Do you want to visit the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community? If the answer is yes, Tabarca is the place for you. Surprising as it may seem, apart from urban or village dwellers, there are also people who live on an island and ….. What an island! Tabarca enchants all its visitors, both the more adventurous, as well as lovers of the Mediterranean or water tourism.
Sus 1.800 metros de longitud y sus escasos 400 metros de anchura hacen de esta isla un lugar donde andando ves cualquiera de sus rincones. There are no cars, no vehicles on the streets. Just sea, sailor-style houses and amazing people.
Tabarca Island is located in front of the city of Alicante, 22km from the coastal city and close to the cape of Santa Pola. First, a hiding place for Barbary pirates and later a fortress built by Charles III to protect the families of fishermen held captive in Tunisia.
The first demographic data on the island date back to the 17th century with more than 300 inhabitants. Due to demographic factors, there are currently only about 50 inhabitants registered on the island of Tabarca.
Go by Car
GPS coordinates:
38°9′14″N – 0°28′25″
The island of Tabarca is a small archipelago located in the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of Alicante, Spain. It was declared a Marine Reserve in 1986 and is known for its history as a haven for Barbary pirates in the 18th century.
In Tabarca, tourists can enjoy activities such as diving, fishing, hiking and visiting the small fishing village with its cobbled streets and typical houses. You can also enjoy its beaches and crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming and water sports.
The best time to visit Tabarca is during the summer months, between June and September, when temperatures are warm and pleasant and the days are long and sunny.
The island of Tabarca can be reached by ferry from the port of Alicante or Santa Pola, both on the coast of Alicante. You can also fly to Alicante airport and then take a bus or taxi to the port.
The small island off the coast of Alicante hides more than crystal-clear waters and historic walls: its history is intertwined with pirate myths, optical phenomena, and sea creatures. This article collects some of the most fascinating legends that fuel the place’s charm. 1. The hidden treasure of pirates It is said that during the 16th…
If you plan to spend the day on Tabarca Island, one of the most important aspects is knowing where to wash up, use the bathroom, or refill your water bottle. Although the island is small, not all areas have basic infrastructure, so it’s a good idea to do your research before arriving. 1. Where there…
The Isolated High-Level Depression, known to most as DANA, is putting the entire Mediterranean coast in jeopardy, and Tabarca is certainly no exception. Many have experienced how this phenomenon, nicknamed “gota fría” (cold drop), can transform the island’s usual calm into a chaotic scenario, with tremendous downpours, chilling gusts of wind, and flooding that can…
Pet-friendly guide to visit Tabarca 1. Sea transport: taking your pet to the ship Several companies allow pets on the crossing from Santa Pola, such as Transtabarca or Viajes Santa Pola. The most common conditions include keeping the animal on a short leash or in a carrier, and in the area outside the boat.…
Typical mistakes for first-timers in Tabarca (and how to avoid them) Visiting Tabarca Island for the first time is a magical experience… as long as you know how to plan your trip. Otherwise, you could fall into some common mistakes that many first-time travelers make. Here, we’ll tell you the most common ones and how…
What is the Tabarca Marine Reserve? It is a protected maritime zone off the coast of Alicante, designed to conserve ecosystems, marine fauna and flora, and regulate uses such as fishing, diving, and anchoring. Within the reserve there are integral zones (more restrictive) and reserve zones (with some permitted activities). The main regulation governing…
