MARNATON eDreams Formentera by Balearia

For centuries, the horizon of Formentera was a line of constant vigilance, watched by settlers who lived in fear of the Barbary corsairs. They built the Church of San Francisco Javier in 1726 not merely as a place of worship, but as a heavily fortified redoubt where the entire local population could retreat when the sails of pirate ships appeared on the Mediterranean. Today, that same coastline serves a different purpose, as swimmers take to the water to trace paths once surveyed by those very pirates from the stone watchtowers that still punctuate the cliffs.

Navigating the island's pulse

As you begin your swim, you are sharing the habitat of the Pityusic lizard, an endemic species found across the rocky fringes of the island. These reptiles, larger than their mainland cousins, sun themselves on the coastal stones, seemingly indifferent to the athletes passing by in the surf. Further out, especially near the formidable cliffs of Cap de Barbaria, the water depth and currents change, creating an environment favored by the Balearic shearwater. It is common to see these birds diving or patrolling the surface during your stroke. Those opting for the longer distances will find themselves moving between these raw, wild stretches and the calmer, protected waters of the Estany d'Es Peix lagoon, where the seabed shifts to a fine, soft sediment that contrasts sharply with the rugged perimeter of the island.

Race day and the rhythm of the sea

Organized by MARNATON, this event brings together swimmers for 2000m, 4000m, and 8000m challenges, with the next edition scheduled for May 2, 2026. The water here is clear, but the real experience lies in the cultural embrace of the sea; it is standard to encounter local swimmers enjoying the freedom of the water in areas like the pristine coves of Levante or the quiet corners of Caló d'Es Mort. The race logistics are designed to support this full-distance exploration of the island's perimeter, ensuring that participants remain safe while they navigate the same currents that defined the island's historical defensive strategy. Whether you are navigating the channel entrance at Sa Boca or pushing past the watchtowers, the swim is an intense, direct dialogue with the geography of the Pityuses.