The Story of Atlantis
Over 2000 years ago, the ancient Greek philosopher Plato told the famous story of Atlantis. His words described a utopian island, home to unique plants, wildlife, and abundant gold—ruled by half gods and half humans. Legend has it that the island still exists, with many saying it’s submerged off the coast of Ibiza, Spain.
Sa Pedrera de Cala D’Hort (Best Hike in Ibiza!)
Sa Pedrera de Cala D’Hort (in Spanish) was given the name ‘Ibiza Atlantis’ in reference to the famous underwater city. In fact, many believe that this is the exact spot! It’s easy to see why when you see the vast pools of water along the coast, looking out to sea.
What’s left are huge rectangular pits along the cliffs, which fill with water as the tide comes in. When the tide goes back out, the sea leaves behind beautiful pools shimmering in various blues and greens.
Getting to Sa Pedrera de Cala D’Hort
To reach these spectacular pools, you need to walk down the cliffs on a moderately challenging walk. It’s the best hike in Ibiza! (Book this popular walking tour to Ibiza Atlantis)
The deep descent takes you along gravel paths until you eventually reach some fascinating stone circles — created by hippies many years ago. These days, each hiker leaves behind a stone, making the sculptures even bigger. You can see the incredible sight by selecting satellite imaging on our Ibiza Google Maps!
After the stone circles, you’ll see some beautiful dunes, which lead you to the stunning basins. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the pools, accompanied by the sound of the sea, before settling in to watch an epic sunset.
Did you know? Hippies used to spend days hanging out in this mythical spot, carving art and faces into the rocks. There’s even the remains of a carved Buddha here!
Route Instructions
There are no signposts to the quarry, which definitely adds to the mystery. Because of this, getting there may feel like more of a challenge, but it’s so worth it! To reach Ibiza Atlantis, follow these instructions:
- From the parking lot, pass the wooden gate and continue walking until you reach a junction.
- You’ll see a trampled fence at this junction, which you need to walk past.
- From here, you have two options: walk straight for 10 minutes to reach the Es Vedra Viewpoint or turn left for the Atlantis Hike.
- The first part of this descent is quite challenging, as it goes steeply downwards and is gravel (no flip-flops!). Although there are no signs, keep hugging the massive cliff on your right side for 25-30 minutes until you reach the sand dunes. Halfway, you’ll also notice the path change from gravel to sand.
- Once at the sand dunes, you’re almost there. From here, it’s just 10 more minutes down. However, pause for a moment to take in the incredible views.
- You’ve finally reached Ibiza Atlantis! Keep to the left of the giant boulder. Here, you should see some carved steps in the rock leading you down to the pools.
- Grab your bathers and jump into the pools for a refreshing dip!
Top Tip: We’ve pinpointed the exact spot and route on our Ibiza Maps to make it easier for you to get there.
The whole hike takes 1 hour and 20 minutes, but make sure to leave yourself plenty of time to relax in the tidal pools.
Optional: Es Vedra Viewpoint
No trip to Ibiza is complete without seeing the legendary rock of Es Vedra! On your return journey from Sa Pedrera de Cala D’Hort, weave off the path towards the famous Es Vedra viewpoint. The clifftop spot looks directly onto the rock, protruding from the sea at 400 meters high. It’s also thought to be one of the most magnetic areas on Earth!
Sunset is when the Es Vedra Viewpoint really comes to life, as people flock from all over the island to see the rock bathed in an orange glow. Grab a delicious mojito (a guy sells them for 5 EUR) and settle in for an incredible visual show.
Tip: You can also stay at Sa Pedrera de Cala D’Hort for sunset. Although you won’t have a direct view of the Es Vedra rock, it’s much quieter. Instead of the hundreds of people at Es Vedra viewpoint, there’s just a handful at Ibiza Atlantis.
Top tips for visiting Atlantis Ibiza
The Ibiza Atlantis hike is moderately challenging; although it’s not a long hike, it descends steeply on many gravel paths, making it a bit slippy. Follow these tips to make the most of the best hike in Ibiza!
- Footwear: Wear proper sneakers or hiking shoes. NO flip flops, as you’ll slip on the gravel.
- Google Maps: Download Google Maps offline beforehand, as there’s no signal in the area. You can also use satellite view to ensure you’re heading in the right direction.
- Best Time: To avoid the heat, do this hike in the early morning or late afternoon. If you also want to see the sun go down at Es Vedra, start the climb back up at least one hour before sunset. (Book this popular walking tour to Ibiza Atlantis)
- Safety: Take it slow, and watch your step, as it’s easy to slip on the gravel. Don’t leave valuables in the car (learn more about travel safety)
Travel Insurance
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Packing List
The pools have no facilities, and in the summer, temperatures are hot in Ibiza. Because of this, make sure to pack:
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sunhat
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Snacks
- Lots of water
Read: Discover all the best things to do in Ibiza!
How to Visit Ibiza Atlantis
From Ibiza Town, it’s a 30-minute drive, which you can follow on Google Maps (we’ve pinned the location). Rent a car or scooter to give you the most flexibility, as there are no direct buses here.
We recommend to rent a car in Spain through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Note: To reach Sa Pedrera de Cala d’Hort, you’ll also park at the same spot as you would for the Es Vedra viewpoint. Parking is free!
Organized Tour
If you don’t have a car, the best way to reach Ibiza Atlantis is by joining an organized tour (like this great hiking tour!). You’ll learn more about the area from a local guide, and usually, return transportation is included.
Hotels near Sa Pedrera de Cala D’Hort
It’s easy to fall in love with the magic of this side of the island, so why not stay nearby on your trip? The local towns of Es Cubells and Cala Vadella make great bases for exploring the rest of Ibiza. What’s more, you’ll be conveniently located close to the Atlantis Ibiza hike and the Es Vedra Viewpoint.
If you’re not staying nearby, there’s no problem at all! It’s super easy to reach Sa Pedrera de Cala D’Hort from Ibiza Town, the most popular area in which to stay on the island. (see all hotels)
Best Time to Visit Ibiza Atlantis
The best time to visit Ibiza Atlantis is in the late afternoon when you’ll see the pools shimmering in the ‘golden hour’ glow. Plus, you’ll also experience some spectacular sunset colors as you make your ascent back to the car park.
Please leave Atlantis at least one hour before the sun sets. If you don’t, it will be dark for some of your ascent. As you get closer to the top, there will also be places where you can watch the sunset.
Note: We visited Ibiza in mid-March and loved it! The temperatures were perfect, and we also had the beaches and hiking routes to ourselves.
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