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Latest update: 20 July 2023
Atlantis, the route is not on Google Maps; there is no signpost… Does it even exist? Absolutely! It is quite an undertaking to find Atlantis in Ibiza, but the reward of fabulous natural swimming pools and the tranquility is more than worth it. Let’s get you there!
How did Atlantis on Ibiza originate?
In the 50s and 60s, the hippies in Ibiza renamed Sa Pedrera Atlantis. The name comes from the story of the philosopher Plato. According to that story, Poseidon, the god of the sea, falls in love with an ordinary woman and makes a hilltop for her. This hilltop was called Atlantis, and over time, it sank into the sea. That story really appealed to the hippies, and so Sa Pedrera became Atlantis from then on. It is a place where hippies like to gather.
What is Atlantis, Ibiza?
Atlantis is an untouched piece of nature mixed with several (sunken) rocks that almost look like walls. Atlantis was a quarry for a while. Stones were cut out to create the walls of Ibiza Town. Holes and cracks in the boulders have formed several natural swimming spots. If the water is not too rough, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the ocean here. A necessity because Atlantis is not easily accessible, so you are guaranteed to overheat and sweat A LOT. So take plenty of water with you and make sure you apply sunscreen.
Tip! Haven’t rented a car yet? I recommend Sunny Cars or EasyTerra because of the excellent service and no surprises afterward.
How to get to Atlantis, Ibiza
Set your navigation to Sa Pedrera or Atlantis, and you will end up on a dirt road. Follow this road until you reach a parking lot. Go through the wooden gate and follow the road to a notch in the gate. There is a metal pole with an A4 sheet on it. Here you keep left to get to Atlantis (if you continue the path straight ahead, you’ll get to Es Vedra).
Now the walking starts. Or rather: hiking. Because it is a long way down on a path full of stones followed by a sandy part, and then you’ll have to climb over the rocks. Count on about half an hour of descent, but in the fierce sun, it feels like hours to reach Atlantis.
You know you’re on the right track when you come across stone circles. From there, you choose any route down. All roads seem to end at about the same point at Atlantis.
Tip! Do you want to check out more “secret” spots on Ibiza? Check out all the tips for undiscovered Ibiza.
The descent to Atlantis
Make sure you wear good shoes because the descent to Atlantis is not easy. I fear heights, and at some parts, I’m deciding in tears where to put my feet without dying. In the end, you arrive at a sandy part, and then Atlantis shows up. So beautiful! The yellowish rocks stand out against the bright blue water. There are about twenty sunbathers when I am there. By the way, don’t be alarmed by a bit of nudity at Atlantis.
To get to the natural pools of Atlantis, I still have a challenge ahead of me. The only way is to let myself slide over a steep rock section while I cling to everything lose and tight to survive this adventure. We enjoy the force of nature, the water, the sun… and in the meantime, I occasionally gaze up. I’m dreading the way back…
More Ibiza inspiration?
Useful links for your upcoming Ibiza trip
- Accommodation. All-time favorite: Booking.com. Rather stay in a hostel? Try HostelWorld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. WithLocals also has good options. And Freetour.com and GuruWalk offer ‘free’ walking tours. Try Baja Bikes for bike tours.
- Boat. Get to Ibiza by boat from Barcelona or other places from the Spanish mainland. You can also travel between Formentera, Menorca, and Mallorca. Please check Omio for options.
- Car rental. Compare prices at Rentalcars and Discover Cars.
- Clubbing. Buy your club tickets here.
- Flights. Compare your options. Be sure to check Skyscanner and Kiwi.
- Guidebooks. Although I love the practical guidebooks from Lonely Planet, for my Ibiza holiday I choose inspirational books. Check out Amazon‘s offer.
- Money. Your debit and credit cards may not get accepted everywhere. You could opt for a Revolut card as an additional card when you travel.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? Expedia and CheapOair have offers.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Yoga retreat. Or, treat yourself to a lovely yoga retreat in Ibiza.
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First published: July 2020. Updated since.
