Es Vedra from Cala d'Hort

Es Vedra is a 382 m limestone rock rising straight out of the sea off the south-west coast of Ibiza, in Spain's Balearic Islands, and is widely regarded as the most photographed view on the island. The classic frame is taken from Cala d'Hort in the municipality of Sant Josep de sa Talaia, from the beach and the nearby car park, with the smaller islet of Es Vedranell beside the main rock. The rock sits to the west-south-west of the cove, so sunset puts it in silhouette against the sky, while dawn gives quieter conditions and softer front light on the beach. A telephoto lens in the 70-300 mm range compresses the distance and enlarges the rock against the sun, while a wide lens includes the beach and the water in the foreground. A tripod helps in low light and for long exposures of the sea. The best seasons are April to June and September to October, when the air is clear and the sunsets are less crowded; in July and August the beach and the restaurants above it become very busy at sunset and positions near the shoreline fill early. Arriving two hours before sunset in summer is sensible. Cloud and haze can hide the rock, and calm days with high thin cloud tend to give the best colour. Viewpoint access on the cliff above the cove has been restricted at times, so current rules and signage should be checked before heading up, and visitors should stay on marked paths. Access to the beach is free, though parking is limited and may be charged in season. The restaurants at the cove provide restrooms and water. Drone flights over the cove and rock are subject to Spanish aviation rules and the protected status of the area, so authorisation should be confirmed beforehand.