The Pirate Tower with Ibiza's Most Photographed Views
If I had to choose just one place in Ibiza to take someone visiting the island for the first time, I wouldn't hesitate to choose Torre des Savinar. This ancient 18th-century defensive tower, built to watch for the arrival of Barbary pirates, rises above impressive cliffs.
From here, Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell unfold before you like nowhere else on the island. It's one of those places that makes you understand why Ibiza is so much more than beaches and nightlife.
How to Get There and Where to Park
To reach the start of the route, take the road from Sant Josep towards Cala d'Hort. Before descending to the beach, you'll see a right turn signposted towards the tower.
This dirt road is passable in a regular car, though carefully, as it has some potholes and loose stones. At the end of the road there's an informal parking area with space for about twenty cars. From here, the actual hike begins—it lasts barely twenty minutes but is of a beauty that will leave you speechless.
The Path to the Tower
The Main Section
The trail is relatively short, about eight hundred meters, but has a couple of sections with some slope and uneven terrain. It's not a difficult route at all, but it's worth wearing closed-toe shoes with good grip. Sandals and flip-flops are a bad idea here.
As you advance, the landscape opens up and you begin to catch glimpses of the sea between the pines and Aleppo pines. The aromas of wild thyme and rosemary fill the air, especially in spring.
The Trail Fork
There's a point in the path where the trail splits:
- To the left: you reach the tower directly, with an elevated perspective that encompasses the entire southwest coast
- To the right: a natural viewpoint overlooking the cliffs with a frontal view of Es Vedrà
My advice is to visit both, because the perspectives are different and complementary.
Torre des Savinar from the Inside
The tower itself is a fairly well-preserved cylindrical stone structure, though you can't officially enter it because it needs restoration. Many people climb to the upper platform through a gap in the wall.
Important warning: If you decide to climb to the platform, be very careful because there are no railings or protection of any kind, and a fall would be fatal. Assess the risks before doing so.
From the upper platform the panorama is 360 degrees and absolutely spectacular: Es Vedrà seems so close you could touch it, the sea a hundred meters below gleams in every imaginable shade of blue and turquoise, and the cliffs of Cala d'Hort extend northward with wild majesty.
The Best Time to Visit
Without question, sunset is when this place reaches its maximum beauty. Golden light wraps around Es Vedrà and creates dramatic shadows on the cliffs that make the rock seem to burn. The colors of the sky change from gold to orange, pink, violet, and finally a deep blue.
It's also spectacular in spring, because the cliffs fill with yellow and purple wildflowers that contrast with the intense blue of the sea. And in winter, with rough seas, the scene has a wild force that sends chills down your spine. Each season offers something different, so return as many times as you can.
Practical Information
- Distance: 1.6 km (round trip)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 40-60 minutes (including photo stops)
- Best time: Year-round, ideal at sunset
- Footwear: Closed-toe with good grip (never flip-flops)
- Essential: Flashlight if visiting at sunset, camera