Rediscover Formentera with Luis Galliussi

Recent events have led to an atypical summer in the Balearic Islands, which have been somewhat reclaimed by the locals. Interior designer and Curator of Experience at Las Rozas Village Luis Galliussi takes us on a tour of the most magical areas across Formentera. Despite living between Madrid and Ibiza, where he settled 20 years ago, his second home is Can Eu in Formentera, owned by his friend Eugenia Silva and decorated by the designer himself. As a free spirit and lover of maximum simplicity, Luis is the perfect person to guide us through the natural delights of the island, away from its tourist attractions.

Spontaneity is one of the things Luis loves most about the island. While he doesn’t like to spend whole days on the beach, he always wears swimming trunks and a cover-up in the car to go to small coves – like Caló d'Es Mort or Es caló – in search of the perfect bathing spot. If he’s lucky enough to go on a boating trip with friends, he heads straight for Cala Saona.

The somewhat unknown La Mola lighthouse is very special to Luis, who suggests its secluded location and lack of tourists are what make it so magical – "I have to go there, the energy there is very different."

In terms of gastronomy, Es Caló restaurant not only has wonderful views, "its fried lobster is the richest thing on earth".

Blat Picat (in Sant Ferran de Ses Roques) and Bona Espina (in Sant Francesc Xavier) are Galliusi’s favourite breakfast spots. There, he soaks up the scenic surroundings while sipping on a refreshing juice.

Although considerably more peaceful and off-the-radar than its neighbouring islands, Formentera is known for its Flower Power parties – events that Luis speaks fondly of. Usually held during July, they began in the Sant Francesc Xavier square itself and are now also held in the town of La Mola and on Es Pujols beach.

His first purchase upon arrival at the island is usually bought from Can Parejo (in Sant Francesc Xavier) grocery market which sells fresh organic produce.

From crockery and carpets to lamps and hats, Luis always finds interesting pieces for his interior design projects at Catalina House and Balafia (in Sant Francesc). He seeks pieces that convey the wild and somewhat hippy spirit of the island that attracts so many visitors each year. The Italian-run Parfumerie Centrale (in Sant Francesc Xavieris) is his go-to location for luxury candles.