Sa Pedrera: Atlantis
Route of 1.3 km to the place known by mythological legends as the energetic temple of the hippies of Ibiza.
For the first 600 metres we walk along a dirt track that is quite bumpy but suitable for walking; cars can drive on it with caution. This section ends in front of a metal fence, where vehicles are usually parked. From here there are two paths, the one on the right leads to Es Vedrá-Torre des Savinar.
This stretch up to the cliff is suitable for everyone. The tricky part is the descent down to the sea, as it is very steep along an intricate and rugged path with no signposts. It has an IBP difficulty rating of 38, so you need to be in good physical shape to tackle the return ascent, which is exhausting.
Shortly after starting the descent, a sign painted on a stone mistakenly indicates the path to the left, as it has been destroyed. We must follow the path to the right, which continues close to the cliff on the right, where climbing is practised. The path winds through stones and bushes to the rock of the cave, where a steep slope of sand dunes begins, very enjoyable on the way down but strenuous on the way up. On the way back you can avoid these dunes by going around them on a path to the right.
It is preferable to start this route early in the morning and return in the afternoon when the heat is less intense. It is advisable to bring plenty of fluids for hydration, sunscreen (there is no shade), some food, hats and trainers.
It is comforting to take a dip in the crystal clear emerald waters, but be especially cautious of the jellyfish that tend to carry the currents into the cove.
Situated in the Cala D'hort Nature Reserve, it is a quarry of "mares" sandstone that has been exploited since ancient times. It has transformed a breakwater over the sea into a set of rocks carved in cubic form, straight walls cut diagonally and steps turned into natural greenish pools.
The square stones from which the walls of Ibiza were made were quarried. They were transported by sea.
Ancient hippies and modern-day visitors have carved the stone with various statues and engraved various drawings and symbols. The name of this quarry is "Sa Pedrera" but in the 1960s the hippies who lived there changed the name to "Atlantis" to give it a magical, mythical character.
On the way down there is a small cave under a rock where the quarrymen used to take refuge when it rained. Buddhist symbols have been painted on the rock, which is why it is known as "the Buddha's cave". It is frequently inhabited.
Content courtesy of José Talaván - www.videomapa.es
