I hopped on Skyscanner, plugged in the dates and patiently waited for results to generate. Boom. Ibiza, Spain, showed up at the top of the list for cheapest flights.
Ibiza is one of the Balearic Islands known for its beautiful sandy beaches and hopping nightlife. While the night scene isn’t generally my thing, the idea of exploring an island was enticing.
Some people may advise you to go visit the island during the peak season of the summer months when everything is open and the island is buzzing with people. However, visiting during the off-season in the winter and spring months has its benefits: cheaper flights, cheaper lodging and an island almost completely to yourself.
The nice thing about Europe and traveling is every destination is a stone’s throw away. Ryanair offers cheap flights to countless destinations, making a weekend trip very affordable. While Ryanair makes flights affordable, my broke college self still has to be smart about where my money goes.
Whether I like it or not, some cities are simply more expensive to visit. That’s why tools like Skyscanner can be handy when it comes to searching for cheap flights, as they find the cheapest flights to countless destinations.
Courtesy of Skyscanner, I found myself on a plane to Ibiza with a weekend of exploration ahead of me. While most visitors spend their days relaxing by the pool or hitting up the dance clubs during their stay, my companions and I had a different agenda: see Es Vedrà.
Es Vedrà is a mysterious island located just off the coast of Ibiza. The island holds many myths and legends, from the strong magnetic forces that disorient anyone who dares pass by, to being home to the sirens and sea-nymphs from Homer’s Odyssey. To some, it’s also thought to be the tip of Atlantis. While scientists may argue whether any of this is true, there is no denying there is something eerie, yet beautiful about this island.
Getting to the other side of Ibiza to see Es Vedrà proved challenging. A bus, taxi and a short hike later, we finally made it. We started down the path to a cliff, and before long a breathtaking view of Es Vedrà greeted us. The best place to view Es Vedrà, however, is from the Torre del Pirata, the highest watchtower on the coast of Ibiza.
With no marked or official trail, it is up to the adventurer to find a route up the mountain. The climb to the tower is not an easy one, nor is it for those who fear heights.
The view from the top? Worth it.
The adrenaline rushing through your veins, the voice in your head screaming at you to be careful, the beads of sweat running down your face: all worth it. Looking out onto Es Vedrà might be one of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen.
All the stress and setbacks getting there disappeared. Sitting on the top of the mountain by the Torre, I was content. I counted my lucky stars that I got to see something so amazing. I couldn’t help but to think about Ferris Bueller’s famous words: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
The next adventure you take don’t forget to stop and take it all in.