Formentera has approved new rules governing organised and instructor-led physical and sports activities in public urban parks, meaning activities such as yoga, Pilates, stretching and guided walks will require prior authorisation from the Consell once the new ordinance comes into force.

The regulation was approved definitively by the Consell de Formentera's plenary session on Thursday, September 24. It establishes rules covering authorisations, locations, group sizes, operating hours and the conditions that instructors and organisers must meet.

The ordinance is not yet in force. It must first be published in full in the Official Gazette of the Balearic Islands (BOIB), followed by the statutory period required before it takes effect.

Who will need authorisation?

The new rules apply to directed or organised physical and sporting activities carried out in publicly managed urban parks and green areas.

A directed activity is one led by a monitor, trainer or other professional for a group at a specific time and location. Organised activities are those involving the coordinated participation of several people under a prior programme, whether or not they are commercial.

These activities will require prior authorisation from the Consell.

Individual and spontaneous use of the parks remains free. People can continue to walk, exercise or use the parks on their own provided they do not interfere with normal use of the space or damage its facilities or vegetation.

Three initial locations

The final ordinance identifies three initial spaces for these activities:

• Parque de las Islas Pitiusas in La Savina

• Parque de ses Bardetes

• The calisthenics area at the Skate Park

The Consell can also make outdoor sports areas at public schools or other available sports facilities available when demand or the characteristics of an activity justify doing so.

The institution will publish information about authorised activities, including the location, days and times, allocated area and person responsible.

Maximum groups of 12 participants

The maximum authorised group size is 12 participants, not including the person leading the activity.

The ordinance gives priority to activities considered healthy and non-competitive, with limited acoustic and environmental impact. Yoga, Pilates, stretching and guided walks are specifically identified as examples of the type of activities the rules are intended to accommodate.

New seasonal time limits

The final version introduces specific operating hours that were not included in the initial version of the ordinance.

From September 16 to June 14, authorised activities can take place between 8:00am and 1:00pm.

From June 15 to September 15, the permitted hours are restricted to 7:00am to 10:00am.

The same limits can be applied to additional locations if they are authorised under the ordinance.

Training, insurance and registration

Organisers and instructors will have to meet requirements established by the ordinance, including registration in the relevant official census, appropriate professional training and civil-liability insurance.

An applicable fee will also have to be paid for authorised activities.

The rules are intended to establish common conditions for professionals and organisations using public parks while ensuring that organised activities remain compatible with the normal use of those spaces.

Certain activities and equipment are restricted

The ordinance places restrictions on activities and equipment that could create excessive noise, environmental impact or safety problems.

The published details include restrictions on amplified music and unauthorised electronic equipment. Activities such as martial arts and activities involving animals are excluded.

The rules also restrict activities involving fire or heat sources and other conduct that could interfere with pedestrians or emergency services.

Fines can reach €3,000

The ordinance establishes three categories of infringement.

Minor offences can result in fines of between €100 and €400. Serious offences carry fines of €401 to €1,000, while very serious offences can result in fines of between €1,001 and €3,000.

Very serious breaches can also lead to the suspension of the activity for up to 12 months.

Examples include carrying out commercial activities without the required authorisation, repeated serious breaches, causing significant damage, starting fires or using heat sources, obstructing pedestrian access or emergency services, and carrying out activities specifically excluded by the ordinance.

How the ordinance was approved

The regulation was initially approved by the Consell on December 18, 2025. The initial agreement was published in the BOIB on February 28, 2026, opening a 30-day period for public submissions.

The final ordinance approved on September 24 incorporated changes to the locations and introduced specific operating hours that were not included in the initial text.

The final vote was supported by Sa Unió. The PSIB-PSOE and the non-attached councillor abstained, while Gent per Formentera voted against the ordinance.

When will the new rules apply?

The ordinance will not apply immediately following the plenary vote.

It must first be published in full in the BOIB and then pass the statutory period required under local-government legislation before entering into force.

Until that process is completed, the new authorisation system should not be described as already being legally applicable.

Once it enters into force, instructors and organisers planning directed or organised physical activities in Formentera's public urban parks will need to follow the new rules.

For people who simply want to walk, stretch, exercise or practise yoga individually in a park, the ordinance does not introduce a general requirement to obtain a permit. Its focus is on organised and instructor-led activities using public spaces.