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.
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 Vedrà 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.
On Google maps there is a view point (Mirador des Vedrà), but this is located on private grounds, and since winter 2024/2025 it is fenced off, so you can't get there. Read more about this in our interview with the local guide Stivi from Balearic Outdoor Adventures.
Please bear in mind
- We recommend watching the sunset from the beach of Cala d'Hort. Our advice is to come during the day or late afternoon and watch the sunset from there or one of the nearby restaurants.
- Do not trespass on private property, and be responsible and considerate of the people who live here.
- In recent years, hundreds of people gathered at the viewpoint 'Mirador des Vedrà' on the cliffs south of Cala d'Hort beach, to watch the sun set in the sea behind Es Vedrà. It's no exaggeration to say that this ruined the allure it once had. The viewpoint is on private grounds. In the winter of 2024/2025, after putting up with a worsening situation for a long time, the owner fenced off the whole area, so it's no longer possible to access it anymore.
- What makes it even more impractical is the fact that the main road to Cala d'Hort - where everyone parked before walking to the viewpoint - now features yellow lines prohibiting parking. The police carry out regular checks and impose heavy fines on offenders.
Guided tours
There is only one way to access the old viewpoint, and that is via a guided hiking tour. Balearic Outdoor Adventures is one of only two companies that have permission to do so. Enjoy a walk with professionally trained guides along the coastline, taking in the stunning views.
Another way to see Es Vedrà is by going on a jeep tour, either on a shared excursion, or booking a private one, which will ensure you get there just in time for the sunset.
Boat trips
Visitors can also view the islet from the sea on one of the 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 walking on the islet itself is totally prohibited. It is a highly protected area and anyone doing so faces a very heavy fine.
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 1996 albumVoyager.
Myths and legends
Es Vedrà has been shrouded in myths and legends ever since ancient times. Some believe it to be the home of the sirens in Homer´s Odyssey, whose songs lured sailors to their death by causing them to shipwreck.
Other myths claim it is the birthplace of Tanit, the Phoenician moon goddess of dance and fertility and the 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.
