Ses Margalides is a group of two islets off the north-west coast of Ibiza, in the municipality of Sant Antoni de Portmany in the Balearic Islands. The rock is pierced by an arch that runs through from one side to the other, which gives the islets their Spanish nickname, Puertas del Cielo (Gates of Heaven). The site is a nature preserve, a regular stop for boat trips along the coast and a fishing spot for local fishermen.
Ses Margalides Islets
Pair of rocky islets off Ibiza's north-west coast, pierced by a sea arch known as the Gates of Heaven.
- Entrance
- No ticket: the islets are open coast and sea.
- Parking
- Nearest parking about 850 m away in a straight line; a second, unpaved one about 2.1 km away.
- Difficulty
- On foot from the nearest parking, about 850 m away in a straight line, on coastal walking trails. The arch itself is seen up close only from the water.
- Transport
- Nearest bus stop: Santa Agnès, about 2.1 km away in a straight line; Can Ferre is about 2.7 km away.
- Hours
- Open at all times; this is open coastline.
- Address
- Sant Antoni de Portmany, Balearic Islands, Spain
What makes it special
The arch is the thing to see: a passage through the rock, open to the sea at both ends, with daylight showing straight through it from the water. Mini-cruise boats working the coast stop here so passengers can swim in the turquoise water, and they hand out masks, foam tubes and boards for it. Jet-ski groups ride into the bay around the rocks.
On land, the coast facing the islets is crossed by several walking trails, and local fishermen work the water below. Late in the day the two rocks turn dark against the sky as the sun goes down behind them.
Good to know
- No toilets, drinking water or information point at the islets, and none nearby. Bring water with you.
- Passing the arch means being on the water: boat trips and jet-ski tours along this coast stop at the islets.
- The walking trails on the coast here are suitable for dogs.
- The last stretch from any car park is on foot, so wear shoes that suit a rocky coastal path.
Getting there
By land, the approach ends on foot. The nearest parking lies about 850 m from the islets in a straight line, with a second, unpaved one about 2.1 km away; the coast between is crossed by several walking trails. The closest bus stop, Santa Agnès, is about 2.1 km away in a straight line, and Can Ferre about 2.7 km.
To get close to the arch itself you go by sea. Boat trips and jet-ski tours along the coast take in the islets and stop for a swim in the bay.
Best time to visit
Best: late afternoon into sunset on a calm day. The islets lie off the west-facing side of the island, so the sun drops into the sea beyond them and puts the rocks and the arch in silhouette.
Avoid: days of heavy swell, and the middle of the day in high summer. Rough water makes swimming around the rocks dangerous, and at the peak of the season the coast fills with boat traffic.
Sun & daylight
Nearby Places
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Ses Margalides Islets on the map
The cliffs facing the islets are unfenced and the rock underfoot is uneven, so keep well back from the edge. The water around the arch is open sea that takes swell: swim only when it is calm.
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Frequently asked questions
Why is Ses Margalides called the Gates of Heaven?
The rock is pierced by an arch that runs through from one side to the other, and that opening gives the islets their Spanish nickname, Puertas del Cielo.Can you see Ses Margalides from land?
Yes, from the coast facing the islets, which is crossed by several walking trails. The nearest parking is about 850 m away in a straight line, and the rest is on foot. Getting close to the arch means going by boat.Can you swim at Ses Margalides?
Boat trips along the coast stop here for a swim and provide masks, foam tubes and boards. The water is open sea, so swim only when it is calm.Are there toilets or drinking water?
No. There are no toilets, drinking water or information point at the islets, and none nearby, so bring water with you.