Es Vedrà, an imposing rock formation on the southwest coast of Ibiza, is renowned for its legends and paranormal phenomena. Since the 19th century, stories such as Father Palau’s encounters have fueled its mystique. The islet is part of the Triangle of Silence, where unexplained phenomena like magnetic interferences and underwater lights occur. Declared a Natural Park in 2002, Es Vedrà continues to attract tourists interested in its cultural, historical, and spiritual richness, maintaining its enigmatic aura.
The Triangle of Silence: Es Vedrà and Its Inexplicable Phenomena
Es Vedrà, a rock formation approximately 385 meters high and covering just 60 hectares, majestically rises on the southwest coast of Ibiza, in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea.
Although at first glance it might seem like just another rock fragment on the horizon, the reality is that this islet holds a series of stories that have captivated the imagination of locals, travelers, and researchers. Many believe that its halo of mystery stems from a unique convergence of energies, combined with the relentless ebb and flow of the waves and the mysticism that permeates the Balearic island.
From Cala d’Hort beach, the view of Es Vedrà offers an unparalleled spectacle, especially when the sun sets and sinks behind the silhouette of the rock. However, the scenic beauty is not the only component that attracts tourists and the curious.
Over decades, unusual sightings, luminous phenomena, and even testimonies of strange magnetic interferences have been reported. With these accounts, the rock formation has become a reference point for those seeking transcendental experiences or simply longing to feel an atmosphere different from that found in other tourist destinations.
A History Beyond the Myth
Although there are historical references to the Ibizan coast dating back to the Phoenician era, it was not until the 19th century that the legends associated with Es Vedrà began to gain prominence.
The Carmelite priest Francisco Palau is credited with playing a decisive role in building the mystical identity of the islet. During his exile in Ibiza, between 1854 and 1860, this clergyman periodically took refuge in the rocks of the promontory and recounted alleged encounters with “heavenly beings” and “ladies of light.”
Palau’s chronicles ignited the curiosity of the inhabitants and, over time, gave rise to a series of myths that persist to this day. Meanwhile, some researchers have sought to trace earlier stories, finding only brief mentions in the island’s oral tradition, such as the rondalla titled El gegant des Vedrà, which blends reality and fantasy in the style of the folkloric tales of the Balearics.
Nonetheless, the religious and spiritual imprint left by Father Palau was essential in developing the mystical character that currently defines the place.
The Triangle of Silence
One of the arguments that has most contributed to shaping the legend of Es Vedrà is its alleged inclusion in the “Triangle of Silence,” an area that, according to various enthusiasts of paranormal phenomena, would be a Mediterranean version of the famous Bermuda Triangle.
The exact boundaries of this zone vary according to sources, but some authors locate it between the Peñón de Ifach (in Calpe, Alicante), the southwest coast of Mallorca, and the islet of Es Vedrà itself.
The most striking aspect of this theory lies in the suggestion that this area produces magnetic alterations capable of disorienting both birds and ships or airplanes.
Several experts in atmospheric sciences have expressed skepticism, but this has not stopped numerous curious individuals from continuing to seek answers about the supposed energetic convergence surrounding the rock formation. Nevertheless, the scarcity of empirical data leaves the door open to speculation, fueling the legend of a place that persistently defies conventional logic.
Underwater Lights and Sounds
Meanwhile, the waters of Es Vedrà have also been the setting for surprising accounts.
Numerous fishermen claim to have seen lights beneath the sea’s surface, moving at incredible speeds and even emerging to disappear into the night sky. Such descriptions resemble the events narrated by Christopher Columbus regarding the Bermuda Triangle, supporting the hypothesis that the rock formation is an epicenter of unidentified activities.
Additionally, experienced divers have reported high-intensity metallic noises capable of altering fish behavior. José Amengual, Spain’s underwater hunting champion, was one of the first to publicize these experiences.
According to his testimonies, some “schools” of fish quickly fled after hearing the strange sounds, as if something was disturbing the natural order of the environment. These unanswered questions invite exploration of the marine depths, perhaps as full of secrets as the stars in the firmament.
The Manises Case: The Night That Made History
One of the most compelling episodes in Spanish ufology is undoubtedly the “Manises Case.”
It occurred on November 11, 1979, when a commercial airplane on the Palma de Mallorca-Tenerife route was forced to make an emergency landing at the Valencia airport in Manises.
Its crew reported being chased for several minutes by an unidentified flying object that appeared “right in the vertical of Es Vedrà.” This incident not only attracted local media attention but also transcended the island’s borders, positioning Ibiza as a focal point of interest for investigators of the unusual.
Following this event, the islet became a pilgrimage site for international ufologists and journalists eager to delve into the mystery.
The Spanish Air Force intervened, sending a fighter jet to investigate the possible origins of the perceived threat. Although the official result did not provide definitive conclusions, the “Manises Case” reinforced Es Vedrà’s reputation as a magnet for inexplicable events.
The Legacy of Father Palau
Returning to the religious realm, Father Francisco Palau contributed to the “re-Christianization” of Ibiza by founding the Monastery of the Missionary Carmelites in the town of Es Cubells. However, his work went beyond the merely ecclesiastical.
His accounts of mystical experiences lived on the islet—including ethereal apparitions and dialogues with the divine—strengthened a very particular atmosphere of spirituality that soon spread across the island, attracting all kinds of seekers.
Today, Father Palau’s influence persists in religious communities and certain sectors of Ibizan society, who see Es Vedrà as more than just a geological accident. There is a belief that the islet projects a healing energy, capable of connecting visitors with higher forces.
While these beliefs are difficult to frame within scientific parameters, their cultural relevance remains undeniable.
A Cultural Epicenter of Mystical Ibiza
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the island of Ibiza experienced the arrival of the hippy culture. Musicians, artists, and countercultural thinkers found in its coves a conducive place for creative freedom and the search for new forms of spirituality.
In this way, Es Vedrà became a symbol of the deeper Ibiza, one that coexisted with Wiccan rituals on full moon nights and group meditations aimed at synchronizing body and mind with the supposed energy emanating from the islet.
Among the illustrious visitors of the time were figures like Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, and Eric Clapton, who were drawn by the atmosphere of tolerance and artistic experimentation.
At the same time, centers for transcendental meditation emerged in nearby towns like Sant Miquel, where numerous travelers gathered to deepen their inner growth. All of this fostered a special synergy between bohemian aesthetics and local mysticism, consolidating Es Vedrà as an alternative pilgrimage focal point.
Protection and the Future
In 2002, Es Vedrà was declared a Natural Park, significantly limiting human presence and allowing the protection of the sparse vegetation that survives on its rocky surface, inhabited mainly by species adapted to an environment with high salinity levels.
This legal designation also included its neighboring islet, Es Vedranell, and other areas of western Ibiza. For heritage defenders, this protection ensures the conservation of a unique enclave, crucial for maintaining marine biodiversity and the cultural richness the island holds.
On the other hand, some visitors who approach by boat continue to report occasional interferences with their electronic devices. Additionally, tour operators capitalize on the islet’s supernatural reputation to promote excursions that promise unforgettable experiences.
In an era of incessant connectivity, Es Vedrà seems to offer a refuge for those yearning to disconnect from technological hustle and immerse themselves in the vastness of the sea.
Final Reflections
The duality of Es Vedrà—between the tangible and the intangible—captivates the curiosity of those seeking a corner of spirituality or simply pursuing an unforgettable photograph. Nevertheless, its enigmatic character is not limited to underwater lights or the “Triangle of Silence.”
Rather, it extends to the emotional and symbolic connection that Ibizans and travelers establish with the rock formation. Ultimately, the true mystery of this islet lies in its ability to inspire stories while nurturing the hope that there is still something unknown to explore on an increasingly mapped planet.
Consequently, the attraction Es Vedrà exerts on artists, scientists, and the curious is understandable.
Perhaps it will never be fully clarified whether its rocks emit a force capable of altering compasses or confusing carrier pigeons. However, the cultural and historical richness that has blossomed around it reflects the open and adventurous spirit of Ibiza, which seamlessly blends tradition, legend, and modernity.
Mike Rivero – Spiritual and Mystical Tourism in Spain
