Visitors heading to the Es Vedrà viewpoint recently have found car parks closed and access paths blocked. While some managed to capture their dream photo despite the restrictions, many are now wondering about alternative ways to visit this iconic spot.
Those arriving in the Cala d’Hort area to enjoy breathtaking views of Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell are now facing a new reality: the two main paths leading to the s’Era des Mataret viewpoint are closed—both to vehicles and pedestrians. Additionally, the small car park that once served the viewpoint has been removed, and access to another, more recent parking area near the beach has also been restricted.
A visit to the site confirms that these control measures are effective, yet they also highlight the determination of visitors to experience this famous viewpoint. The main access route, which once led directly to the spectacular vantage point, is now blocked by large rocks. The original wooden fence remains in place, allowing entry only to local residents. Parking along the roadside is no longer possible due to the installation of safety barriers, leaving just a narrow, 100-metre-long section of road as the only remaining option—though space is extremely limited.
A changing landscape for visitors
Even on a quiet Monday morning in February, this small stretch of road was already packed with eight parked cars, causing minor congestion. Many visitors arriving in the area were unaware of the new restrictions, including Jesús Rabasco, a healthcare worker who had brought a friend from mainland Spain to see the view. “I hadn’t heard about this. If people don’t respect the area, it makes sense that the locals have had enough”, he admitted. His friend, Sergio Lorenzo, was sympathetic: “If it’s private land, of course the residents have a right to restrict access. But for such a popular tourist spot, there should be an alternative”.
Antonio López and Isabel Martínez, a retired couple travelling through Spain’s IMSERSO programme, shared a similar sentiment. Forced to leave their car at the roadside, Antonio reasoned: “If this were my home, I wouldn’t want strangers walking through either”. The day before, unaware of the viewpoint, they had simply watched the sunset from the beach.
During the low season, visitors can still attempt to reach the viewpoint on foot. However, 200 metres further along the path, a newly installed metal fence presents another obstacle. This time, the visitors’ patience begins to wane. “Closing the road to cars is understandable, but blocking pedestrian access? That seems excessive”, said a disappointed Isabel Martínez.
Is the viewpoint still accessible?
Despite the restrictions, some visitors still manage to reach s’Era des Mataret. A section of the fence has been lifted, leaving a small 90-centimetre-high gap—just enough for some to crouch and slip through. “Just to be clear, we didn’t do anything—we found it like this”, said a group of young travellers.
At the viewpoint, they were joined by others—a Dutch family and a pair of friends who had also found their way in. One visitor, Felipe Planells, reflected on the situation: “I understand why locals get frustrated. In summer, this place is packed. They even threw a party here with DJ Diplo once—it was over the top”. However, he added: “Access should be controlled, but not completely shut off. Or if they do close it, it should only be for peak summer months”.
As they made their way back, they met a couple of motorcyclists who were critical of the closure. “It doesn’t make sense to use images of this viewpoint to promote Ibiza and then block access to it. If it’s off-limits, it shouldn’t be a tourist attraction”, one of them remarked. He suggested a possible solution: “Why not introduce a paid parking system? That would reduce the crowds”.
Local frustrations and future solutions
For residents like Pep Tur, the situation is a daily challenge. Trying to leave his house in his van, he found his way blocked by a motorbike left in front of the fence. “See this? Now you understand why we locals complain?” he said, exasperated. The prospect of summer crowds returning is already a concern. “At least now people are starting to realise there’s a problem here. The level of disrespect we deal with is unbelievable”.
Finding a solution, however, isn’t straightforward. Environmental protection laws under the Natura 2000 Plan prevent the creation of new parking areas near the site. Tur recalled how, in the past, efforts to control the situation—such as restricting the access road but maintaining a designated parking area—had seemed to work. But as the location gained even more popularity, problems escalated. “We even tried to get Google Maps to stop marking the exact location, but it was useless”.
As peak season approaches, local businesses may also feel the impact. “It’s going to be a real issue, especially for the beach restaurants—where will their customers park? As for the visitors heading to the viewpoint, they’ll have to find another place to watch the sunset“, Tur predicted.
That’s exactly what some locals, like Leila Martín, already do. A regular hiker in the area, she prefers to avoid the crowds by heading to a quieter spot. “When this place gets busy, I go to the other side of the beach, near Es Boldado restaurant. It’s much more peaceful there”.
However, she remains doubtful about the effectiveness of the new restrictions. “I understand why the residents are frustrated, but people will keep coming. This is out of control. If they can’t watch the sunset from here, they’ll just move to another spot nearby, like the urbanisations around Cala Carbó or Es Boldado. The issue won’t disappear—it’ll just move elsewhere”.
Her final thought? “Hopefully, the authorities will come up with a proper solution—that’s what they’re here for, isn’t it?”.
What this means for visitors
If you’re planning to visit the Es Vedrà viewpoint, be aware that the traditional access routes are now closed. However, there are still alternative ways to enjoy the stunning views:
- From the beach – Cala d’Hort itself offers a fantastic vantage point.
- Other sunset spots – Nearby areas, such as Cala Carbó or the clifftop viewpoints near Es Boldado, provide equally breathtaking panoramas.
- Boat trips – Several companies offer excursions that take you out to sea for incredible views of Es Vedrà from the water.
Before setting out, check for any updated visitor guidelines and always respect local restrictions to help preserve Ibiza’s natural beauty for future travellers.
