Reopening of Formentera’s Chiringuitos

The Controversy Continues

Formentera, February 25, 2025

On February 14, seven of Formentera’s eight chiringuitos reopened after being closed since January 15, once again offering residents and visitors a space to enjoy the island’s natural surroundings during the off-season. The chance to have a drink by the sea while taking in the beaches and landscapes has become an attraction both for those of us who live on the island year-round and for the few visitors Formentera receives during the winter.

Although limited to weekends, the operation of the chiringuitos in winter helps maintain the island’s social life, considering that many businesses either reduce their activity or close entirely until the next summer season.

This one-month closure, although without the physical dismantling of the facilities, has not been free of political and business controversy. The differing viewpoints and public statements offering opposing versions of what should have been done are completely at odds with one another.

The fact is that since the weekend of February 14, Formentera once again has beach chiringuitos along its coast. And for me, as a more or less frequent customer of these establishments, that’s something to be happy about.

Controversy Over the Dismantling of Facilities

Despite the guidelines from the Balearic Government, which required the dismantling of the island’s eight chiringuitos for at least one month between January 15 and February 15, none of these facilities were removed. According to the government, this measure aimed to ensure compliance with the terms of the concessions and protect the natural environment during the period of lower tourist influx.

However, the concessionaires argued that the terms of the public tender through which they obtained their licenses did not include an annual dismantling requirement. They believe this obligation was not stated in the contract terms and that non-compliance should therefore not result in penalties. Moreover, keeping the facilities in place makes it easier to reopen them on winter weekends, helping to boost local life without causing any significant negative impact on the environment.

Support from the Consell Insular of Formentera

The Consell Insular of Formentera supported the concessionaires’ position and defended the continuity of the chiringuitos without the need for temporary dismantling. The island’s Councilor for the Environment, Verónica Castelló, explained that the original tender terms did not include the obligation to dismantle the facilities. As an alternative, she proposed that the chiringuitos remain closed during the specified month but without being physically removed.

This stance is based on the interpretation of the tender conditions by the island’s new governing team, which believes that the dismantling obligation was not explicitly stated. The Consell maintains that keeping the chiringuitos in place year-round does not compromise the preservation of the natural environment, as long as current environmental regulations are respected, and that ceasing activity for one month during winter is sufficient.

Potential Sanctions and Political Debate

As a result of the failure to comply with the dismantling order, the Balearic Government has announced the possibility of initiating sanction proceedings against the concessionaires. These sanctions could involve financial penalties for not adhering to the established guidelines. However, the exact amount of the fines and the deadlines for their imposition have not yet been specified, creating uncertainty among the chiringuito owners.

In addition to potential financial penalties, the debate has extended into the political arena, where different actors have raised the possibility that non-compliance with the dismantling order could lead to the loss of concessions. This stance has been supported by certain political representatives as well as former concessionaires, who demand compliance with the terms stipulated in the Balearic Government’s administrative concessions.

The current concessionaires, on the other hand, argue that their actions do not violate the license conditions and that any sanctions would be unjustified. They claim that the facilities’ presence does not harm the environment and have remained firm in their decision not to dismantle the chiringuitos, also relying on the support of the Consell Insular.

Uncertain Future for Formentera’s Chiringuitos

Once again, the current situation has created considerable uncertainty regarding the future of Formentera’s chiringuitos. While legal and administrative disputes are being resolved, the concessionaires continue operating on winter weekends. Unless significant changes are made to the regulations or the interpretation of concession terms, the chiringuitos are expected to maintain their winter schedule until early May.

Starting then, they are scheduled to extend their hours, opening daily from 11:00 a.m. until sunset, coinciding with the start of the tourist season.

However, the long-term future of the chiringuitos will depend on the decisions made by local and regional authorities regarding sanctions and concession conditions… we’ll see what the future holds.