How to get to the island
From Denia to Tabarca
From Denia, a trip to Tabarca is a highly recommended day trip for discovering a setting that is very different from that of the Marina Alta. Although Denia has a port, there is no direct connection to Tabarca: you have to travel to Santa Pola (the quickest option) or to Alicante by car or TRAM and board the ferry there.
Your journey, step by step
What is the route like from Denia
From Denia, here’s the quickest route: drive along the AP-7 to Santa Pola and take the ferry to Tabarca. If you’re travelling without a car, the TRAM L9 to Alicante and the regular ferry from the port is the most convenient option.
Total journey time: approx. 2 hours 10 minutes via Santa Pola · Alternative route: 2 hours 20 minutes via Alicante (regular ferry service all year round)
Book your tour online
Trips to Tabarca near Denia
These are the ferry options available for those travelling from Denia. Both depart from Santa Pola and Alicante, ports accessible via the AP-7 and TRAM. Book online with free cancellation.
Quick guide to prices and times
Comparison of options from Denia
There is no direct ferry from Denia to Tabarca (though there is one to the Balearic Islands). Both routes start from Santa Pola or Alicante, both of which are accessible via the AP-7. Here is a brief comparison to help you decide.
| 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 (1 hour 25 minutes, 110 km) and take the ferry in 20 minutes. Cheaper ticket and shorter boat journey.
Option without a car
Vía Alicante. The TRAM L9 connects Denia with Alicante. It’s a 15-minute walk from the station to the port, where you can board the regular 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 Denia
Denia is in the north of the province, so a trip to Tabarca requires some planning. Here are the key points for organising a perfect day out from the Marina Alta.
There are no ferries from Denia to Tabarca
Although the port of Denia has connections to the Balearic Islands (Baleària operates ferries to Ibiza and Mallorca), there is no route to Tabarca. You have to go to Santa Pola or Alicante to board a ferry.
Santa Pola via the AP-7
The most direct route by car: 110 km along the AP-7, approximately 1 hour 25 minutes. From the port of Santa Pola, the ferry takes you to Tabarca in 20 minutes.
TRAM L9 to Alicante
Denia is the terminus of TRAM line 9, which runs all the way to Alicante. It’s a long journey (approx. 2 hours) but offers beautiful scenery, making it ideal if you don’t want to drive.
Set off early
As it takes 2 hours and 10 minutes to get to Santa Pola, plan to set off before 9.00 am. That way, you’ll catch one of the first ferries and make the most of your day on the island.
Combine with Jávea or Calpe
On the way, you could pop in for a quick stop in Jávea, Calpe (Peñón de Ifach) or Altea on the way back. The Costa Blanca has lovely spots every few kilometres.
Book online in advance
It’s a long journey from Denia, so booking your ferry online helps avoid any surprises when you arrive at the port. In July and August, it’s essential to book several days in advance.
Frequently asked questions about
how to get to Tabarca from Dénia
How do I get to Tabarca from Denia?
From Denia, the quickest route is to drive along the AP-7 to Santa Pola (110 km, 1 hour 25 minutes) and board a local ferry there (20 minutes). Alternatively, you can take the TRAM L9 to Alicante (approx. 2 hours) and board the regular ferry from the port of Alicante.
Is there a direct ferry from Denia to Tabarca?
No. The port of Denia operates ferry services to the Balearic Islands (Ibiza and Mallorca) with Baleària, but there is no direct route to Tabarca. All ferries to Tabarca depart from Santa Pola or Alicante.
How long does it take to get to Tabarca from Denia?
Via Santa Pola: approximately 2 hours 10 minutes in total. Via Alicante: approximately 2 hours 20 minutes (1 hour 15 minutes by car or 2 hours by TRAM + 50 minutes by ferry). Please allow extra time for boarding and parking.
¿Cuál es la forma más rápida de ir a Tabarca desde Denia?
Via Santa Pola by car on the AP-7. It is 110 km (1 hour 25 minutes) to the port, plus a 20-minute boat journey. Approximate total journey time: 2 hours 10 minutes. This is the most direct and economical option.
Can you get to Tabarca from Denia by public transport?
Yes, you can take the TRAM L9, which connects Denia with Alicante (the terminus), although it’s a long journey (approx. 2 hours). There are also ALSA buses with several departures a day. From Alicante, the port is a 15-minute walk away.
How much does it cost to travel to Tabarca from Denia?
A return ferry ticket from Santa Pola costs around €15–25. From Alicante, it’s €21–22. Add in fuel and AP-7 tolls if you’re travelling by car, or the cost of a TRAM L9 ticket (approx. €6–9) if you’re using public transport.
Is it worth going to Tabarca from Denia?
Yes, even if it’s a full-day trip. Tabarca is Spain’s first Marine Reserve, and a trip from Denia offers the chance to see a different stretch of coastline from the Marina Alta. Many travellers take the opportunity to stop off at Jávea, Calpe or Altea along the way.
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 →