Cala Duo

Sanction and temporary closure

Formentera 9 August 2025

The Consell of Formentera has ordered the immediate shutdown of the establishment known as Cala Duo, located in the Sa Sequi area, in the heart of the Ses Salines Natural Park in Formentera, until the detected deficiencies are corrected.

According to the authorities, the venue, which only holds a restaurant licence, was repeatedly operating as a nightclub, breaching capacity and safety regulations. The investigation confirmed that admission was charged with a drink included and loud music was played, despite this being expressly prohibited in the protected area.

During the inspection, carried out jointly by the island’s technical services, the Local Police, and Environmental Agents of the Balearic Government, blocked or non-functional emergency exits were discovered, posing a serious safety risk to attendees. In addition, there was unauthorised occupation of public spaces and areas belonging to the maritime-terrestrial public domain.

The authorities have given a 24-hour deadline to completely cease all activity and remove any unauthorised elements. Meanwhile, a sanctioning procedure will be initiated, which could entail economic and legal consequences for the property owners.

Measures adopted by the Consell

The Consell of Formentera has ordered the suspension of activity until the irregularities are rectified and all safety and environmental regulations are met. The sealing order covers both the indoor sound system and the terrace speakers, and the removal of furniture, parasols, and chairs placed without permission in public spaces has been mandated.

Among the most serious offences are exceeding the legal capacity limit —set at 50 people—, converting the restaurant into a nightclub without a licence, selling tickets with drinks included, and violating the ban on musical activities in the Ses Salines Natural Park. Added to this is the blocking of emergency exits, a breach that poses a direct risk to the safety of customers and staff.

Legal consequences

The owners of Cala Duo must immediately halt all unauthorised activities and carry out the necessary works to comply with the regulations. At the same time, the sanctioning procedure could result in hefty fines and, in the case of repeated offences, the permanent revocation of the licence.

The president of the Consell, Óscar Portas, stressed that “the regulations are clear” and that public safety and environmental protection are “non-negotiable red lines.” He also reiterated that the institution will act firmly whenever breaches are detected and called on the industry to take responsibility to ensure sustainable and respectful tourism on the island.

GOB complaint

The Balearic Ornithology Group (GOB) of Formentera issued a press release on 24 June calling for exemplary sanctions against businesses that breach the Ses Salines Natural Park regulations. The environmental group warned at the time that the high volume of music in some beach clubs located within the park could cause the abandonment of emblematic species of the island, such as the virot and flamingos.

The association criticised the promotion of a tourism model that degrades the environment and drives away native species, urging the people of Formentera to oppose this type of tourism and defend the island’s true natural values.