The waters and beaches around Formentera are unique and amazing to most new visitors.
It is sometimes hard to believe that you are in the Mediterranean! The crystal clear waters and abundant sea life make for good diving and snorkeling.

The island is very well suited to dinghy sailing, and is a popular training ground for competitive sailors to practice and perfect their skills.

The most popular way to get around and see Formentera is on a bicycle. It’s nice and flat for those who are not ardent mountain bikers and there are a great many cycling paths around the island. Motorbikes and quads are also popular; or try an electric bicycle to help you out if it gets too hot or windy.

The long beach located after the Vieux Port is a good spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing especially with S, SE or E wind (some waves) or W, SW wind (flatter water).

Eole Sensations is a kitesurfing and paragliding school based in La Ciotat. They also have paddle boards rental and aqua gym classes.. Rental shack open from May to September, located by Port St Jean, Av des Vieux Moulins. Cell: +33(0)6 33 90 34 76 contact is Sébastien, available year round on RDV. www.eole-sensations.com

La Ciotat stretches along almost 20 km of coast line and offers a choice of sandy or pebble beaches as well as narrow creeks. Close to the shipyards are the famous Calanques of Mugel and Figuerolles, each one with a narrow sandy beach. On the other side of town, there is a long sandy beach, lined with hotels, restaurants and bars.

The Bay of La Ciotat is home of a Regional Marine Park and has a seabed of exceptional diversity and beauty. The most beautiful dives include Grotte à Gaby, the Balise du Canonnier du sud and the Dorsale des Cononniers with its spectacular submarine cliffs.

Plongée Passion is a highly popular PADI dive center and shop offering equipment sale, repair, rental and tank refill. Nitrox, Trimix and Aqualung center. Owner Philippe works a lot with yachts. Located 40 Rue Piroddi in La Ciotat.
Tel: +33(0)4 42 08 94 13
www.plongeepassion-laciotat.fr

Rock climbers come to the region from all over Europe (and perhaps even further) to scale the white cliffs of the Calanques. See Marseille chapter for more info.

Expenature is a renowned climbing, hiking, sea kayaking and mountain bike school offering a whole range of tours and options in the region. They have a team of fully licensed and insured instructors.
Office located 5 Rue Compas in La Ciotat.
Tel : +33(0)4 42 83 64 46 

Contact is Romuald: +33(0)6 80 74 40 99
www.expenature.fr

The Mugel botanical garden is located within a few minutes walk on the west side from the shipyards. The park shelters 12 acres of greenery and trails that go up through a steep rocky path to the ‘Le Bec D’Aigle’, a massive rock overlooking the town and its surrounding areas. The entrance of the park is located in the magical setting of the Calanque of Mugel, a narrow creek with crystal clear waters. There is a small entry fee and the park closes at night.

Must do: Whether you want to drive or bike, La Route des Crêtes, linking La Ciotat to Cassis is one of the most scenic roads on the coast. It provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the whole region.

Sea Kayaking is the ideal way to discover the Calanques and creeks of the Cote Bleue Coast. Kayak Attitude, 55 Rue St Pierre, Marseille. Sale of kayak, standup paddle boards and equipment. Also offer rentals or guided tours.
Tel: +33(0)6 12 95 20 12
www.kayak-marseille.fr
Philippe at Destination Calanques also offers kayak rentals and tours from April to Oct:
Cell: +33 (0)6 07 15 63 86
www.destination-calanques.fr