Discover the island of Tabarca and its history

On the Costa Blanca, there are interesting places that enchant at first sight, and the island of Tabarca is undoubtedly one of them. Small, peaceful, full of history and surrounded by turquoise waters, it is a Mediterranean gem worth discovering at a leisurely pace. Today, we want to tell you about its origins and the most practical details for organizing your visit.

Where is the island of Tabarca?

The island of Tabarca is located about 22 kilometers southeast of Alicante, in front of the town of Santa Pola. It is the only inhabited island in the entire Valencian Community and belongs to the municipality of Alicante. With just 1,800 meters long and 400 meters wide, Tabarca combines the best of a protected natural enclave with an interesting historical heritage.

Thanks to its proximity to strategic points along the Alicante coast, it is an ideal destination for a day trip, especially if you are staying in one of our luxury villas in Calpe, Moraira, Benissa, or Altea.

A journey in time: history of the island of Tabarca

The history of the island of Tabarca is as surprising as it is fascinating. In the 18th century, King Charles III decided to fortify and repopulate it with families of Genoese fishermen who had been released from captivity in Tunis. These families came from the island of Tabarka, located off the coast of Tunisia, and hence the current name of our Alicante island.

To protect the new inhabitants, a wall was built that still partially exists and defines the urban core. The walled enclosure, along with its baroque church, old barracks, and access gates, has been declared a historical-artistic ensemble.

But the history of Tabarca does not start there. In earlier centuries, it was a refuge for Berber pirates, and its coves were used as hideouts for ships conducting raids along the coast.

This past, full of episodes of resistance, repopulation, and defense, makes Tabarca much more than just a beach destination: it is a place rich in history.

How to get to the island of Tabarca

Getting to the island of Tabarca is easy, with ferries available, and it’s part of the charm of the experience. There are several options for maritime transport from different points along the coast:

• From Santa Pola: the shortest and most frequent route. In just 15-20 minutes, you'll be on the island. There are fast boats, catamarans, and even glass-bottom boats.
• From Alicante, Torrevieja, Guardamar, or Benidorm: there are also regular connections, though with a longer trip (from 45 minutes to over an hour).
• By private boat: if you prefer a more exclusive experience, you can rent a boat and anchor near the island, in the permitted areas.

It is advisable to check schedules in advance, especially during high season, and bring a hat, sun protection, and water, as the sun is intense during summer months.

What to see and do on the island of Tabarca

Despite its small size, Tabarca offers a variety of attractions for all tastes. Here are some of the must-do experiences:

Stroll through the historic center

Walking through the cobbled streets of the small urban core is like stepping back in time. The whitewashed houses, the church of San Pedro and San Pablo, the old walls, and the entrance gates like San Rafael or San Miguel transport us to the 18th century.

Enjoy its beaches and coves

The main beach, with transparent waters and coarse sand, is perfect for a relaxing swim. But if you seek a more natural and secluded environment, the rocky coves in the south of the island offer more pristine landscapes and are ideal for snorkeling.

Scuba diving and snorkeling in the marine reserve

Tabarca was the first marine reserve declared in Spain (1986), and its underwater ecosystems are exceptionally well preserved. The biodiversity is notable, with groupers, gilthead breams, octopuses, and posidonia seagrass. If you enjoy diving or snorkeling, this is an unmissable experience.

Try its local cuisine

You can't leave Tabarca without tasting its famous caldero tabarquino, a delicious coastal dish of rice and fish. The island's restaurants offer quality menus with fresh seafood. It is advisable to reserve during high season, as visitor numbers are high.

A protected natural environment

In addition to its cultural value, the island of Tabarca is also an area of great ecological interest. It is part of a protected marine reserve and serves as a stopover for numerous migratory birds. It also stands out for its dune vegetation and the recovery of marine ecosystems thanks to established protections.

Therefore, please respect conservation rules, do not leave trash, and avoid stepping on endemic flora.

Visitor tips

• Wear comfortable shoes if you want to explore the rocky paths outside the urban core.
• It’s advisable to avoid peak hours (from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.) for a quieter visit.
• Tabarca has no ATMs, so it’s best to bring cash.
• Although there is accommodation on the island, most visitors return the same day.

Where to stay to visit Tabarca?

If you are planning to visit the island of Tabarca during your holidays on the Costa Blanca, we recommend staying in one of our exclusive luxury accommodations in the northern area of Alicante: villas with private pool in Altea, Benissa, or Moraira, surrounded by nature and with sea views. This way, you can spend a day in Tabarca—more than enough to enjoy it—and then explore the rest of the coast at your own pace, so you’ll really get to know the area!