Estany Pudent

Estany Pudent, or stinky pond as it is termed, is the largest salt lake on Formentera Island. The name actually translates as stagnant and on a hot summer day the combination of sulphur fumes and decomposing algae can whip up quite a stench. Not to mention that the accumulated rainwater makes it an ideal breeding ground for swarms of mosquitos.

Hold on a minute, isn’t this an article about the paradise of Formentera?

Well, yes it is, but during the summer Estany Pudent isn’t always most people’s definition of paradise. It is not all bad though. Despite the fact that the salt concentration is far higher than that in the sea, up to three times higher, it sustains many beautiful freshwater plants, and the surrounding wetland are rich in wildlife. The birds that you might spot include: the spotted redshank, great reed warblers and the black-winged stilt. In fact this place used to known as the Flamingo Lagoon because of the large numbers of flamingos, but these days it is more of a rarity to spot one of these.

Estany Pudent sites south of the Port de la Savina, and just behind the coastline of Es Cavall d’en Borras from which is takes in fresh seawater. You can cycle around this inland lake via the Circuits Verds, or Green Tours, which are the designated cycling and hiking paths of the island. Green Tour Number One is what you need to go around Estany Pudent.

The lake is right next to Ses Salines – the salt beds. These are the site of the traditional salt manufacture which used to support the islands. These days they are just there for display really, although occasionally one of the older generation might step out and do a bit of salt harvesting for old times sake.

After you have visited Ses Salines you can continue up to the northern peninsula and the most amazing beaches on Formentera Island. The shape of the island has create Es Trucadors as such a thin peninsula that you can enjoy lying on a beach with the ocean on both sides. If this isn’t enough of a wonder, there also a series of Islets on the western coastline which you can swim out to – this coastline is aptly named Platja de Ses Illetes, and the coastline on the east is Platja de Llevant. You are a world away from the stinky pond out here, but only twenty minutes by bicycle. If you are considering cycling in Spain then the Estany Pudent area is well worth considering.

You can get more information at http://www.formenteraguide.com

Tags: Es Cavall d’en Borras, Es Trucadors, Port de la Savina, Ses Illetes, Ses Salines