Es Vedrá + Atlantis
Ibiza, Balearic Island, Spain
Ibiza, Balearic Island, Spain
Enjoy the mystical island of Es Vedra and the secret cove of Atlantis. Both of them in Ibiza.
Standing at almost 400 metres high, this uninhabited rock island made of limestone is situated 2 km off the south west coast of Ibiza and is right opposite to the beach of Cala d'Hort. Many go to visit this rock and fortunately there are lots of viewpoints around it to take in its wondrous majesty.
Es Vedrà is shrouded in myths and legend, the most popular of which is that it is the third most magnetic spot on earth (after the north pole and the Bermuda Triangle). There is no evidence to support this though some report that navigational instruments are affected in the vicinity of Es Vedrà. Mention its status as the number three magnetic spot to a local however and you will either be met with a blank stare or laughter - it is undoubtedly an urban myth.
If not actually magnetic, the islet certainly feels magical when in its presence; the way it rises magnificently transmits a palpable feeling of peace and sprinkles forth its own magic; it's a feeling shared by just about all who visit it. It has even inspired film, being the stand in for the volcanic island Bali Hai in the 1958 Hollywood film, South Pacific.
Myths have followed Es Vedrà from ancient history, not least that it was the home of the sirens and sea-nymphs who tried to lure Ulysses from his ship in Homer's Odyssey. Reputedly, it is the birth place of the goddess Tanit, whose statue you will see all across Ibiza.
Another belief is that Es Vedrà was used to build the Pyramids in Egypt, as the limestone rock is claimed to hold a maximum concentration of energy, similar to that of the Pyramids, Stonehenge and Easter Island.
Whilst this is unlikely, given that there are no traces of quarrying, it is possible that this legend came about because of the mysterious force that people feel surrounds the area. This has made it a favourite place for meditation and other spiritual practices.
Perhaps one of the best known myths surrounding Es Vedrà is that it is the tip of the sunken civilisation of Atlantis, probably due to its proximity to the sandstone quarry of Sa Pedrera, which was given the name of Atlantis by the '60s hippies who lived in a huge natural cave there.
Many people also claim to have seen UFOs hovering above Es Vedrà , and some even believe that there is a secret UFO base under the sea, with Es Vedrà being a gateway or navigation beacon. Reports of odd objects and circles of light emerging from the sea by local fishermen have only added to these particular myths.
Whether or not all of this is true, many believe that Es Vedrà is possessed of positive healing and creatively-inspiring energy.
We'll leave you to decide, but just in case, when you visit it, make a wish and see if your desires come true. One thing is for sure, once you have seen it close up, Es Vedrà will leave a long-lasting impression on your imagination.
Centuries ago the rock from here was quarried and used to build the watch towers, homes and walls of the citadel of Ibiza. Today you will discover a multitude of interesting and unusual rock formations here.
The trail down is steep in places and covered in loose rock and low level scrub and bushes. Once you have negotiated the trail you will discover Atlantis - the lost city... or the quarry at least from which a city was created! A labyrinth of caves, rocks, holes and sea pools, this place is truly magical and a sight to behold.
Much like Punta de sa Galera the flat rocks here can be good for sunbathing... although be warned they might not always be sitting at quite the right angle!
It has also become popular with climbers and you will find several bolted routes in place here.
Ibiza | Balearic Island - Spain