The Enchanted Realm

The island of Ibiza in Spain is rife with legends of goblins, elves, pirates, and UFO sightings. On an excursion to the Mediterranean paradise, LAKSHMI SHARATH leaves the nightlife behind for these intriguing tales.

- Lakshmi Sharath

STANDING ON THE jagged edge of a steep cliff and looking out into the ocean, I am mesmerised by the views of the towering limestone monoliths rising majestically from the ocean bed. Silhouetted against the hazy afternoon sun, the rugged rocky outcrop standing tall at 400 metres is shrouded in mysteries, secrets, and intriguing stories.

I am in sunny Ibiza in Spain, which is part of the Balearic islands, an archipelago in the Mediterranean, gazing at the uninhabited islet of Es Vedrä lying across the bay of Cala D' Hort, a sandy beach surrounded by cliffs. As the slanting rays of the sun hit the landscape, I see a lady sprawled on the rocky bed; she seems to be in deep meditation, imbibing the spirit of the enclave.

Mystical and magical, Es Vedrä, like Ibiza itself is full of whimsical legends. My guide Carlos Espin said that locals believe that the islet has a magnetic energy that apparently drew the hippies here, way back in the '60s and '70s. But there seems to be more than just flower power here. Apparently, the magnetic force has so many healing properties that it can even help to align chakras in the body. But it is so strong that it can also veer birds and boats off their course, making them lose their sense of direction.

Many myths are ironically rock solid here. Local fishermen claim to have seen magical rings of light, all leading to the theory that Es Vedrä is the haunt of supernatural beings; the ocean floor, a hot bed of paranormal activities is believed to be a base for aliens while strange flickering lights and UFO sightings have been reported. A monk, who was later banished from the island wrote about his encounters with "unearthly beings surrounded by light" while meditating here.