Discover the mysterious islet of Es Vedrà

Many myths surround the islet of Es Vedrà, one of Ibiza's most enigmatic sites. For example, it is said to be the island inhabited by the mermaids who try to lure Ulysses and his crew in Homer's epic Odyssey. The island is also said to be the birthplace of Tanit, the Carthaginian goddess of fertility and fortune, who guards the island. There are many extravagant theories about the very origin of Es Vedrà, which fascinates visitors so much does its singular shape seem to emerge from the Mediterranean. Some claim, for example, that it is a lost remnant of Atlantis, the lost continent; others claim that the famous Egyptian pyramids were built from pieces of this rock. Es Vedrà has been a source of mystical inspiration for centuries. In the 19th century, the Carmelite priest Francesc Palau i Quer recounted visions of the Virgin Mary and satanic rites.

Among all the legends surrounding the magical island of Es Vedrà, there are many stories about a particularly powerful concentration of energy. According to some sailors, it is the third most magnetic point on the planet, capable of throwing compasses out of kilter! Even more far-fetched, this magnetic field is said to have the power to attract aliens. In 1979, a pilot deviated from his flight path when he claimed to have seen strange lights and an unidentified flying object above Es Vedrà. However, to date there is no evidence of UFO sightings on the site, and a final legend has it that every time the sun sets, you have to beat a drum in front of the Es Vedrà rock before you can leave.

All the myths surrounding Es Vedrà make it the most sacred place on Ibiza. Whether it's the nymphs or the aliens that speak most to your imagination, let yourself be transported by this mysterious atmosphere and enjoy the beauty of the site, which is undeniably magical.

By car:

Although it's not possible to get to Es Vedrà, which is a protected area, the view from the cliff on which the superb Torre de Savinar is perched offers a breathtaking panorama of the island. There is no bus service to the area, so you'll need to bring your own vehicle. 1 km south-east of Cala d'Hort, take the turn-off towards Torre de Savinar, and you'll find a car park 500m further on. From here, it's a 10-minute walk along a bumpy path to the viewpoint over Es Vedrà.

Our tip: Pack a picnic lunch and head to the viewpoint at dusk for an enchanting aperitif overlooking one of Ibiza's most beautiful sunsets.

By boat:

Another more expensive but unforgettable way to get to Es Vedrà is to hire a boat. You'll be able to admire the island from all sides as you circumnavigate it, and dive from the deck into the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. You can also access the sublime Atlantis peninsula nearby, and marvel at the monumental rocks sculpted by the waves and by generations of hippies (see Feature section).

In Ibiza (town) or Sant-Antoni de Portmany, the SamBoat company offers boat hire with or without skippers, ranging from simple motorboats to sailing yachts and catamarans. Prices are fairly reasonable, starting at €50 for 4 hours (not including options) for the smaller models. There are other charter companies in the ports of Eivissa and Sant-Antoni.

From the viewpoint overlooking Es Vedrà, a 10-minute uphill walk will take you to the Torre de Savinar, which, thanks to its spectacular cliff-top location, offers unbeatable views of the two islets and the island of Formentera. This tower, with its ochre stones contrasting beautifully with the blue of the sky and sea, was built in 1763 to protect Ibiza from pirate attacks, earning it the name Torre d'en pirata. Below the tower is the Cova des Mirador, a tiny cave with a sublime view of the islets. A place of mystical significance, offerings are often left here, and some people even bring their own cushions to meditate in serenity overlooking Es Vedrà.

Cala d'Hort is a pretty cove of sand and pebbles at the foot of the wooded hills opposite Es Vedrà. It's a peaceful and pleasant place to swim, a well-deserved moment of relaxation after climbing the cliffs. The area is relatively unspoilt thanks to the creation of the Nature Reserve in 2002, following plans to build a gigantic luxury hotel complex, which provoked strong protests from local residents and was eventually abandoned. We're not complaining!

Where to eat in Es Vedrà?

The cove of Cala d'Hort is home to two good restaurants.

At El Carmen, whose terrace overlooks the beach, you and your partner can enjoy delicious grilled fish, a wide choice of seafood, comforting rice dishes and even the local speciality, fideuà (delicious aioli bread). Open from 1pm to 10pm, from mid-March to the end of October (contact: 971187449).