How To Get To The Most Magical Viewpoints Of Es Vedra

Learn how to get to the most popular places for viewing mesmerizing Es Vedra, like Torre des Savinar, its best, and Playa d’Hort, a little farther away. Although, by far, the easiest way is by by car, there are also many creative ways if you don’t have one, including local bus combined with hiking, a boat cruise, kayaking, and even a jet ski! There are also stunning hotels and villas to stay in on the southwestern part of the island that feature views of Es Vedra.

This majestic and mysterious formation, located 1.5 miles (2.5 km) off the southwestern coast of Ibiza, is an uninhabited nature preserve, called the Es Vedra Nature Reserve. As it’s southwest of Ibiza, it’s particularly stunning as the sun sets behind it, but alluring any time of day.

Read on to learn easy and creative ways to get here, as well as legends and stories surrounding this captivating formation. Some dating back many centuries! Like the one stating it was once the home to a Phoenician lunar goddess, or the island of Sirens that lured in Odysseus, and more!

How To Get To Es Vedra

How To Get To The Best View Of Es Vedra

Mirador des Vedrà is known as one of the best viewpoints of Es Vedra, located on a cliff edge on Ibiza directly across from Es Vedra. Uphill from there, just a few minutes walk, is another great spot, called Torre des Savinar, an ancient watchtower. Also known as Torre d’en Pirata, this 18th century tower was built to protect Ibiza’s coast from pirates and other invaders. It was intended to house cannons, but never did, so only served as a watchtower. Slightly in ruins, this tower only adds the beauty of the view.

Make sure you have good footwear for any of these options as you will need to walk and scramble up slightly dodgy paths.

Drive

Drive, taking the road towards Es Cubells via the El-700. Turn towards Cala d’Hort. Turn left onto the dirt road before the beach and look for an area to park your car. From there, finish by foot, looking for a small path leading to the Mirador des Vedrà. If you’re adventurous, and want an even better view, look for a small footpath leading up to the watchtower, Torre des Savinar, for an even better view.

Hike

No buses go directly to the site, so it’s best to take a bus that gets you closer, then hike the rest of the way. See Ibiza bus for details on routes, stops, and times. There is even an English translation. The link also provides information on apps for your phone.

Hiking In The Off-Season

Off-Season, the closest bus stop is Sant Josep. Exit and follow the main road, or do as I accidentally did (see my route, details, and some photos in How I Got There below) and exit the next stop, walking back until you pick up the trail on maps.me. Hiking time 2-3 hours plus the bus ride, which is about 30 minutes.

This hike is long, but it really feels special to get glimpses of Es Vedra through the trees along the way if you’re up for the adventure of it.

Hiking In High-Season

In summer months there is a bus to Es Cubells that’s much closer than Sant Josep, but still a long walk. Use the link to the bus station above, or maps.me after getting off the bus to find the shortest trail. The walk should take 1 hour from the bus stop. Click here to see the walking route on google maps.

Tip: Download maps.me and the map of Ibiza when you have strong wifi and mark these locations on the map. Then you can access them wifi free while walking. Make sure your battery is fully charged before leaving and set your phone to low battery mode (or bring a charger).

Hitchhike

If you choose to hitchhike from the closest bus stop, please consider the safety risks with this option. I got lucky and found the locals to be very nice for my return trip, but you never know who may chose to pick you up. Trust your instincts and say no if the situation does not feel right.

Other Views And Ways To See Es Vedra

Visit Playa d’Hort Beach

An alternative view point, albeit a little farther away, is Cala d’Hort, a pebbly beach on Ibiza’s southwestern coast. It’s a little farther away than the lookouts above, but also beautiful. In addition to the views from the beach, you can also enjoy views of Es Vedra from nearby restaurants like Cala d’Hart and El Carmen.

Boat Cruise

Take a boat cruise to see Es Vedra. There are cruises that leave from both the east and west sides of the island.

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If you’re staying near Ibiza City and want a half day tour, I recommend this one: TOUR around the JEWELS of IBIZA SALT BEDS, ES VEDRA, TIME & SPACE. It provides viewing from both the ledge across from Es Vedra and Torre des Savinar, and also visits Ses Salines Natural Park and another fascinating stop on Ibiza.

For an amazing all day adventure that ends with views of Es Vedra at sunset, I recommend this one: Combo: Boat, 4×4, hiking in Es Vedra for sunset. It starts with a boat trip past the Margaritas Islands while you explore caves and do some snorkeling, then you take a 4×4 keep safari to a viewpoint of Es Vedra and hike to select viewing spots. It ends with sangria and a grazing picnic watching the sun set over Es Vedra.

Jet Ski

Another unique way to see Es Vedra is a jet ski tour from San Antonio. This option is a little on the expensive side, but if adrenaline is your thing, this is the best way to go. Google ‘jet ski to Es Vedra’ to see current options and prices.

I recommend this tour: Atlantis Jet Ski Tour From San Antonio. They provide details about Es Vedra and stop at several key places for photos.

Do Yoga In A Cave With A View Of Es Vedra

If you want to experience the serenity of Es Vedra while doing yoga, book this tour: Secret Cave Yoga and Es Vedra Experience in Ibiza.

This two hour adventure includes vinyasa style yoga, a swim after class, followed by a glass of cava.

Book A Hotel Or Villa With Es Vedra Views

Another great way to get to see Es Vedra is to book accommodation that offers views of it. Being located away from all the bars, restaurants, and party spots, this part of the island is peaceful and quiet, making it a great place to book at least part of your Ibiza vacation.

Having amazing views, these hotels and villas are all a splurge level, yet they look amazing so they book up quickly! Some, however, are villas, offering multiple bedrooms, so splitting the costs with friends and family can make a very amazing and affordable stay.

I have not visited or stayed in any of the places noted below (I want to next time though), but I did some research to find them for you. These all get very high reviews!

Hotels

• Petunia a Beaumier is an adults only hotel offering beautiful views of Es Vedra from public spaces as well as some rooms. It’s a short short drive to Cala Carbo Beach and Cala d’Hort.
• Calador-Ibiza is a hotel that overlooks Es Vedra from the quiet Cala Carbo area. Some rooms offer sea views of Es Vedra. It’s also a short drive to Cala Carbo Beach and Cala d’Hort.

Villas

• Sa Païssa de Cala Carbó Country House is 200 year old, renovated Ibecenan country house with 5-bedrooms (7 beds), offering amazing views of Es Vedra.  This stunning property is a short drive to Cala Carbo Beach and Cala d’Hort.
• Villa Savinar is a 3-bedroom villa offering sweeping views of the area and Es Vedra. It’s about a 5-minute drive to Cala d’Hort. 4-night stay minimum.
• Villa Ses Abelles Sea View  is a lovely 3-bedroom villa with amazing views of Es Vedra. It’s about an 8-minute drive to Cala d’Hort. 3-night stay minimum.
• Villa Romero I The balcony of this 3-bedroom villa provides views of the islands of Formentera and Es Vedra. It’s about an 8-minute drive to Cala d’Hort. A 4-night stay is required.
• Villa El Mirador Uno  is a stunning 3-bedroom villa with sea views. The property shows views of Es Vedra nearby, but not directly from the property. It’s located a 2 mile (3 km) drive from Torres De Savinar (which I think means you can hike there) and a 10-minutes to Cala d’Hort.
• Villa Bora Ibiza does not have direct views of Es Vedra, but this 3-bedroom villa is the ultimate in Ibizan luxury and just a 15-minute drive to Torres de Savinar.

Please be aware, that these places really look spectacular, so book up quickly. Especially during peak season. Book early and try the flexible search date options if you have problems finding free dates.

Always read the latest reviews to make sure nothing has changed, but these all had great reviews at the time of writing (August 2023).

How I Got To Es Vedra

I visited off season and did not have a rental car, so I got to the best viewpoints of Es Vedra at Torre des Savinar, the old watchtower. As no public transportation gets close to this viewing area, I had to be a little creative.

Bus to Sant Josep

Torre des Savinar is on the southwestern side of the island and no busses run here directly. Plus, even fewer run during off-season, to fewer locations. The closest bus stop when I was there, off-season, was Sant Josep. However, this was still 6.6 miles (10.7 km) away.

Using maps.me, I found a trail west of the Sant Josep bus stop. Actually, as there is only one, unremarkable, bus stop in Sant Josep, I accidentally missed it, so I had to get off at the following stop.

My original plan had been to walk along the main road, but when walking back towards Sant Josep, I found a trail to the south through the hills. As a result of missing my stop, I had found a better route! So, if following my plan, when you get off the bus stop head further along the same path as the bus.

Note that to use maps.me, download the app, and the map of Ibiza when you have wifi. Then you can use it wifi free while walking.

The Hiking Trail To Es Vedra

The trail took me on a 2-3 hour hike through a pine forest in the hills, around houses, and along fields. Sometimes the trail was a narrow, dirt path and sometimes a dirt, or paved, road. It was actually quite amazing, and a fun little adventure. A great way to explore more of Ibiza. I recommend bringing plenty of water and some snacks, as you don’t pass shops or restaurants along the way.

The hike itself is lovely, and you’ll catch glimpses of Es Vedra along the way. Some that most people probably never see. And actually, it was very helpful to see Es Vedra, as the trail is not marked at all. Just be patient as you don’t see it until 3/4 of the way there.

When I did this walk, it was very remote, which means I barely ran into anyone. However, I still felt safe, even as a solo female traveler. If you don’t feel comfortable walking solo in remote areas, try a different option or bring a fellow traveler.

Torres de Savinar

Finally, I reached Torres de Savinar, the old 18th century watchtower. Its ruins add a special ambiance to the view. You can also see sweeping views of the western coast, including Cala d’Hort beach in the distance (another view point).

Photos really don’t do the majesty of this place at all…

In addition, if you walk up beyond Torres de Savinar, to the south, you’ll find the cove below, called Sa Padrera. I wished I had more time to explore it. After my hike, I definitely felt like a swim. However, I wanted to make my way back to Ibiza City before sunset.

Getting Back to Ibiza City

I honestly didn’t have the energy, or the time, to walk back to Sant Josep. Plus, after experiencing the adventure finding it, backtracking wasn’t as appealing.

Therefore, I decided to hitchhike back. I walked along the main road (the one from my original plan). There were not many cars, so I was very grateful for those kind souls that did stop for me.

Muchas Gracias to Pepe, a rare island original (by many generations). He gave me a short ride on his way to work. I also got a ride from a beautiful young Moroccan lady, on her way home from work. She was kind enough to take me all the way back to Ibiza city center. I also got to practice my Spanish, as neither spoke English.

This may seem crazy, but if you like a little craziness and are really set on seeing this without a car, try it! And if you do, please leave me a comment…I’d love to hear how others managed and what they thought.

Hiking Tours To See Es Vedra

If you don’t want to hike on your own, book a tour to hike and see Es Vedra. I recommend this one: Hiking tours in Ibiza – Discover the other side of the White Island.

This trip offers photography routes designed to reach the best locations on the island for landscape photography, including Es Vedra.

About Es Vedra

Want to learn some facts and fascinating myths on this enchanting formation located 1.5 miles (2.5 km) off the southwestern coast of Ibiza? Although today it’s an uninhabited nature preserve, the Cala d’Hort Natural Reserve, it’s so mesmerizing there have been legends and stories surrounding it for centuries.

Legends Surrounding Es Vedra

This rock is so mysterious, there have been many legends surrounding it. Many cultures have been entranced by it throughout history. Some dating back as far as Odysseus and the Phoenicians.

It’s Magnetic

Some say that the island has a magnetic force that disrupts airplane radar. However, it’s really just an ancient seismic tumble of mountain ranges, composed mostly of limestone. It’s composed of the same material as much of the Balearic Islands, so has no magnetic draw other than it’s magnetic appeal.

It’s The Tip Of Atlantis

Others say this is the tip of the lost island of Atlantis. One of many locations thought to be the home of this legendary island.

The Former Home Of Es Gegant de Es Vedrà

Some says a monster, Es Gegant de Es Vedrà, lived on Es Vedra and killed anyone coming to the islet.

The Home Of The Sirens From The Odyssey

Some stories say that sirens used to live here, the ones that tried to lure Odysseus to this island from his ship in The Odyssey, the epic poem attributed to the ancient Greek poet Homer.

The Holy Phoenician Island

There is also a legend that this was the holy island of a Phoenician lunar goddess Tanit and that sacrifices were once made on shore for her.

Other Great Places To Visit on Ibiza

Ibiza is a stunning island, and although known as a party island, there’s much more to it than that.

For more information on Ibiza itself, see my post on Things To See And Do In Ibiza. Other highlights on Ibiza include Portinatx, Ibiza’s rugged and rocky northern coast, and Cala Longa, my favorite beach hidden away on the east coast. And a visit to nearby Formentera Island is a must-do day trip. 

To learn more about me and my travels, see my about me page.

Safe Travels!

Julie