrated so she was given water and a Coca Cola. 'Once we got to Valencia a large number of police and health professionals were waiting for her and assisted her immediately.' News of the 5pm rescue on Saturday emerged on Sunday morning when police confirmed she had been taken to hospital in Valencia. The vessel she had lost her way in, a cream-coloured Quicksilver 475 Axess with a Mercury outboard motor which she had hired from a rental firm at Formentera's La Savina Port last Tuesday morning, was towed to Ibiza by coastguards. Police divers had been incorporated into the search for her last Thursday after Civil Guard and Spanish coastguards helicopters and boats were mobilized. Speaking on Sunday morning a Civil Guard spokesman said: 'The British woman who vanished after renting a boat in Formentera on Tuesday morning has been found alive.' The police force had said on Friday in its first official comments about the disappearance: 'The missing woman is a 39-year-old British national who hired the boat in the port of La Savina in Formentera on Tuesday morning. 'She was supposed to return it around 6pm on Wednesday and when she didn't her friends became worried and raised the alarm. 'From the time she was reported missing on Wednesday evening a search operation was launched which continued throughout the day yesterday. She hasn't been found yet nor has the boat she was on. 'The Civil Guard's Judicial Police unit has been investigating this woman's disappearance but two vessels belonging to our Maritime Unit were mobilized yesterday along with one from the specialist sub-aquatic GEAS unit. 'The officers from the Maritime Unit conduct the searches from speedboats and the GEAS are essentially diving specialists.' A police source said last week the missing woman had been living on one of the Balearic islands for around two months, although it was not immediately clear if the island is Ibiza or Formentera. No more details have been given out by local authorities about what they think went wrong and why the woman had ended up adrift and in difficulties.
BreakingNews.ie
26-06-2025
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Irish tourists to face summer of disruptive hotel strikes on Spanish islands
Irish holidaymakers will face a summer of disruptive hotel strikes in the Balearic Islands after talks to avert walkouts broke down on Thursday evening. Union chiefs decided to call six days of industrial action starting from July 10th. Advertisement Further strikes have been scheduled for July 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th, and the 31st. More than 180,000 workers employed in the hospitality sector in Majorca, Ibiza, and Formentera are expected to take action, affecting not just hotels but also restaurants and other nightspots. Confirmation attempts to resolve outstanding pay and condition issues between workers' representatives and employers had failed emerged last night. Union chiefs said they couldn't continue with talks given the fact they had lowered their wage increase demands to 16 per cent over three years but only 11 per cent was on the table. Advertisement Thursday's crunch negotiations had been suspended around midday for a lunchtime break - but ended around 6:30pm with the strike action announcement coming soon after. Balearic Islands hotel chiefs had increased a wage rise proposal that was already on the table to 9.5 per cent over three years at the start of the month, but were warned to expect a 'no' from worker representatives ahead of an earlier meeting on June 11th. UGT union spokesman Jose Garcia Relucio described the offer at the time as 'more crumbs' and claimed hotel bosses wanted their workers to survive on tips. He said after walking out of today's meeting: 'We'd come here to negotiate to improve the conditions of service industry workers, not to worsen them.' Advertisement Javier Fich, president of the Majorca Hotel Business Federation, admitted the outcome of today's talks represented 'failure' on the part of negotiators and claimed union representatives had been 'too focused' on the wage increase issue. The federation vice-president Maria Jose Agilo added: 'We regret and condemn the behaviour of the UGT union, which from the start has put on the table a strike threat which doesn't favour a good negotiating climate.' The bad news from the Balearic Islands followed close on the heels of a last-minute deal to avert the threat of hotel strike action in Tenerife and three of the other Canary Islands in the Atlantic archipelago. Union representatives and employers sealed the deal after reaching a wage rise increase agreement.
