How to get to the island
From Altea to Tabarca
From Altea, Tabarca makes for a perfect day trip thanks to the good transport links to Alicante and Santa Pola via the AP-7. There is no direct ferry from Altea, so the most common option is to drive to Santa Pola (the quickest route by boat) or take the TRAM L9 to Alicante and board the ferry there.
Your journey, step by step
What is the route like from Altea
From Altea, here’s the quickest route: take the AP-7 motorway to Santa Pola and then the ferry to Tabarca. If you’re travelling without a car, the TRAM L9 to Alicante and the ferry from the port is the most convenient option.
Total journey time: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes via Santa Pola · Alternative: 2 hours 30 minutes via the TRAM L9 Altea–Alicante line + regular ferry
Book your tour online
Trips to Tabarca near Altea
These are the two options available from the most convenient ports for those arriving from Altea. Book online with free cancellation and secure your place during the high season.
Quick guide to prices and times
Comparison of options from Altea
There is no direct ferry from Altea to Tabarca. The two available routes pass through the ports of Santa Pola or Alicante, both of which are well connected via the AP-7 motorway and the TRAM. Here is a rough comparison.
| Port of departure | Mode of transport | Journey duration | Approximate price | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Pola | Tabarquera (water taxi) | 15–20 mins | €15–€25 | All year round · every 30 mins in summer |
| Alicante | Regular ferry service | 50 mins | €21 – €22 | All year round · reduced fares in winter |
The quickest and most economical option
Vía Santa Pola. Drive along the AP-7 to the port (55 mins, 60 km) and take the ferry in 20 mins. Cheaper ticket and shorter boat journey.
Option without a car
Vía Alicante. The TRAM L9 connects Altea with Alicante in 1 hour 30 minutes. It’s a 15-minute walk from the station to the port, where you board the ferry.
Discounts and special rates
- Children aged 4 to 12: standard reduced fares apply. Children under 4 usually travel free of charge.
- Groups: please check with the shipping company for special rates if you are travelling with a group.
- Over-65s: some companies offer discounts without advertising them, so ask when booking.
Practical tips
Things you should know before travelling to Tabarca from Altea
From Altea, the journey is manageable: it’s just over an hour from the ports. Here are the key points to help you plan your day as comfortably as possible.
The AP-7 is the motorway
From Altea, take the AP-7 southbound. You’ll be in Santa Pola in 55 minutes. It’s the quickest and most convenient option if you’re travelling by car.
TRAM L9 to Alicante
If you’d rather not drive, the TRAM L9 Altea–Alicante service takes 1 hour 30 minutes and runs several times a day. From Alicante, the port is a 15-minute walk away.
Combine it with your visit to Altea
Make the most of the morning to explore Altea’s old town before you set off. It’s one of the prettiest on the Costa Blanca: cobbled streets, sea views and the famous blue church.
Parking in Santa Pola
If you’re driving to Santa Pola, there are several car parks near the harbour. In August, it’s a good idea to arrive 30–45 minutes early to find a space without any hassle.
ALSA buses as an alternative
ALSA operates a daily service between Altea and Alicante with several departures a day. This can be combined with the ferry from Alicante to Tabarca if the timetable suits you.
Book online in advance
In July and August, the boats fill up quickly. The journey from Altea takes over an hour, so booking online guarantees you a place and the best price.
Frequently asked questions about
how to get to Tabarca from Altea
How do I get to Tabarca from Altea?
From Altea, the quickest route is to drive along the AP-7 to Santa Pola (60 km, 55 mins) and take a local ferry from there (20 mins). Alternatively, you can take the TRAM L9 to Alicante (1 hr 30 mins) and catch the regular ferry from the port of Alicante.
How long does it take to get to Tabarca from Altea?
Via Santa Pola: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes in total. Via Alicante (TRAM L9 + ferry): around 2 hours 30 minutes. The quickest option is clearly via Santa Pola by car.
Can you get to Tabarca from Altea by public transport?
Yes. The TRAM L9 connects Altea with Alicante in around 1 hour 30 minutes, with several departures a day. There are also ALSA buses running between Altea and Alicante. From Alicante station, it’s a 15-minute walk or taxi ride to the port.
What is the quickest way to get to Tabarca from Altea?
Via Santa Pola by car on the AP-7. It takes 55 minutes to reach the port, plus a 20-minute boat journey. Total journey time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. This is the most direct and economical option.
How much does it cost to travel to Tabarca from Altea?
A return ferry ticket from Santa Pola costs around €15–25. From Alicante, it’s €21–22. Add fuel and AP-7 tolls if you’re travelling by car, or the cost of a TRAM L9 ticket (approx. €5–7) if you’re using public transport.
Can you drive from Altea to Tabarca?
You cannot reach Tabarca by car (it is a car-free island). However, you can drive from Altea to Santa Pola via the AP-7 (the quicker route) or the N-332 (the slower but more scenic coastal route). In both cases, you leave your car at the port and board the ferry.
Is it worth going to Tabarca from Altea?
Yes. Tabarca is Spain’s first Marine Reserve and the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community. It makes for a highly recommended day trip from Altea, especially in spring and autumn when it’s less crowded.
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 →