The rocky island of Es Vedrà

Es Vedrà island

If there’s one sight that deserves to be the emblem of Ibiza, it’s Es Vedrà. This awe-inspiring islet, with its smaller sister, Es Vedranell, rears proudly from the sea some two kilometres off the island’s south-west coast. Reaching almost 400 metres up into the sky, the magical and legendary limestone monolith is a magnet for sightseers from all corners of the globe. It's not difficult to see why.

Even as you approach and get your first view of it from afar, it’s an enthralling sight. Nothing will prepare you though for the moment you behold its breath-taking beauty from the coastline. It’s one of those experiences that will crown your stay on Ibiza and will remain with you for the rest of your life.

Beach

If you want to combine your visit with a dip in the sea or a nice, refreshing drink, then the beach of Cala d'Hort is the spot.

There are several restaurants on the beach, on the cliffs right above it or nearby, all of them offering fantastic views of the rock rising from the sea. We recommend to reserve a table, especially if you want to dine in the sunset hours.

Sunset

Given that Es Vedrá lies southwest of Ibiza, sunset is an amazing moment to visit. As the sun slips majestically into the waters in a blaze of colours, it’s nigh on impossible not to sense the energy emanating from the pyramidal rock.

Though, in the height of summer, it is not recommended to come just for the sunset hour, as many people have the same idea and you will end up in traffic jams and being annoyed by the crowds. We recommend coming for the whole day or afternoon, and then stay for the sunset and watch it from the beach or from one of the restaurants (reservation recommended!).

Clifftop views

Many people choose to watch the sunset from the clifftop - but it is very crowded and accidents already have happened with people falling down. When in this area, please take care not to trespass on private property, and don't step too near to the steep cliffs, especially when taking photos.

Keeping Es Vedrà safe for everyone

• The area is popular in summer, with many cars lining the approach to Cala d'Hort, so be very careful walking along the road.
• Be very careful when approaching the cliff edge and do not go too close. There is a sheer drop and people can easily fall. We recommend watching the sunset from the beach.
• Do not trespass on private property, be responsible and considerate of the people who live here.
• Avoid smoking and, if you must smoke, take a personal ashtray. Do not discard cigarette ends or any litter.
• In the height of summer, hundreds of people gather on the nearby cliffs to watch the sun set in the sea behind Es Vedrà - there is absolutely nothing romantic about it any more. There are traffic jams, the flora and fauna in this protected area is in danger and the people living in the whole area are suffering badly. Please come during the day or watch it from the beach or one of the nearby restaurants.

Boat trips

Visitors can also view the rock in other ways. For example, from the sea on one of the many boat trips that pass by Es Vedrà or go up close to it. Another way is to charter a boat for the day. For the intrepid, you can even go by kayak, though make sure you go with a trained instructor as there are strong currents along this stretch of coastline. In any case, bear in mind that it is totally prohibited to walk on the rock.

Nature reserve

The islets are part of a protected nature and marine reserve and home to several species of local fauna. These include rare Ibizan wall lizards and a colony of the endangered bird of prey known as Eleonora's falcon.

Inspiration

It won’t come as a surprise that Es Vedrà has inspired countless artists, filmmakers, and musicians over the years. It was the inspiration for the 50s musical South Pacific, appears in the epochal 1969 movie More and its silhouette appears reflected behind Mike Oldfield on the cover of his record Voyager.

Myths and legends

Es Vedrà has been shrouded in myths and legends ever since ancient times. Some believe it to be home to the sirens in Homer´s Odyssey whose songs lured sailors to their death by causing them to shipwreck. Others claim it is the birthplace of Tanit, the Phoenician moon goddess of dance and fertility and protector of Ibiza. Its magnetic energy is said to envelop Ibiza, leading to comparisons with Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.

Stranger still, the islet is believed to be a magical place that possesses special powers. Nowhere is this better illustrated than in the many accounts of people who say they have seen UFOs and mysterious lights in the vicinity of the island.

Nor are these just tales told by hippies and New Agers: local fishermen and scuba divers claim to have heard metallic sounds and seen lights enter and leave the waters around the rock aka USOs (unidentified submerged objects).

In 1979, a commercial airliner en route from Mallorca to Tenerife even had to make an emergency landing near Valencia after it had been pursued by three red lights for some time! Many more legends exist, but none of them have been proved.

In the end, however you manage to see it, one thing is for sure: the sight of Es Vedrà will leave an indelible mark on your imagination, remain in your memory forever, and make you ache to return.