Best Things To Do in Es Vedra, Ibiza
Located south of Ibiza, the island of Es Vedra is one of the must-see and marvel at if you visit the Balearic Islands.
With a great natural wealth, this small islet is located in front of Cala d'Hort, in the municipality of Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, southwest of Ibiza. Es Vedra is considered a magical and paradisiacal place, full of legends and nature. In 2002 it was declared a nature reserve, so it is a protected area of great beauty, and because of this it is forbidden to visit it.
There are many things to see and do in Ibiza, but without a doubt, seeing Es Vedrá is one of the most popular. The huge rock of 382 meters high can be seen perfectly, both from Ibiza and from the mainland and Formentera. For this reason, the activities that I propose are oriented to offer you the best views of the island, as it is not possible to visit it. Come and learn more about Es Vedra.
1. Watch the sunset from the sea
Very close to Es Vedra, in San Antonio, is the starting point for this activity. The boat trips usually go along the west coast of Ibiza, passing by Cala Bassa, Cala Tarida, Cala Salada, Isla Margarita or Cala Conta. In addition to the boat trip, you can do different water sports, such as snorkeling or kayaking, whose equipment is included in the price.
However, first you will enjoy a nice and quiet boat trip with drinks included, such as sangria, mojitos or champagne. You can accompany the drink with some fresh fruits and enjoy the beautiful views of Es Vedra and the bay. Afterwards, you can go snorkeling, paddle surfing or kayaking.
When you get tired, get back on the boat and lie down in a hammock to relax with music playing in the background. While you admire the sunset, you can enjoy a glass of champagne and a snack. Undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Ibiza in summer.
2. Spend a day at the beach in Cala d'Hort
Cala d'Hort is located very close to Es Vedra. This beach is about 10 minutes by car from San José. It is a very small beach, only about 150 meters long. However, it has all kinds of services, such as sunbeds, restaurants, lifeguards and disabled access.
Because it is a very small beach with a special charm, in high season it is usually very popular. Therefore, if you go by car, it can be difficult to park it. My recommendation is that, if you want to go in your own vehicle, go early in the morning to avoid problems.
Cala d'Hort offers spectacular views of Es Vedrà, as the islet is just a few meters away. In addition to the views, it is also worthwhile for its natural character, with fine sand and an ideal tide for surfing. In case you can afford it, I recommend you to have lunch in one of its restaurants and stay on the beach to watch the sunset.
There are three restaurants located in Cala d'Hort, all of them specialized in fish and seafood. One of the most famous is Es Boldadó, which is located on the cliffs, offering spectacular views of the bay and Es Vedrá. It can be accessed either by car from the road or by a wooden staircase from the beach.
3. Take an excursion to Es Vedra on a cruise ship
If you want to get close to Es Vedra, I recommend this boat trip. It lasts 4 hours in total and departs from the port of San Antonio. During the trip, the boat will pass through the bays of Cala Bassa, Cala Tarida, Cala Vadella and Cala d'Hort. Afterwards, you will skirt the island of Es Vedra.
The excursion is available from May to October and is ideal for you if you are traveling to Ibiza with the whole family. In addition, children under 5 years old do not have to pay an entrance fee for the excursion.
On the boat itself you can buy some snacks and drinks, such as cans of soda or a glass of sangria. In addition, a local guide will comment on the trip, informing you of the points of interest you are seeing and the main curiosities of the place. At the end, you will toast with a glass of champagne with the rest of the passengers.
4. Visit Sa Pedrera of Cala d'Hort or Atlantis
In the same Natural Reserve of Cala d'Hort is Atlantis, one of the most magical places in Ibiza. There are many legends surrounding Sa Pedrera. The first of them speaks of a civilization called Atlantis, which sank the sea millions of years ago.
Besides being a mystical and magical place, it is perfect for you, if you want to relax and forget the noise during your vacations in Ibiza. To get there, you will have to go down a cliff, from where you can see incredible views of the place, including Es Vedrá. It is not an easy way, especially on the way back, since you will have to climb. Therefore, it is not a very recommendable place to go with small children. I don't recommend you to go at night either.
Sa Pedrera is covered by golden sand and has natural green water pools. Previously, this place did not have this aspect, but it was a stone quarry. From here were taken part of the stones that shaped the walls of Dalt Vila, so since its origins it has been a place of great importance for the island.
After ceasing to be exploited for this work, the hippie community made Sa Pedrera a place of worship. This is the reason why you can find different Buddhist figures carved into the rock.
5. Discover Cala Carbó
Another of the best beaches near Es Vedrá is Cala Carbó. It is also very close to San José, about 10 minutes away by car. Cala Carbó is a very small cove, only about 50 meters long. It has umbrellas, hammocks and several restaurants where you can have a drink.
It is a beach of fine sand and turquoise water. Along the shore, there are different rocks where you can sit and relax and watch the tide. There are many boats that pass through this area, offering a panoramic view that looks like something out of a painting. To this scenery must be added the beautiful green of the pine trees that shade the beach.
As with other beaches of this type, such as Cala d'Hort, the assigned parking lot is usually filled very early in high season, especially on weekends. Therefore, it is advisable to arrive early if you want to park. Also, in case you intend to have lunch at one of the restaurants on the beach, you will have to book in advance.
There are two restaurants in Cala Carbó, both specialized in fish, seafood and paella. The most famous is Restaurante Balenari Cala Carbó. Of course, you can also bring your own food from home and have a picnic on the beach. Of course, remember to leave everything packed up just as you found it.
6. Go back to another era in the Phoenician settlement of Sa Caleta
Between the beach of des Codolar and Mount des Jondal, there is a Phoenician site, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1999. It is one of the main archaeological jewels of the island, which belongs to the 8th century BC.
The settlement has a wharf, which was used at that time and is still active today. It is said that the population that inhabited the place, moved to the bay of Ibiza, originating the city that we know today.
Currently, it is a perfect plan for you, if you are passionate about history. You will be able to see the ovens that were used for baking bread and the spectacular views that the place offers. You can also learn about the urban organization of the Phoenicians, which is characterized by being disorderly.
To get to this place, you can go by car from San José. First, you will have to take the road to Ibiza. Then, turn right at the Sa Cova Santa intersection. Stay on this road for 4 kilometers, which is when the signs to Sa Caleta begin.
7. Discover the Torre des Savinar
The Torre des Savinar is also known as the Pirate's Tower. It is located in Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, in the Natural Reserve of Cala d'Hort, on top of a cliff. From the place, there are wonderful views of both Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell.
The nickname 'Pirate's Tower' is not given by any legend or historical event, but by a novel by the writer Vicente Blasco Ibáñez. It was originally built as an artillery tower. However, it was never used for that purpose and was limited to being a watchtower.
To get to the Torre des Savinar from San José, you have to take the road to Es Cubells. Then, take the exit towards Cala d'Hort. After passing a curve, you will see a dirt road on your left. Park the car there and walk half an hour to the tower.
When you get there, you will see the original door of the tower, which is located at the top of a ramp. However, you cannot enter the tower, as it is owned by a family in the village. The latter is not a disadvantage to visit the tower, since what you are interested in are the views it offers of the islet.
8. Watching the sunset in San Antonio
The island of Ibiza is famous for its sunsets. One of the best places to watch the sunset overlooking Es Vedra is San Antonio Abad. This municipality is located twenty minutes drive from Cala D'hort.
If you want to go by public transport, you will have to take a cab to Can Vejer. Then, you will have to take the bus L8. In total, the journey takes no more than half an hour.
In San Antonio there are many places to watch the sunset, but one of the most recommended is Café del Mar. This beachfront beach bar overlooking the sea is ideal for watching the sunset while enjoying a cocktail, a soft drink or a glass of wine. You can also go to Café Mambo or the Savannah bar.
In case you want to save on your trip, you can also buy an ice cream or a drink in any establishment and watch the sunset on San Antonio's promenade.
9. Follow the route of the Eye of Es Vedrá
Although this route offers incredible views, I have to clarify that it is not for everyone. The route climbs up to a very high peak, so it is not recommended for you if you suffer from vertigo. Beyond that, it is not a very hard route, except for certain sections where the climbs are very steep and the terrain is somewhat slippery.
The route of the Ojo de Es Vedrá has a duration of about 50 minutes: 25 minutes there, 25 minutes back. In total, you will cover about 2 kilometers, so it is not a long route at all. To get there, first equip yourself well with good hiking shoes, a backpack with water and an external battery for your phone.
Then, you will have to get to Cala Llentrisca, which is located near the municipality of Es Cubells. When you reach a curve with a dirt parking lot, park the car. You will see a green mark on the ground indicating the beginning of the walking route. Once you have walked for about 20 minutes, you will see a rock with a big hole in it . You have reached your destination!
The place is called the viewpoint of Llentrisca cove or Ojo de Es Vedrá and offers spectacular views of the islet in question and the bay. However, watch your step and do not lean out too far over the cliff.
10. Enjoy a sunny day in cala Vedella
In the village of Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, you will find one of the favorite beaches for families. Cala Vedella, unlike Cala d'Hort and Cala Carbó, is a wide beach, so you will not have so many problems when it comes to place the umbrella. It is a wild beach with a beautiful natural pool, located in an area of fishermen and with beautiful views of Es Vedra.
The beach is fine white sand and the water is usually very calm, which makes it very safe for children. Therefore, this is one of the best activities to do with children in Ibiza. Cala Vedella has all kinds of services, such as stores, restaurants and bars.
One of the most famous restaurants is Maria Luisa, specialized in fresh fish. In addition, there are also sports equipment rental booths. In this way, you can rent a jet ski or what you need to practice scuba diving.
Cala Vedella is a very quiet beach where, although it is a tourist attraction, you can find local people from the municipality. It is true that on weekends there is more noise, but nothing compared to other beaches on the island. To reach this place from Sant Josep de Sa Talaia, it will not take you more than 10 minutes by car. If you don't have your own vehicle, you can take a bus. However, there is no option where you can get on in Sant Josep and get off in Cala Vedella, so you will have to walk.