Es Vedrà
By Jinny Throup (link to article: https://www.ibiza-spotlight.com/magazine/2013/07/legends-ibiza-es-vedra)
As many of us know, Ibiza has a reputation for being an island of mysteries and without a doubt, the greatest one of all is the beautiful and majestic Es Vedra.
Standing at almost 400 metres high, this uninhabited rock island made of limestone is situated 2km off the west coast of Ibiza, in the Cala d’Hort area.
Shrouded in myths and legend, Es Vedra is said to be the third most magnetic spot on the planet (after the north pole and Bermuda Triangle). Some geologists claim this is not the case, yet there is no denying the way navigational instruments tend to go haywire in the vicinity of Es Vedra, and it is almost impossible to get a direct compass reading. Even homing pigeons get confused whilst flying over the island, often completely losing their sense of direction.
Popular myths surrounding Es Vedra include that it was the home of the sirens and sea-nymphs who tried to lure Ulysses from his ship in Homer’s Odyssey, and also the birth place and holy island of the Phoenician goddess, Tanit.
It is further said that part of Es Vedra 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 and, certainly, many people become conscious of a mysterious force that surrounds the area, making it a favourite place for meditation and other spiritual practices.
But perhaps one of the best known myths surrounding Es Vedra is that it is, in fact, the tip of the sunken civilisation of Atlantis. The natural cave of Atlantis, in the bay directly opposite Es Vedra, can be visited by the more persistent of visitors…its precise location is a closely-guarded Ibiza secret and to reach it involves quite a challenging trek. There are no signposts and no maps to Atlantis, but those who do manage it are rewarded by its peaceful and spiritually inspiring ambiance, and beautiful art left by previous visitors, including an image of the god Shiva, proclaimed protector of the cave temple.
Many people claim to have seen UFOs hovering above Es Vedra, and some even believe that there is a secret UFO base under the sea, with Es Vedra being a gateway or navigation beacon. Unidentified Swimming Objects have also been reported to lurk in the surrounding waters, and circles of light emerging from the sea have often caused local fishermen and many boat captains to avoid the area.
Still this mysterious and beautiful rock, which stood in for the volcanic island Bali Hai in the 1958 musical, South Pacific, is generally considered to have positive healing and creatively inspiring energy.
So next time you are visiting Ibiza, make a wish as soon as Es Vedra comes into view, and let the island’s magic do its work. Then as you leave, a salute to Es Vedra (preferably by drumming) will ensure you will always be welcome to return!
