How to get to the island
From Valencia to Tabarca
From Valencia, Tabarca makes for a great day trip. There is no direct ferry from the port of Valencia, but travelling via the AP-7 motorway or the Euromed train to Alicante makes the journey very manageable. Here are the two most convenient routes: via Santa Pola (faster by car) or via Alicante (ideal if you don’t have a car).
Your journey, step by step
What is the route like from Valencia
From Valencia, 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 Euromed train to Alicante plus the ferry is the most convenient option for the long journey.
Total journey time: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes by car via Santa Pola · Alternative: 3 hours via Alicante by Euromed train + ferry
Book your tour online
Trips to Tabarca near Valencia
These are the ferry options available for those travelling from Valencia. Both depart from the ports of Santa Pola and Alicante, which are well connected via the AP-7 motorway and the Euromed train. Book online with free cancellation.
Quick guide to prices and times
Comparison of options from Valencia
There is no direct ferry from Valencia to Tabarca. The two available routes go via the ports of Santa Pola or Alicante, both of which are well connected via the AP-7 motorway and by train. Here is a rough comparison to help you choose based on your budget and time.
| 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 50 minutes, 185 km) and take the ferry in 20 minutes. Cheaper ticket and shorter boat journey.
Option without a car
Via Alicante on the Euromed train (1 hour 40 minutes) or the Avant/Talgo. It’s a 15-minute walk from the station to the port, where you 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 Valencia
Valencia is further away than other towns on the Costa Blanca, so planning your day carefully makes all the difference. Here are the key points to ensure the trip is a success.
Set off early
As it takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to get to Santa Pola, leave Valencia before 8:00 am. That way, you’ll catch one of the first ferries and make the most of the whole day on the island.
The AP-7 with hardly any traffic
The AP-7 is the most direct route from Valencia (185 km to Santa Pola). Outside rush hour, the journey is smooth and pleasant.
Euromed train, ideal if you don't have a car
The Euromed Valencia-Alicante train takes 1 hour 40 minutes. From Alicante station, it’s a 15-minute walk to the port. Perfect if you don’t want to drive.
Why not stay the night?
If you want to take your time exploring the island and not end up exhausted, you could stay the night in Santa Pola or Alicante. Turn your trip into a mini-break.
Combine with other stops
On the way, you can stop off at Cullera, Xàbia, Benidorm or Altea. The coast between Valencia and Alicante is dotted with lovely spots where you can take your time.
Book online in advance
It’s a long journey from Valencia, so booking your ferry online helps avoid any surprises when you arrive at the port. In July and August, it’s essential.
Frequently asked questions about
how to get to Tabarca from Valencia
How do I get to Tabarca from Valencia?
There is no direct ferry from Valencia to Tabarca. The quickest route is to drive along the AP-7 to Santa Pola (185 km, 1 hour 50 minutes) and board the ferry there (a 20-minute crossing). If you don’t have a car, the best option is to take the Euromed train from Valencia to Alicante and then the ferry from the port of Alicante.
How long does it take to get to Tabarca from Valencia?
Via Santa Pola by car: approximately 2 hours 30 minutes in total. Via Alicante by Euromed train + ferry: around 3 hours. Always allow extra time for boarding, parking and any possible transfers.
Is there a direct ferry from Valencia to Tabarca?
No. The port of Valencia has no direct connection to Tabarca. All ferries to Tabarca depart from Santa Pola or Alicante, which are the two operational ports.
What is the quickest way to get to Tabarca from Valencia?
By car via Santa Pola on the AP-7. It takes 1 hour 50 minutes to reach the port, plus a 20-minute boat journey. The alternative route by Euromed train to Alicante is also quick (1 hour 40 minutes), but involves more changes.
How much does it cost to travel to Tabarca from Valencia?
A return ferry ticket from Santa Pola costs around €15–25. From Alicante, it costs €21–22. Add to this the cost of fuel and any AP-7 tolls if travelling by car, or the price of a Euromed ticket from Valencia to Alicante (around €22–30 depending on the fare).
Can you get to Tabarca from Valencia by train?
There is no direct train to Tabarca. However, you can take the Euromed from Valencia to Alicante (1 hour 40 minutes, several departures a day) and walk from Alicante station to the port (15 minutes) to catch the ferry to Tabarca.
Is it worth going to Tabarca from Valencia?
Yes, although it is a full-day trip. Tabarca is Spain’s first Marine Reserve and there is nothing quite like it nearby. Many Valencians turn the trip into a mini weekend break on the Costa Blanca.
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 →