How to get to the island
From Alicante to Tabarca
Tabarca is very close to the capital of the Costa Blanca. You can take a direct boat from the port of Alicante (1 hour) or travel to Santa Pola (25 mins) and board a boat there, as the journey is shorter and cheaper.
Your journey, step by step
What is the route like from Alicante
The quickest and most common way to get to Tabarca from Alicante is to travel to Santa Pola (a 25-minute drive) and board the ferry there. There are also direct departures from the port of Alicante during the high season.
Total journey time: approximately 1 hour 15 minutes via Santa Pola, or 1 hour by direct ferry from Alicante
Book your tour online
Trips to Tabarca from Alicante
These are the options available for travelling directly from Alicante or via Santa Pola. Book online with free cancellation and the best price.
A cheaper option
Would you prefer to set off from Santa Pola?
From Santa Pola, the journey is shorter (20 mins) and cheaper. Many travellers from Alicante choose to travel the 20 km by car or tram to Santa Pola and board the ferry there.
Practical tips
Things you should know before travelling to Tabarca from Alicante
Travelling from Alicante to Tabarca is straightforward, but there are a few key points that will make your journey more comfortable. Our recommendation: consider whether to travel directly from Alicante or via Santa Pola, depending on your budget and time.
Santa Pola is cheaper
Travelling to Tabarca from Santa Pola is up to 40% cheaper than from Alicante. Whether you have a car or don’t mind the 30-minute tram ride, it’s well worth it.
TRAM L1 to Santa Pola
From Luceros station in Alicante, the TRAM L1 reaches Santa Pola in 45 minutes, with several departures a day. A very convenient car-free option.
Direct ferry service available in summer only
Direct ferries to Tabarca depart from the port of Alicante only during the high season (mainly July and August). The rest of the year, the route is via Santa Pola.
Parking in Santa Pola
If you’re driving to Santa Pola, there are several car parks near the harbour. In August, arrive 30–45 minutes early to find a space.
Combine it with other visits
From Alicante, you can combine a trip to Tabarca with a visit to Santa Bárbara Castle or Postiguet Beach. A perfect way to spend the day.
Book online in advance
During the high season, tours from Alicante sell out quickly. Book online a few days in advance to secure your place and get the best price.
Frequently asked questions about
how to get to Tabarca from Alicante
How do I get to Tabarca from Alicante?
The most common way is to travel by car or tram to the port of Santa Pola (25 mins, 20 km) and board a boat to Tabarca there (an additional 20 mins). In high season, there are also direct boats from the port of Alicante (a 1-hour crossing).
How long does the journey from Alicante to Tabarca take?
Via Santa Pola, the total journey takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes (25 minutes by car + 20 minutes by boat + boarding). The direct boat from Alicante takes 1 hour but runs less frequently.
Are there direct ferries from the port of Alicante to Tabarca?
Yes, but only during the high season (mainly July and August). The rest of the year, the usual route is via Santa Pola, where there are departures every 30 minutes.
How much does it cost to travel to Tabarca from Alicante?
Direct ferries from Alicante cost around €25–35 return. If you go via Santa Pola, the ticket from Santa Pola costs around €19–25, plus the cost of getting there (TRAM ~€4 or petrol/car parking).
Is it better to go via Santa Pola or straight from Alicante?
Santa Pola is cheaper and has more frequent services. Alicante is more convenient if you don’t have a car. In summer, if there’s a direct ferry, both options are viable. Outside the summer months, Santa Pola is the only option.
Can you get to Santa Pola by public transport from Alicante?
Yes, the TRAM Line L1 connects Luceros (Alicante city centre) with Santa Pola in around 45 minutes. There are departures every hour and a ticket costs around €4.
Do I need to book in advance?
In July and August, it is strongly recommended that you book several days in advance, particularly for tours departing directly from Alicante. During the rest of the year, there is greater availability.
Experience Tabarca to the full
Don’t just stick to the tour
Once in Tabarca, you can go snorkelling in the Marine Reserve, dive amongst seagrass beds, hire a jet ski or take a private boat trip. Book online to get the best deals.
SEE ACTIVITIES IN TABARCA →