Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Village · Alicante, Comunidade Valenciana
Isla de Tabarca
Small island about 20 km from Alicante, with an 18th-century walled village, a church, a lighthouse and Spain’s first marine reserve, roughly one hour by boat from the harbor.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Isla de Tabarca
Tabarca is the only inhabited island of the Valencian Community, about 1,800 meters long and 400 meters wide, some 20 km south of Alicante. For centuries it was a refuge for Berber pirates, until in 1760 King Charles III ordered it fortified and settled with families of Genoese origin rescued from captivity on the Tunisian island of Tabarka, from which the name comes.
The village, Nueva Tabarca, is still enclosed by the 18th-century wall, with three gates, and has straight streets, low houses, the church of San Pedro y San Pablo and the Casa del Gobernador, now a hotel. Outside the wall, the rest of the island is flat and dry, with the lighthouse, the Torre de San José and a small beach.
The surrounding sea was declared Spain’s first marine reserve in 1986, with posidonia meadows and fish that can be seen while snorkeling with a mask. There is a small museum about the reserve and the island’s history.
The local dish is caldero tabarquino, rice cooked in fish broth, served in the village restaurants.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day or a full day, by boat.
Best time
From May to October, when boats usually run more often and the sea is suitable for swimming. At the height of summer the island gets crowded at midday; prefer the first boat.
How to get there
Boats depart from Alicante’s harbor, next to the Explanada, in about a 1-hour crossing, and also from Santa Pola, closer, in about 25 minutes. Outside summer, departures are infrequent; check the timetables.
Tip
Bring a snorkel mask, water and a hat: there is little shade outside the village. Book lunch if you go on a summer weekend. If the sea is rough, boats may not run.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Isla de Tabarca
How long does the boat from Alicante to Tabarca take?
About 60 minutes departing from the port of Alicante. From Santa Pola, the crossing is about 25 minutes.
Can you sleep in Tabarca?
Yes. The village has a few small hotels and guesthouses, including one in the old Casa del Gobernador.
Why is the island called Tabarca?
Because of the settlers of Genoese origin brought from the island of Tabarka in Tunisia in the 18th century.