Eivissa: An Island of Legends
Ibiza’s identity is built on layers of history, myth, and the ever-present sea.
By Sophie Morrow
13/2/25
Ibiza’s identity is built on layers of history, myth, and the ever-present sea. Founded by the Phoenicians and protected by the goddess Tanit, the island has been a naval stronghold, a trade hub, and a place of mystery for centuries. Towering over its waters, Es Vedrà has inspired stories of sea nymphs, exiled priests, and even alien encounters. With its quartz-rich terrain and deep-rooted legends, Ibiza remains a place where history and mythology blur—a timeless island with a story still unfolding.
Eivissa is a place rich in history, culture, and mystery, shaped by centuries of myths and legends. Its history is as equally intriguing coloured by the many cultural changes and brought about by long lost empires that held sway in that area of the Mediterranean. Situated just some 150 kilometres from the Spanish mainland it is an integral part of the Balearic group of islands that were formed 60 million years ago when the African and Eurasian tectonic plates collided. The Balearics are a continuation of the Baetic System, a mountain range found in Andalusia. The island was established by the Phoenicians in 654BC and the protector was said to be the goddess ‘Tanit’ the warrior goddess of dance, fertility, creation and destruction. It was then that the Carthaginians began to exploit the island as a naval base when they established Ibiza as a Punic colony. After the Punic Wars the Romans moved in and used the easily accessible coves and rock framed inlets to launch their forays into Spain and Africa. However, there was no significant maritime development recorded until the 16th Century.
Ibiza, encased in warm seas, has a unique geological structure which is immersed in myths and legends that have created an atmosphere of historical mystery. The red rusty colour of the soil, which is created by the heavy weathering of rock releasing iron hydroxide, gives the island a unique feeling of warmth and permanence and geologically it is largely made up of clear quartz crystals which are believed to have significant healing properties. They are commonly referred to as the ‘master healer’ which only adds to the belief that the island has had a mystical journey.
Ibiza’s identity is built on layers of history, myth, and the ever-present sea.
Its legends have grown from the distant past to the present day. ‘Es Vedra’ a 300 ft high monolith more than a mile out to sea is said to have been the home of an exiled carmelite priest Francisco Palan who has been described as exorcist turned socialist turned hermit who quite understandably became prone to visions in his solitude Other mythological residents include a cave dwelling, boat eating giant and the deadly sea nymphs who sang to Odysseus. The rock was also thought to be a raised fragment of Atlantis or a signal beacon for alien spacecraft. Lights have also been reported over the islet described as pyramidal energy accelerators which does seem consistent with the quartz crystal geological make up of the island as a whole.
Ibiza’s maritime involvement in past and present conflicts reflects its location in the upper Mediterranean. The wreck of the Italian submarine Zaffiro which was sunk by a British flying boat in 1942 lies off the south east coast of the island. It is thought that it was a survey vessel with no armament but it is considered a war grave as there were no survivors and it remains intact. The islands involvement in the Second World War was limited as its strategic use as a deep water harbour was not considered significant. During the Cold War its relative proximity to Sardinia was a factor and maritime operations were understandably focussed predominantly adjacent to North Africa and the Gibralter Sicily channel.
Its legends have grown from the distant past to the present day. ‘Es Vedra’ a 300 ft high monolith more than a mile out to sea is said to have been the home of an exiled carmelite priest Francisco Palan who has been described as exorcist turned socialist turned hermit who quite understandably became prone to visions in his solitude Other mythological residents include a cave dwelling, boat eating giant and the deadly sea nymphs who sang to Odysseus. The rock was also thought to be a raised fragment of Atlantis or a signal beacon for alien spacecraft. Lights have also been reported over the islet described as pyramidal energy accelerators which does seem consistent with the quartz crystal geological make up of the island as a whole.
Ibiza’s maritime involvement in past and present conflicts reflects its location in the upper Mediterranean. The wreck of the Italian submarine Zaffiro which was sunk by a British flying boat in 1942 lies off the south east coast of the island. It is thought that it was a survey vessel with no armament but it is considered a war grave as there were no survivors and it remains intact. The islands involvement in the Second World War was limited as its strategic use as a deep water harbour was not considered significant. During the Cold War its relative proximity to Sardinia was a factor and maritime operations were understandably focussed predominantly adjacent to North Africa and the Gibralter Sicily channel.
Today the major maritime powers operate in the Mediterranean particularly in the more southerly waters where their interests focus on the Gulf and the approaches to the Black Sea. Spain has an active navy in the area and tends to use port facilities in Minorca where Nato has an established presence. Ibiza remains its own maritime master and sits comfortably in the upper Mediterranean playing host to a wide range of visitors from across the World. Its history is captivating and who knows what history it will make in the future. Blessed by the god of good things who relished wine, food, music, dancing and sex the Island can only build on its unique reputation and who knows what myths and legends will be created over the coming years.
Today the major maritime powers operate in the Mediterranean particularly in the more southerly waters where their interests focus on the Gulf and the approaches to the Black Sea. Spain has an active navy in the area and tends to use port facilities in Minorca where Nato has an established presence. Ibiza remains its own maritime master and sits comfortably in the upper Mediterranean playing host to a wide range of visitors from across the World. Its history is captivating and who knows what history it will make in the future. Blessed by the god of good things who relished wine, food, music, dancing and sex the Island can only build on its unique reputation and who knows what myths and legends will be created over the coming years.
