If you want to enjoy the most agricultural and traditional Formentera and visit the island in a totally alternative way, the windmills are a safe bet. Throughout the 16th century, these buildings began to be built all over Spain and, in fact, a total of 7 flour mills were built on the island.
Today there are only six, five of which are still standing and can be visited during your stay. These classic mills, whitewashed and with huge wooden blades, from the eighteenth century and until the end of the last century, are an icon of the most traditional Formentera and a very visual reminder that the past in Formentera was different from the island it is today.
Molí d’en Botigues
The Molí d’en Botigues is the last mill that came into operation on the island, specifically in 1893.
It was in operation until 1950, when its antennas were dismantled and it was completely abandoned.
Currently, the restoration of the mill is being processed to prevent it from disappearing completely and thus recover a most emblematic piece. It is located in the area of La Mola, near the most famous mill of Formentera (the Molí Vell de la Mola) that you can also find in this list.
Ses Roques Mill
Located on the Ses Roques road, on the outskirts of the village of Sant Ferran, the Molí de Ses Roques is characterized for having been one of the most important points of the island where a large number of farmers used to go to grind grain.
The mill is now dismantled and has been adapted as a habitable building, so it is on private property.
The first documentation of it refers to the year 1797, making it one of the oldest mills in Formentera.
El Molí de Ses Roques is located really close to the road to Cala en Baster, one of the most beautiful north-facing roads of the island.
Molí d’en Teuet
In Sant Ferran is another of the six mills of Formentera, the Molí d’en Teuet.
Its construction dates back to 1751 and it was one of the first (if not the first) mill to come into operation on the island.
Although the mill is located inside a private property, you can visit it from the street. In fact, Francisco Aís sold it to Bartolomeu Mayans ‘Teuet’ and, since then, it has belonged to this family.
The mill stopped working officially in 1964, but it is interesting to know that it is currently under restoration by its owner, in order to preserve and not lose a jewel that reminds us of the culture of Formentera.
Molí d’en Jeroni
On the outskirts of Sant Francesc, specifically in the highest rocky area of the hill of sa Miranda, is the Molí d’en Jeroni.
The mill dates from 1760 and, together with the Molino de Mateu, is part of the mills of sa Mirada.
Its 7-meter high tower, located 64 meters above sea level, gives this mill one of the best views of Migjorn, the area of La Savina, the islet of Es Vedrá, as well as the island of Ibiza.
Its interior cannot be visited because it belongs to a private property, but you can approach and see the building from the outside without any problem.
Molí d’en Mateu
Neighboring the previously mentioned Molí d’en Jeroni, the Molí d’en Mateu is the second of the two mills known as the Sa Miranda mills.
This mill is fully restored and adapted as a house, but it is currently on private property and cannot be visited inside.
However, if you go to visit the Molí d’en Jeroni you will pass in front of the Molí d’en Mateu and you can take the opportunity to take a look at it from the street.
La Mola Old Mill
The last but the most important and best known of the mills of Formentera, is the Molí Vell de La Mola.
Built in 1778, this is characterized for being one of the last mills that was in operation on the island, specifically until the sixties.
Nowadays and after the different restoration and conservation works, it is a BIC (Bien de Interés Cultural) of the island of Formentera.
The Molí Vell de la Mola is an emblematic historical and cultural space. In fact, you can still see the original machinery inside, which you can visit during your stay.
It is the only mill on the island that retains its original state and can be visited inside and is currently owned by the Balearic Islands Foundation and administered by the Consell de Formentera.
New flour mill to recover the agricultural sector in Formentera
There is no better way to understand the history and culture of the island than through its most emblematic elements, such as the windmills.
In fact, its importance is such for the agricultural sector of Formentera that, recently, the Cooperativa del Camp de Formentera has built a new and seventh mill, this one modern and that works with electricity, with the intention of recovering the agricultural sector and that the grain that is produced on the island can also be milled here. It is a flour mill whose objective is to offer quality flour with an ecological seal.
The mill also aims to promote the consumption of local agricultural products and improve the food supply chain.
You can read more about this new mill here: Radio Illa Formentera
Route of the windmills in Formentera
The mills of the island of Formentera are an architectural element that reminds us of the importance that wheat has had over the years for this area. Therefore, visiting them is an ideal way to understand a little more about the culture and history of the island.
Although the seventh mill, the Molí d’en Simón (which was in Cap de Barbaria, near where the current Faro de Barbaria is located) is no longer standing, the remaining six mills are still preserved and can be visited, albeit from the outside.
In fact, as we have already mentioned, the Molí Vell de la Mola is the only one whose entrance inside is allowed to tourists and, moreover, the best preserved thanks to its restoration work. However, you will only be able to access it during the summer months, in a very restricted schedule.
What is most striking about these architectural elements is their shape, which is most characteristic, as it is a simple cylinder that is divided into three floors:
- In the upper one, we find all the gears
- The central plant is where the flour was obtained.
- Finally, we find the storage room on the lower floor
If you want to visit the different mills that are still standing in Formentera, the best thing you can do is what is known as the Route of the Mills.
Rent a car or a motorcycle and tour the island from end to end, making stops along the way to discover, in addition to these emblematic places, other hidden secrets such as the beautiful coves and lighthouses of Formentera.
Why visit the Mills of Formentera?
Visiting the different mills of Formentera, either by doing the route of the mills or visiting some of them if you plan to go to the island more than once, is one of the most authentic and practical ways to get to know the island of Formentera first hand. Not only is it an ideal way to learn more about life on the island and its customs and culture, but it also allows you to get to know the surrounding picturesque villages and the surrounding nature.
Undoubtedly, these mills are one of the main attractions of the island, and the reason why many people decide to visit it. It is said that the best sunrises and sunsets can be seen from them, an experience that, without a doubt, is unforgettable.
