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.
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…
Tabarca Island is one of the most popular destinations on the Costa Blanca. Although it is small, spending the day there has its costs, and it is important to plan ahead to avoid surprises. This article offers you a realistic and up-to-date estimate of what you might spend on a full day, depending on the…
Visiting Tabarca Island is a magical experience: crystal-clear waters, coastal landscapes, peaceful atmosphere. But what happens when the sky clouds over and the wind or rain arrives without warning? This article is aimed at those travelling to Alicante or the surrounding area who want to know what to do in Tabarca when the weather is…
Tabarca Island, located off the coast of Alicante, is not only known for its marine biodiversity and crystal-clear waters, but also for its unique landscapes at sunrise and sunset. These moments, when the sun caresses the horizon, turn the island into a true natural spectacle. In this guide, you’ll discover where, when, and how to…
Tabarca Island is one of the most attractive spots in the Mediterranean for those who enjoy the sea and photography. Its status as a Marine Reserve, its clear waters, and the great biodiversity it harbors make it an ideal setting to take out your camera and explore the underwater world from a different angle. The…
The island of Tabarca is a privileged place to start snorkelling. Thanks to its Marine Reserve and the clarity of its waters, it is possible to discover a great diversity of fish and seabeds without the need for previous experience. Here is a simple route designed for beginners. Starting point: Tabarca Beach (central beach) Access:…
The island of Tabarca, also known as Nueva Tabarca, is one of the most authentic destinations with the richest history on the Mediterranean coast. Located off the coast of Alicante, it is the only inhabited island in the Valencian Community and a key location for both cultural tourism and lovers of marine nature.
Few people know that the modern origins of Tabarca are not Alicantean, but Genoese and Tunisian. In the 18th century, King Charles III promoted a project to repopulate the island with a group of Genoese fishermen and merchants who had been held captive on the island of Tabarka (Tunisia), then under Ottoman rule. After their release, they were granted this new island off the coast of Alicante, which was then little more than a rocky islet.
Between 1769 and 1775, construction began on the walled enclosure, following a military defensive plan with bastions, towers, and three access gates: San Rafael, San Gabriel, and San Miguel. A church dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul was also built, and the island was provided with a small urban center for the new community. This urban development transformed Tabarca into a fortified stronghold, designed to protect the coast from pirate attacks and ensure maritime control for the Kingdom of Spain.
The name “Nueva Tabarca” was given in honor of the original African island, and over time it became known simply as “Tabarca.” Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the population declined, but the architecture, the wall, and the cultural identity have remained strong to this day.
Tabarca is not only notable for its history. It is also a destination of great natural beauty. In 1986, it was declared a Marine Reserve, the first in Spain, due to the richness of its seabed, where Posidonia oceanica meadows predominate. This makes it an ideal place for diving, snorkeling, and sustainable tourism.
Among the must-see places on the island are:
The walled old town, with cobbled streets and colorful houses.
The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, built in 1770.
The Tabarca lighthouse, renovated in the 19th century.
The San José Tower, used for military purposes and currently closed to the public.
The coves and beaches with crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and photography.
The cuisine is another attraction. The Tabarquino caldero, made with rockfish and rice, is the signature dish in the island’s restaurants.
Tabarca Island is connected by boat to several points along the Alicante coast. The shortest route is from Santa Pola, just 4 nautical miles away (about 25 minutes by catamaran). There are also departures from Alicante, Guardamar del Segura, and Torrevieja, especially in summer.
During the summer months, the island receives hundreds of visitors a day, although it is possible to stay overnight in one of the accommodations and enjoy Tabarca at a leisurely pace when the day trippers leave.
