Formentera is a magical land of contrasts: crystal clear waters gently lapping onto white beaches, awesome towering cliffs with impressive rock structures, hidden rocky coves sheltering pirate caves, delightfully quirky offlying islands, wonderful light and exquisite sunsets.

It's all here and waiting to be explored from the best place to take everything in - the sea.

This privately owned island is the ultimate escape.  Reached only from the sea, Espalmador has a tranquil, unspoilt and unique character.

The safe, stunningly white beach has a pink hue at the waterline thanks to offshore coral reefs, whilst many fish inhabit the protected poseidonia sea grass beds in the bay.

Inland, the island has a natural therapeutic mud spring visited by, amongst others, Britain's own Prince William in 2006.

The area between Formentera and Espalmador is a World Heritage protected site.

Viewed from the sea, Cala Sahona is a paradise.

The turquoise waters truly are crystal clear and, in late afternoon, the sun picks out the rich red colours and textures of the surrounding cliffs and caves.

This is the place to rub shoulders with the many anchored superyachts, snorkel to the rocks or just sit back and admire the breathtaking beauty of it all.

An impressive stretch of dazzling white sand interspersed with rocky outcrops which reaches north from La Savina towards the island of Espalmador.

Lapped on both sides by warm, unbelievably clear water, a sheltered bathing place can usually be found whatever the weather.

This area is renowned for it's many fine restaurants and beach bars, which attract visiting superyachts and smaller craft in their droves.

It's true that pirates raided the coasts of Formentera relentlessly until the 18th century, using the island as a base for their ships and a hiding place for their looted treasure.

Many of the original hiding places are long gone but we still explore the intact caves by dinghy - just in case ...