Located in the Cala d’Hort Nature Reserve, Sa Pedrera de Cala d’Hort or Atlantis, as it’s popularly known, hides some of the island’s best-kept secrets. The myth of Atlantis, a civilisation that disappeared under the sea millions of years ago and that many claim indeed did exist, served as the inspiration for the name of what was historically known as the sandstone quarry (Sa Pedrera) of Cala d’Hort.
If you’re looking for a haven of peace, spirituality, and mysticism on your visit to Ibiza, be sure to come to this secret corner of the Mediterranean, which is really neither a beach nor a cove, and whose name is reminiscent of Greek legends and distant lands. Are you coming to see it?
Atlantis Ibiza, from quarry to hippie hideaway
The first impression you get of Atlantis, if you walk down the cliff, is surprising. The panoramic view looks like something out of another world. Perfectly cut rock formations forming lines, flat surfaces, symmetrical stairways, and deep cavities that are natural pools. The contrasting colours make the landscape even more dreamlike; the ochre of the sandstone tinges the water that fills the pools an emerald green colour when the tide rises and invites you to take a dip in them.
Although the spectacle of Cala Atlantis isn’t something you see every day, it isn’t due to a natural phenomenon, but is rather a consequence of human impact on nature. Sa Pedrera de Cala d`Hort was actually a large sandstone quarry that was exploited hundreds of years ago. In fact, part of the walls of Dalt Vila, in Ibiza were built with sandstone from this quarry, which was quarried and transported by sea to the city. This was in the 16th century.
Once stone quarrying stopped in Sa Pedrera, it was some years before the hippie communities that settled on the island rediscovered the place, chose it as a place of worship, and began to call it Atlantis because of its strange appearance. Captivated by the spirituality of the space, they used the cave in the cliff as a meeting place and refuge. They were also responsible for some of the figures that can be seen carved in the rock, which are related to Buddhism and Hinduism. This is how, little by little, the legend of a mystical and inaccessible place was created, protecting it from mass tourism. In fact, Atlantis still doesn’t appear in tourist guides.
What to see in Sa Pedrera de Cala d`Hort
Getting to Sa Pedrera on foot isn’t easy. You have to walk the last stretch along the cliff, negotiating the steep slope and enduring the vertigo caused by looking down. So, if you decide to visit Atlantis, we recommend that you dedicate the whole day to enjoying this magical place. You’ll need to rest and get your strength back because the return trip up the cliffs is exhausting.
Discover the Cala d’Hort Nature Reserve
To get to the cliff where Atlantis is located, you first have to walk for about 20 minutes through the Cala d’Hort Nature Reserve, an area with a lot of environmental treasures. Enjoy the lovely walk, the flora and fauna of the area, and make a stop at the Torre des Savinar, or Pirate’s Tower, which stands in the perfect place to offer the best views of Es Vedrá. Erected as an artillery tower, it was later used as a watchtower. We recommend you time your visit to coincide with a sunset. Watching the sun set behind Es Vedrá from this height is a spectacle that won’t fail to impress you.
Admiring the island of Es Vedrá
This enormous pyramid-shaped rock lies off the coast of Ibiza and forms part of the Cala d’Hort Nature Reserve, along with its little sister Es Vedranell. Es Vedrá is, quite rightly, one of the favourite spots of locals and tourists alike.
Its 385 metres of altitude rise imposingly above the sea and make it visible and recognisable from many points on the island. But the most curious thing about Es Vedrá is not its size, its appearance or the fact you can’t visit it without special permission. The most interesting thing is the supernatural qualities attached to it; reports of UFO sightings, the appearance of lights or metallic sounds underwater contribute to the legend and the mystique of Es Vedrá.
Visit Cala d’Hort
Cala d’Hort is undoubtedly one of the most impressive beaches in Ibiza, perhaps not for its beauty, but for its perfect panoramic view of Es Vedrá. If you visit Atlantis, you can stop on the way back to recharge your batteries at one of its two restaurants. Just like the Torre des Savinar, having Es Vedrá in the background will ensure you have an amazing sunset.
