Rock of
ages
From the Phoenicians to the Romans to the present day, salt extraction has been at the heart of island commerce.
Rising dramatically from the inky waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the monolithic limestone rock of Es Vedrà is perhaps Ibiza’s most captivating sight. Located off the southwestern coast of the island, Es Vedrà’s rugged, enigmatic silhouette has inspired countless myths, legends and a profound sense of mystery.
The islet, rising almost 413 meters tall, is an awe-inspiring sight, particularly during sunset when it is silhouetted against the kaleidoscopic sky behind. Beyond its physical majesty, Es Vedrà is steeped in mystical stories that have been perpetuated over generations, enriching the island’s cultural tapestry and enticing those with a penchant for the esoteric and the unexplained. The island is often said to have been the home of Homer’s sirens, the chanting mermaids who lured Odysseus to his death. What is known for certain is that it has long held a deep spiritual and religious significance – in the mid-19th century, a Carmelite friar named Francisco Palau spent months on the islet, living atop its craggy cliffs in a natural, sand-filled cave.
For today’s mystical seeker, Es Vedrà remains a site of deep spiritual significance. A vortex of energy, a place to be still, to meditate and feel a profound connection with nature and the universe. While the rock itself cannot be visited, the clifftop and watchtower overlooking it are a Mecca for yogis, meditation practitioners and those seeking to absorb a sense of the sublime.
