The 10 things to do on the island of Tabarca

Are you planning to stay close to Alicante? Then why not visit the tiny island of Tabarca? Discover the 9 essential things to do on the island!

Tabarca Island is the smallest inhabited island in Spain and the only inhabited island in the entire region of Valencia. It is an archipelago composed of several islets: Tabarca, the largest, and the islands of La Cantera, La Galera and La Nao, as well as many reefs.

Once a refuge for Berber pirates, it is also nicknamed “the island of pirates”, it is indeed here that they hid their ships before launching their attacks on coastal cities.

This flat and arid island attracts nature lovers but also the underwater diving and marine birds. Since 1986, the natural area of Tabarca has been classified as the Natural Marine Reserve of the Mediterranean for transparent waters (more than 1,400 hectares of crystalline water), its seabed and the abundance of its fauna and flora.

To make the most of your getaway, discover the 10 essential things to do on Tabarca Island.

1. The village of Tabarca

You just landed to visit the island of Tabarca, one of the most famous Mediterranean islands of the Costa Blanca? Before you go swimming in the crystal-clear and turquoise waters, be sure to immerse yourself in the maritime atmosphere of the fortified village that occupies the western part of the island.

You can admire its three large doors: the gate of San Rafael (east side), the gate of San Gabriel (west side) and the gate of San Miguel (where you can see Alicante) but also stroll through picturesque fishing houses. The walls that surround the old town have been declared historical and artistic and of cultural interest .

2. The Church of San Pedro and San Pablo

The Church of San Pedro and San Pablo deserves a look. Indeed, in Baroque inspiration, the building was built on an old chapel and was blessed in 1770. It is a building with a single nave and lateral chapels. Next, a building was built to accommodate the priest and the schools.

3. The Nueva Tabarca Museum

Facing the beach, you can visit the museum of Nueva Tabarca in the Almadraba building. It was once used as a warehouse for tuna fishing. In this museum you will discover the passage of fishing populations on the island, as well as its natural wealth and its historical heritage.

4. La Torre de San José

On your trip to Tabarca Island, go to the Torre de San José. Located in the eastern part of the island, it was once used as a state prison in the nineteenth century. This building has a pyramidal trunk with a square base, which you will love to discover!

5. Tabarca Lighthouse

The island of Tabarca also has a lighthouse, located at the east end of the island, close to the Torre San José. This large building was commissioned in 1854, and served as a school of lighthouse guards. Today restored, it houses a biology laboratory that serves as a technical basis for the marine reserve of Tabarca Island.

6. La Cava del Llop Mari

If you practice snorkeling, the Llop Mari Cave 100 meters long is an ideal place to discover during your visit to the island of Tabarca. It can be accessed by kayak, paddle board or small boat. A legend tells us that a huge toothed marine monster, rested there the day and went out at night to scare the inhabitants of the island.

7. The beaches

Many tourists come to visit the island of Tabarca for its beaches and coves. Do not expect to enjoy a peaceful sunbath on a long idyllic beach. Indeed, the main beach of the island a few steps away from the small and crowded boat in the summer, may disappoint you.

If you are planning to visit the island of Tabarca for its beaches, it is advisable to prefer off-season or to get away. There is a multitude of small coves and you can easily find a place to isolate and swim in peace.

8. The scuba diving

If you like to make snorkeling or scuba diving, you will be filled. Indeed, with its crystal clear waters, the island of Tabarca is the ideal place to go to contemplate the seabed and admire its unique fauna and flora.

Gather yourself with your diving masks to go to observe plant formations typical of rocky depths, spectacular sea stars as well as many fish species such as merou, turkey or lobster.

You can also cross caouanne turtles, endangered. If you prefer to be on the water, why not turn the island of Tabarca on a paddle board?

9. A boat ride

Visiting Tabarca Island is also enjoying its coastline! It would be a shame to miss the splendid view that only a boat ride can offer! So, let yourself be tempted by a trip to the sea on the boat of your choice, with or without skipper.

10. The tasting of the typical dish of the island

During your getaway on Tabarca Island, you can stop at one of the restaurants in the village to enjoy traditional seafood or a paëlla.

And don’t leave the island without being placed at a terrace to taste the famous “Caldero tabarquico”. This typical Tabarca Island dish is a type of ragout with fish, potatoes and rice to theaioli. A culinary discovery not to be missed!

How to get to Tabarca Island?

Would you like to take a trip to Tabarca Island? To access the island, several shipping lines connect the island to the continent. Tabarca is accessible by boat from the cities of Guardamar del Segura, Santa Pola, Alicante and Benidorm.

From Alicante, the boat crossing is about 50 minutes . The journey lasts about 55 minutes from Guardamar del Segura, 1h15 since Benidorm and 15 minutes from Santa Pola.

Finally, if you want to fly directly to Alicante, you will have to leave from Paris Beauvais Airport, Paris-Orly Airport, Nantes or Bordeaux . Use a flight comparison such as Ulysses to find the best offer, at the best price.

Where to sleep on Tabarca Island?

Even if the island is small and visiting in one day, you can also decide to spend several nights there to enjoy the joys of swimming and scuba diving.

The island has several hotels and holiday homes. So, to organize your stay on the island of Tabarca, do not hesitate to consult the website Airbnb or one Compare hotels to find the ideal accommodation for your holidays.