• Català
  • Castellano
  • English

In bid to limit crowding at beach, Formentera restricts access to Ses Illetes

foto 2020 illetes tancadaAt approximately 12.30pm today the Formentera Departments of Mobility and Interior ordered the closure of access to Ses Illetes beach in Ses Salines natural reserve. Implemented just as numbers of beachgoers peaked, the measure aimed to prevent overcrowding and facilitate compliance with safety measures related to covid-19.

Public transport, taxis, pedestrians and cyclists were blocked from entering the park as well. “In terms of the summer tourist season, this is our apex”, said interior chief Josep Marí, who told islanders to expect similar measures tomorrow (Friday) and at the weekend.

Marí explained that when the number of beachgoers reaches a given red line, Ibifor, which manages car parks at Ses Salines, has been advised to contact the Formentera Local Police, who will then close access to Ses Illetes to private vehicles, public transport, pedestrians and cyclists.

Staff began a controlled reopening of the beach shortly after 3.00pm today, when crowds had thinned out significantly and left sufficient space for safe physical distancing.

As crowds surge again this summer, the local Guardia Civil and the force’s traffic unit will assist Formentera Local Police assuring public safety. Assuming access isn’t restricted wholesale, daily bus trips to the area will go from seven to four.

13 August 2020
Department of Communications
Consell de Formentera