Many Ibiza lovers will have heard that the Es Vedrà viewpoint - located by the cliffs facing the islet - has been closed to the public. We caught up with Stivi from Balearic Outdoor Adventures, who has lived on the island for over 20 years, to find out what's happening at this beloved sunset spot.
IS: Please give us some background
There is a large platform, which, until about ten years ago, was a peaceful spot where people would go to enjoy the sunset in tranquility. But like many beautiful locations worldwide, Instagram changed everything. As the location's popularity exploded on social media, the negative consequences quickly followed. It attracted noise, litter, and vendors selling mojitos—with cups often left discarded around the area. The final straw was when a famous DJ did a sunset performance there, without even asking the landowners for permission."
IS: Many visitors are surprised to learn that the viewpoint isn't public land.
"It's always been private," Stivi emphasises. "In my opinion, one of the main problems was that nobody knew this. People just assumed it was public and that everyone had the right to do whatever they wanted there. After years of degradation, litter, trespassing, and noise, the landowners decided enough was enough. This winter, they took action to reduce visitor numbers and protect the area.”
IS: So, as we enter the 2025 season, what's changed?
The most significant change is the removal of the parking lot that previously served the viewpoint. "People should not park along the road," Stivi warns. "The police have announced rigorous checks and hefty fines for those who do. At the moment, it's really hard to park anywhere in the area.”
At some point in the future, a new paid parking area may be established further down toward Cala d'Hort beach. In the meantime, Stivi recommends watching the sunset from the restaurant area near the beach.
IS: And what about the viewpoint and the watchtower?
"Both the old viewpoint as well as the watchtower, which dates from the 18th century, is fenced off, which means no one should go there. Full stop. I would ask everyone to collaborate with these measures. Do not enter any fenced-off areas," he urges. "It's private land, and if it's fenced off, it means the landowners do not want you there."
The watchtower, which had been vandalised, will reopen for certain visits at some point after it’s been restored, but that’s going to take time. The platform further below, which was the main viewpoint, will remain closed.
Despite these restrictions, there may still be ways to experience the area responsibly.
"We've had long talks with the landowners about how we can ensure sustainable forms of activity in the area," Stivi says, outlining a possible future where visitors can still enjoy Es Vedrà's beauty while respecting both the environment and private property rights. “The natural surroundings need to regenerate.”
IS: And what do you recommend people do who want to simply enjoy walking in the area?
“Well, we are one of just two companies that have official permission to take people on hikes in that area.” Obviously, we avoid visiting the aforementioned spots so that those specific zones can regenerate, but we have different routes in the area with even better views towards Es Vedrà."
Until further notice, visitors to Ibiza can book with authorised guides who have a licence to access the area or, alternatively, find other spots to catch those famous sunsets.
Stivi is a Swiss mountain guide who knows the Balearics like the back of his hand and is fluent in six languages. Together with Andy and Joan, the other two guides of Balearic Outdoor Adventures, they offer over 40 different routes for all levels and experience.
